BELIEF (IMAN) IN ISLAM
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Belief (Iman) in Islam |
By Mohd. Kutub Uddin
Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Objectives
- Belief
- Belief in Allah
- Meaning of this belief
- Definition of Allah
- Evidence about the “Existence of Allah”
- Belief in the Angels
- Meaning
- Nature of this belief
- Functions and roles of the Angels
- Belief in the divine Scriptures
- Meaning of the belief
- Nature of the belief
- Number of the divine Scriptures
- Sum up
- Key Points
- Glossary
- Answer
- Reference
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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.
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Learning Objectives |
| After reading this chapter, you are expected to learn about:
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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).
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Belief in Allah |
This means that one has to believe at heart that Allah is the only creator, preserver and the power to be worshipped.
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.
Evidence about the ‘Existence of Allah’
Allah, the almighty is one and second to none in respect of his entity and qualities. He is incomparable in entity, qualities, acts, power and in all other respects. The moon, the sun, the planets and the stars are all being regulated in their own orbits by him in a unique and wonderful system. No indiscipline of any kind is found here. This proves that Allah is one and second to none. If he would not have been one, various types of indiscipline and collisions would have occurred in the regulation of the universe and the whole universe would have been destroyed.
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Belief in the Angel |
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 :
- Affirming that they exist and that they are past of the creation of Allah.
- Belief in the names of those whose name we know, such as Gabriel, Michael, Israfil, Maalik, Radwaan and others-peace be upon them.
- 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.
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Belief in the divine scriptures |
Allah used to send messages to the holy prophets from age to age to lead the oblivious mankind in the right direction. The collection of these messages is called scriptures (Kitab)
Meaning of the belief
Belief in the divine scriptures is third fundamental Islamic Articles of belief (Iman), ‘Divine scriptures’ means the revealed by Allah (Swt) to his prophets and apostles for the guidance and welfare of the humandkind.
Nature of the belief
Belief in the ‘Revealed Books’ should be constituted of four aspects :
Firstly: It should be believed that all of the revealed books are from Allah and truly sent down by him.
Secondly : We should have firm conviction in the books whose names and introductions are known to us.
Thirdly : It should be believed that the news and information that are mentioned in these books are true and right.
Fourthly : Lives should be regulated according to the rules and regulations mentioned in these books and to exhibit adherence to those with satisfaction.
Number of the divine scripture there are many indications in the statements of the prophet (SAWS) that Allah has sent one hundred and four divine scriptures in ages to his prophets and apostles.
Principals of the books
Among the divine scriptures four are principals : These books are-
- Torah...................... revealed to Moses (A)
- Zabur...................... revealed to Dawd (A)
- Injeel....................... revealed to Isa (A)
- Al-Quran................. revealed to Mohammad (Sm.)
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Activity |
| You go to your grandfather and discuss about functions of the angels and put the point here which you have gotten. | |
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Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) -1 |
1. What is the meaning of Iman ?
2. What is the meaning of Iman ?
3. What is the divine scripture
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Results |
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Key Points |
The key points of this chapter are as follows:
Belief, Angels, Divine Scriptures
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Glossary |
Belief Faith , confession of it and action. Angels A special creation of Allah Almighty Divine Scriptures Which books has been sanded by Allah to his Apostals.
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Practice Test |
1. What do mean by ‘Belief in Allah’
2. How shall you define Allah ?
3. What is the functions of the angels ?
4. What are the main divine scriptures.
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References and Further Readings |
- Al-Quran
- Al-Hadith
- The concept of God in Islam by Yasin
- Islamic studies book-1 Dr. Abu Amina Bilal Philips.
