IMAN - BELIEF

IMAN - BELIEF

Introduction

We have known from previous classes that belief (Iman) is prime and first pillar of Islam. This unit aims at measuring the Definition of belief (Iman), articles of beliefs (Iman) Evidence about the ‘Existence of Allah’ belief in the angels. Belief in the divine scriptures. This unit will be more effective for the learner to build her belief as a followers of Islam.

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you are expected to learn about:

• Define the meaning of Belief (Iman)
• Explain the belief in Allah
• Analyze the belief of angels, belief of divine scriptures

Belief

The Orthodox defines belief (Iman) as acceptance of belief, confession of it and action. Belief the basic tenets of Islam heartily, to accept them orally and work accordingly are called belief (Iman).

There are the 6 Articles of Iman (faith) that every Muslim must believe in and live by.

Read and find out what they are!

اَرْكَانُ الاِيْمَانِ سِتَّةٌ:

اَنْ تُؤمِنَ بِاللَّهِ، وَمَلاَئِكَتِهِ، وَكُتُبِهِ، وَرُسُلِهِ، وَبِالْيَوْمِ الَْآخِرِ، وَبالْقَدَرِ خَيْرِهِ وَشَرِِّهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى

The Pillars of Iman are six:

To believe in Allah, the Angels, the Books, the Messengers, the Last Day, the Divine Destiny and that the good and bad of it are all from Allah, the Most High.

Belief in God/Allah:

Muslims believe in one, incomparable God, He has no son nor partner, and that one has the right to be worshipped but Him alone. He is the true God, and every other god is false. In the Qur'an, Allah describes Himself:

Say, "He is Allah, the One. God, to Whom the creatures turn for their needs. He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none like Him."

Meaning of this belief

this is the first article of Islamic beliefs and doctrines, the Muslim belief in Allah covers the following areas : Muslim belief in one, unique, incomparable god, who has neither son nor partner and that none has the right to be worshiped but him alone. He is the true god and every other deity is false.

Definition of Allah

Most of the opined that the word ‘Allah’ is derived from ‘Ilah’ while means worthy of being worshiped. This is a noun, not an adjective.

[suah Ahad; 112:1- 4]

Belief in the Angels:

The Angels are made of light, they are the special creations of Allah. They are always engaged in different activities being ordered by Allah. They do not need to drink and eat.

Meaning of this belief

Belief in angels is the second article Iman or faith Allah, says : “It is not righteousness the east or the west, but it is righteousness to believe in the last day and the angels and the book and the prophets (Quran 2 : #177)

Nature of this belief

Belief in the angels impels four essential things :

1. Affirming that they exist and that they are past of the creation of Allah.
2. Belief in the names of those whose name we know, such as Gabriel, Michael, Israfil, Maalik, Radwaan and others-peace be upon them.
3. Belief in the actions which we know some of them do.

Functions and roles of the Angels

The angels are always engaged in various assignment being ordered by Allah. Gabriel is the greatest, the best and the most noble, who delivered the messages of Allah to prophets.

Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they are honored creatures. The angels worship Allah alone, obey Him, and act only by His command. Among the angels is Gabriel, who brought down the Qur'an to Muhammad.

Belief in Allah’s Revealed Books:

Muslims believe that Allah revealed books to His messengers as proof for mankind and as guidance for them. Among these books is the Qur'an, which  God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam). Allah has guaranteed the Qur'an’s protection from any change.

Belief in the Prophets:

Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of Allah, starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them). But Allah’s final message to man, a repeating of the eternal message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that all the prophets and messengers were created human beings who had none of the divine qualities of Allah.

Belief in the Day of Judgment:

Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment (the Day of Resurrection) when all people will be resurrected for Allah’s judgment according to their beliefs and deeds.

Belief in Al-Qadar:

Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill. Rather, Muslims believe that God has given human beings freewill. This means that they can choose right or wrong and that they are responsible for their choices. The belief in Divine Predestination includes belief in four things:

1) Allah knows everything. He knows what has happened and what will happen.

2) Allah has recorded all that has happened and all that will happen.

3) Whatever Allah wills to happen happens, and whatever He wills not to happen does not happen.

4) Allah is the Creator of everything.