3 Main Beliefs of Islam: Islam is built upon fundamental beliefs that guide the faith, practices, and worldviews of Muslims. These beliefs are rooted in the Quran and Hadith, the primary sources of Islamic knowledge. Below are the three main beliefs of Islam explained using structured headings.
3 Main Beliefs of Islam
1. Belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed)
a. Allah as the Sole Creator and Sustainer
Tawheed, or the belief in the oneness of Allah, is the foundation of the Islamic faith. Muslims believe that Allah is the only God, the Creator of the universe, and the Sustainer of all existence.
- Quranic Reference: “Say, ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” (Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4)
- Explanation in Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever says there is no god but Allah enters Paradise.” (Sahih Bukhari)
b. Worship and Submission to Allah Alone
Muslims are required to worship Allah without associating any partners with Him. This includes prayer, supplication, and obedience to His commands as revealed in the Quran and Sunnah.
2. Belief in Prophethood (Risalah)
a. Prophets as Messengers of Allah
Muslims believe that Allah sent prophets to guide humanity. These prophets were chosen to deliver His message and exemplify righteous living.
- Quranic Reference: “And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.'” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:36)
- Explanation in Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The prophets are like brothers from one father; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.” (Sahih Bukhari)
b. Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the Final Messenger
Prophet Muhammad is regarded as the Seal of the Prophets, and his teachings provide complete and final guidance for humanity.
- Quranic Reference: “Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40)
3. Belief in Holy Books (Kutub)
Belief in the divine scriptures is a fundamental tenet of the Islamic faith, known as Iman bil-Kutub. Muslims believe that Allah revealed holy books to His messengers to guide humanity toward righteousness and truth. This belief is rooted in the Quran and Hadith.
1. The Revelation of Divine Books
a. The Purpose of Revelation
Allah revealed the holy books to provide guidance, laws, and moral teachings for humanity. These scriptures emphasized the worship of Allah alone and the importance of leading a righteous life.
- Quranic Reference:
“Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and revealed with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.” (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:25)
b. Mentioned Divine Scriptures in the Quran
The Quran acknowledges the following divine books:
- Tawrah (Torah): Revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him).
- “Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:44)
- Zabur (Psalms): Revealed to Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him).
- “And to David We gave the book of Psalms.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:55)
- Injil (Gospel): Revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him).
- “And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:46)
- Quran: The final and complete revelation sent to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2)
2. The Quran as the Final and Perfect Revelation
a. The Completeness of the Quran
Muslims believe that the Quran is the last divine scripture, superseding previous revelations, which may have been altered over time. It is preserved in its original form.
- Quranic Reference:
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:9)
b. Guidance for All Mankind
The Quran is not limited to a specific people or time; it is a universal message for all humanity.
- Quranic Reference:
“And We have not sent you [O Muhammad] except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)
3. Belief in the Original Divine Nature of Previous Books
a. Respect for All Revelations
Muslims respect the original forms of all divine books as they were revealed by Allah. However, they believe that the Quran is the only scripture preserved in its original form.
- Quranic Reference:
“Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:136)
b. Explanation in Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized belief in all previous scriptures as part of faith. He said:
“Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine decree, both good and bad.” (Sahih Muslim)
Conclusion
The core beliefs of Islam—belief in the Oneness of Allah, Prophethood, and the Afterlife—form the basis of a Muslim’s faith and practice. These principles, derived from the Quran and Hadith, guide Muslims to live a life of purpose, accountability, and devotion to Allah.
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