Iman in Islam; The 6 Articles of Faith -

Since I came to England I’ve always been around Muslims, even though I wasn’t a Muslim myself. To be completely honest, I didn’t understand Islam at all. I saw a lot of restrictions and rules that just didn’t make sense to me. Like any other culture or religion, you encounter all sorts of people, both good and bad. The same is true when you look at Islam, unfortunately. But this is the reality. Looking back, I realize I was around the wrong groups of Muslims. Some drank, smoked, used abusive language towards women, lied, and committed some pretty serious sins. None of this is acceptable in Islam, but I didn’t know that at the time. After embracing Islam myself, I soon realized that all of that had nothing to do with true faith, known as Iman in Islam.

Iman in Islam – My first impressions

Back in days, I often heard the phrase “iman in Islam” from some of the more devout Muslims I knew. They’d frequently say things like, “That person’s iman is weak,” or “They need to work on their iman,” usually in reference to someone who had committed a sin. At first, I didn’t think much about it, but the more I heard it, the more curious I became. I finally asked what “iman in Islam” meant. The simple translation is “faith.” It was a word that felt both familiar and mysterious at the same time. Having no real knowledge of religion at the time, I couldn’t possibly understand it the way I do today.

The second time I came in contact with this word I was already Muslim. I heard it several times a day. I knew it was important, crucial even, but getting its full meaning felt like trying to hold water in my hands. It wasn’t until I started my private Islamic lessons. Through seeking knowledge the true essence of iman began to crystallize within my heart.

Yes, iman translates to faith. But it goes far beyond that simple definition. When I started exploring it, I learned that it includes so much more and carries a much deeper meaning. I’d like to share what comes under the meaning of Iman in Islam.

What is Iman in Islam?

Iman, in Islam, refers to faith or belief. It is the complete acceptance of the teachings of Islam, based on the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH).

Iman is not only a passive belief, but also active affirmation and submission to Allah. It involves both inner conviction and outward actions, reflecting a sincere commitment to the principles of Islam. It is through iman that a person finds peace, guidance, and purpose in life.

There are six articles of faith in Islam, which form the core beliefs of a Muslim:

Belief in Allah (God): Acknowledging His existence, oneness, and attributes.
Belief in Angels: Accepting the existence of angels as Allah’s creations and messengers.
Belief in Revealed Books: Accepting the books revealed by Allah, such as the Quran.
Belief in Messengers: Acknowledging the prophets sent by Allah, with Muhammad as the final prophet.
Belief in the Day of Judgment: Believing in the accountability of all actions on the Day of Judgment.
Belief in Allah’s Decree: Accepting that everything is predestined by Allah’s knowledge and wisdom.

Iman is the foundation of Islam, and it is essential for a Muslim to have strong faith in these articles.

1. Belief in Allah (God)

Believing in Allah, the one God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, was the foundation of everything. This belief wasn’t just blind faith; it came from thinking deeply, reflecting, and really appreciating all the signs of Allah’s existence around me. The incredible design of nature, the vastness of space, the miracle of life – it all pointed to a single, all-powerful Creator.

2. Belief in Angels

Understanding the role of angels in Islam further enriched my understanding. These beings, created from light, are Allah’s servants, carrying out His commands and playing various roles in the universe. Belief in angels reinforced the idea that we are not alone, and that there are forces beyond our comprehension working in accordance with Allah’s will.

3. Belief in Revealed Books

The revealed books, particularly the Quran, are a cornerstone of iman in Islam. The Quran, believed to be the literal word of God, is a source of guidance, wisdom, and inspiration for Muslims. Reading and reflecting upon the Quran deepened my understanding of Allah’s attributes, His commands, and His promises. It provided a framework for living a life that is pleasing to Him.

4. Belief in Messengers

Belief in the messengers of Allah, peace be upon them all, is another essential aspect of iman in Islam. These prophets, chosen by Allah to convey His message to humanity, exemplified the best of human character and served as role models for Muslims to follow. From Adam AS, the first man, to Muhammad PBUH, the final prophet, each messenger played a crucial role in guiding humanity toward the path of righteousness. Learning about their lives and teachings strengthened my faith and inspired me to emulate their noble qualities.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment

Finally, belief in the Day of Judgment, when all of humanity will be held accountable for their actions, is a fundamental part of our faith. This belief serves as a powerful motivator for living a righteous life, as it reminds us that our actions have consequences, both in this world and the hereafter. It instills a sense of responsibility and encourages us to strive for justice, compassion, and piety.

6. Belief in Allah’s Decree

My initial understanding of iman was simplistic. I thought it was just about believing in God, in Allah. I believed, of course, I believed in the stories I’d been told, the verses I’d memorized, the practices passed down through generations. The more I learned, the more I realized that it wasn’t a static state. It wasn’t something you achieved once and then simply maintained. We are talking about a dynamic, ever-evolving process, a continuous striving to strengthen one’s connection with Allah. It meant that my faith wasn’t just a label I carried, but a responsibility I actively cultivated.

Personal Growth Through Faith

My understanding of iman in Islam has evolved through various life experiences:

Moments of trial during challenging times, I’ve discovered that faith isn’t about never having doubts but about working through them with sincere seeking trust in Allah.

Times of joy success and happiness become more meaningful when viewed through the lens of gratitude and recognition of Allah’s blessings.

Strengthening Faith

Through experience, I’ve found several effective ways to nurture my faith:

Knowledge Seeking

Regular study of Quran and Hadith
Attending beneficial lectures
Reading works of scholarly wisdom

Good Company

Surrounding myself with positive influences
Engaging in meaningful discussions
Supporting others in their journey

Consistent Worship

Maintaining namaz times
Regular voluntary acts of worship
Developing khushu (concentration) in namaz

Common Questions I’ve Encountered

Q: How can I know if my iman is increasing?
A: Look for signs like:

Increased desire for worship
Better character in dealing with others
More consciousness of Allah in decisions

Q: What should I do when I feel my iman is low?
A: I’ve found these practices helpful:

Return to basics of worship
Seek knowledge actively
Connect with supportive community
Remember Allah’s mercy

Q: How can I protect my iman in a challenging environment?
A: Focus on:

Building strong foundations through knowledge
Creating a supportive environment
Regular self-assessment and renewal

Looking Forward

For me iman in Islam is about striving to live a life that is pleasing to Allah, a life that reflects the values and principles of Islam. All was about embodying these beliefs in my actions, my words, and my character. That shifted my focus from simply observing religious rituals to actively cultivating a relationship with Allah. It meant being mindful of my thoughts, my intentions, and my actions. It meant striving to be a better person, not just for the sake of others, but for the sake of Allah.

Final Reflections

The beauty of faith is that it’s both deeply personal and universally connecting. It provides:

Inner peace through trust in Allah
Purpose through meaningful action
Community through shared values
Hope through divine guidance

May Allah strengthen our iman and guide us all to what pleases Him.

Remember, the journey of faith is ongoing, and every step taken with sincerity moves us closer to our Creator.