The Pillars of Faith in Islam: A Guide for Non-Native Arabic Speakers

Islam is based on six essential pillars of faith. These pillars help Muslims understand their relationship with Allah (God) and their role in the world. To embrace Islam fully, one must understand and accept these fundamental beliefs. In this article, we will discuss each pillar, providing both the Arabic terms and their English translations for easy reference.

The Six Pillars of Faith in Islam

1. Belief in God (الإيمان بالله – Al-Iman Billah)

The first pillar emphasizes the belief in the oneness of Allah. Muslims affirm that Allah is the only true God, the Creator of everything in existence. This belief is the core of Islamic faith, expressed in the phrase: “There is no god but Allah.” It guides Muslims in worship and influences their every action.

2. Belief in Angels (الإيمان بالملائكة – Al-Iman Bil-Mala’ika)

According to Islam, Allah created angels to perform various tasks. These angels are pure beings, free from sin, and play essential roles in carrying out Allah’s commands. They convey Allah’s messages to the prophets, record human deeds, and oversee the natural world. This belief emphasizes the unseen, spiritual elements of life.

3. Belief in the Holy Books (الإيمان بالكتب السماوية – Al-Iman Bil-Kutub al-Samawiya)

Muslims believe that Allah revealed sacred books to His prophets. The most important book is the Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Additionally, Muslims believe in the Torah (given to Prophet Musa), Psalms (to Prophet Dawood), and the Gospel (to Prophet Isa). Each book contains divine guidance for its respective followers.

4. Belief in the Prophets (الإيمان بالأنبياء – Al-Iman Bil-Anbiya’)

Muslims accept that Allah sent prophets to guide humanity. These prophets conveyed the message of worshiping the one true God. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is considered the final prophet, bringing the completion of divine guidance through the Quran.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (الإيمان بيوم القيامة – Al-Iman Bi-Yawm al-Qiyama)

Muslims believe in the resurrection of all human beings on the Day of Judgment. On this day, everyone’s deeds will be evaluated, and they will either be rewarded with Paradise or punished in Hell. This belief encourages Muslims to live righteous lives in accordance with Allah’s will.

6. Belief in Divine Decree (الإيمان بالقضاء والقدر – Al-Iman Bil-Qadha’ wa al-Qadar)

Belief in divine decree refers to accepting that everything in the universe happens according to Allah’s will. Whether good or bad, Muslims trust that Allah’s plan is perfect. This belief encourages acceptance and reliance on Allah, while also motivating individuals to strive for goodness in their actions.

Conclusion

The six pillars of faith lay the foundation for a Muslim’s spiritual life. Understanding these pillars is key to deepening one’s connection to Allah. By learning the Arabic terms and their meanings, non-native Arabic speakers can gain a richer understanding of Islamic teachings. These beliefs guide Muslims in their daily lives and shape their worldview.

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