1.1 The Six Beliefs
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Belief in Allah
Most important belief for
Muslims.
Belief in the
Heavenly beings created
angels of Allah by Allah to perform
various duties.
Belief in the
Contain Allah’s messages
books of Allah also known as
Kutubullah.
Belief in the
Muslims believe more
messengers of than 124,000 prophets
Allah
have appeared in the
world and it is essential to
believe in them all.
Belief in the
The dead will be
day of
resurrected and will be
Judgement
judged by Allah.
Belief in the
Muslims believe in aldecree of Allah Qadr (divine decree)
Sunni Muslims base their six
central Beliefs, known as ImanUl-Mufassal, on the Qur’an and
the ‘Hadith of Gabriel’,
“…believe in Allah, and his
angels, and His books, and
His messengers, and in the
Last day, and in the decree of
Allah…”) Sahih Muslim
These are important as they
show highlight the key
features of a Muslim’s faith
and inform their day-to-day
living.
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1.2 The five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din’-Shia Islam
The five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din’ are central to the Shi’a Muslim faith:
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Tawhid
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Nubuwwah
3
Adl
4
Imamah
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Mi’ad
The belief in the
oneness of Allah.
Belief in the
prophethood and the
chain of messengers
from Adam to
Mohammed.
Allah is just (fair) and
will bring about Divine
Justice.
A term for God-given
leadership.
The day of judgement
and Resurrection.
‘He is God the One, God the
eternal…’ Surah 112
‘We sent messengers to
every community…’ Surah
16.
‘…I advise you to being just
towards both friend and
foe…’ Imam Ali
‘…obey God and the
Messenger, and those in
authority among you’.
Surah 4
…His is the judgement; and
to Him you shall be
returned.’ Surah 28
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Twelver Shi’a
Muslims consider
obedience to 12
particular imams to
be essential.
Sevener Shi’a
Muslims believe that
Isma’ail ibn Jafar
was the sixth Imam
and have a separate
line of Imams from
the Twelver Shi’a
Muslims
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1.3 The nature of Allah
The Arabic word for God is ‘Allah’. Muslims are forbidden
from drawing Allah.
Muslims believe that Allah has
Characteristic
Meaning
Tawhid
This means ‘oneness’
and that Allah is unique
and without partner or
family.
Immanence and
transcendence
Allah can be experienced,
however, he is also
beyond human
understanding.
Omnipotence
Allah is all powerful and
can create everything
from nothing.
Beneficence
Allah loves his creation
especially humans.
Mercy
Allah is know as the
merciful.
Fairness and justice,
Adalat in Shi’a Islam
Sunni and Shi’as believe
Allah is just. Shia’s
believe that Allah treats
people fairly.
many characteristics, each one
is represented by one of his
names.
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Why are Allah’s
characteristics important?
Knowing some of Allah’s
attributes helps Muslims to
understand some aspects of
Allah’s nature.
Understanding Allah helps
Muslims to establish a close
relationship with Allah.
It also helps Muslims to strive
for some of His attributes.
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1.4 Risalah
Muslims believe Allah chose special individuals to teach humanity
about the right way to live. They are called Prophets
“Every community has been sent a warner” Qur’an
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One of the Six Beliefs for Sunnis
and 5 roots of Usil-ad-Din for Shi’as
Represents how Allah
communicates with people
Muslims expected to follow the
teachings of prophets
All prophets had great qualities and
were an example to their people.
Reminds Muslims of their links with
Judaism and Christianity.
What do the roles of Prophets teach
Muslims?
Lived exemplary lives, set good
examples of social, moral and spiritual
conduct, communicated the message of
Allah.
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Prophet Muhammad
said more than
124,000 Prophets
were sent by Allah.
Some of the Prophets of Allah
Adam-First prophet, known as Allah’s khalifah
Ibrahim-Considered as one of the greatest
prophets, he is called Allah’s friend
Isma’il- One of Ibrahim’s sons, chosen to
rebuild the Kabah
Musa-main founder of Judaism and was
chosen to free the Israelites from slavery.
Dawud- remembered for his wisdom, prayers,
fasting and victory over Jalut (Goliath)
Isa-Amongst the most honoured prophets.
Performed many miracles.
Muhammad- The principle prophet sent by
Allah, ‘God and His angels bless the
Prophet so, you who believe, bless him
too..’
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1.5 Muslim holy books
Muslims believe that, over the centuries, prophets have received messages
from Allah known as Kutubullah.
Book
Sahifah (scrolls)
One of the earliest knowns
scrolls of Ibrahim and Mosessome parts are quoted in the
Qur’an.
‘He has not been told what
was written in the
Scriptures of Moses and
Abrahim…’ Surah 53
Tawrat (Torah)
Contains many good
teachings and laws, but was
only meant for Jewish people
and a limited.
‘We revealed the Torah with
guidance and light…’ surah
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Zabur (Psalms)
Given to Dawud, there are
150 Psalms
‘…to David We gave the
book (of Paslams)…’ Surah
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Injil (Gospel)
Orginial Gospel taught by Isa
‘We sent Jesus (Isa), Son of
Mary: We gave him the
Gospel…’ Surah 57
Qur’an
Revealed to Prophet
Muhammad and is the final
testament for all times, all
people and all places and
sent by God.
‘Nor could this Qur’an have
been devised by anyone
other than God.’ Surah 10
Holy books revealed to humanity
prior to the Qur’an are believed by
Muslims to be earlier forms of
revelation and not considered a final
authority.
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Why are Muslim holy books
important for Muslims today?
All of Allah’s books are respected by
Muslims as they contain Allah’s
original messages and moral
guidance.
All previous scriptures prepared the
way for the final and eternal
revelation, the Qur’an.
A’sha said that Muhammad was a
living example of the Qur’an,
Muslims try to follow this example
by acting according to the teachings
of the Qur’an.
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1.6 Malaikah
Muslims believe in angels because they are mentioned in the Qur’an
For Sunni Muslims this is one of the six Beliefs
‘Praise be to God, Creator
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Malaika are beings created by Allah to perform various tasks
e.g. governing the universe and the laws of natures.
Most Muslims believe they do not posses a fixed material
form.
Angel Jibril appeared to Mary and Prophet Muhammad in the
form of a man.
Angels are believed to help those whose faith is strong
Angels
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Jibril
2
Izra’il
3
Mika’il
Role
When Allah wants to
communicate with his
prophets, he does through
Jibril.
Angel of death,
responsible for taking the
soul of everyone person.
To oversee the provision
and maintenance of life,
plants and the rain.
of the heavens and earth,
who made the angels
messengers with two,
three, four (pairs of) wings.’
Surah 35
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‘We only descend (with
revelation) at your Lord’s
command…’ Surah 19
‘The Angel of Death put in
charge of you will reclaim
you…’ SURAH 32
‘If anyone is an enemy of
God, His angels and His
messengers, of Gibra’l and
Michael (Mika’il)…’ Surah 2
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What is the
significance of angels
for Muslims today?
Belief in Malakah is the
second most important
article of faith for Sunni
Muslims.
Help believers in times
of need.
Referred to as Kiraman
Katibin (noble scribes) in
the Qur’an. Angels
record the good and bad
deeds of every human.
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Beliefs
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1.7 Al-Qadr
Muslims believe Allah that Allah knows everything: he is omniscient.
Many of his laws are predetermined and unchangeable.
“When is the All Knowing Creator: when he wills something
to be, His way is to say ‘Be’- and it is!” Qur’an
Belief in Al-Qadr is important because;
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It affirms Allah’s omnipotence and his
capacity to know everything.
The laws governing the universe are
designed for the benefit of humanity,
Allah’s knowledge of all things helps
Muslims to understand that everything
happens for a reason and is part of
Allah’s plan.
What is Human freedom?
Muslims believe Allah gave humans free well-They
are free to chose and act however they want.
Sometimes people's choices are in harmony with
God’s will, which forms part of al-Qadr
‘…if God had so willed, He could have guided all
mankind?’ Surah 13 This shows that Allah could
have taken away human free will but chose not to.
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‘…He regulates all
things.’ Surah 13
How do al-Qadr and human freedom related to the
Day of Judgment?
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Allah is just, so will judge everyone fairly in the akhirahSome circumstances are beyond human control such as
being born into a crime ridden society.
Humans are responsible for anything they do outside of
these factors: people are free to make their own choices
and should be responsible for their actions, good and bad,
right and wrong.
What are the implications of belief in al-Qadr for
Muslims today?
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One of the six beliefs of Sunni Muslims and also important
for Shi’a Muslims
Muslims trust Allah is in control of everything
Close connection with akhirah
Reminded of Allah’s conscience- He knows what has
happened, is happening and will happen-Muslims must be
prepared to answer for their deeds in their next life.
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1.8 Akhirah
Muslims believe that our physical life will one day come to an end and
that all humans will be raised again in the next life, called Akhirah.
“…Then the will say who will bring us back?” Say, “The One who created
you the first time.” Qur’an
What are the Muslim teachings about life after
death?
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Some Muslims believe the resurrection will be
physical, this is why Muslims are buried.
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Other Muslims says only the soul is taken away
and given a new form in Akhirah.
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The soul is important, after death, the angel of
death takes the soul to Barzakh which is the
time between death and judgment day.
How do Muslim teachings about life
after death affect the life of a Muslim
today?
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Judgement, paradise and hell- Qur’an
‘When the Hour arrives, on that Day people will be
separated…’ People will be rewarded and punished
according to their deeds.
‘…they will have gardens of lasting bliss graced
with flowing streams…’ Jannah (paradise) is
described as a beautiful and attractive place.
‘…the Fire will scorch their faces and their lips
will be twisted in pain.’ Jahannam (hell) is
described as a place of pain and suffering in the
Qur’an.
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Belief in the day of Judgement is one of the
six Beliefs of Sunni Muslims and Five
roots of Usal ad-Din of Shia Muslims.
Belief in the akhira affects how a Muslims
lives and treats others because they know
they will be judged.
A Muslim will strive to follow the Qur’an,
Sunnah, and the Hadith to the best of their
ability, so they will be judged fairly.
Promise of paradise for good deeds offers
Muslims hope for a better afterlife.
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