A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Iman – Belief
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IMAN – BELIEF
The Arabic word for belief is “
Iman
.” It literally means ‘to know,’
‘to believe,’ ‘to put one’s trust in something or someone.’ In the
Islamic Shariah,
Iman
means putting one’s trust in, or having
complete faith in Allah, His Prophet and His message.
There are seven things, which are essential for a Muslim to believe
in. These come under the heading of
Iman Mufassal,
which
requires a longer, more detailed declaration of faith. They are to
believe in Allah, in His angels, in His revealed Book, in all of His
messengers, in the Last Day (the Day of Judgement), in Taqdir,
(the doctrine of predestination, which means that everything good
or bad is decided by Allah), and in Life After Death.
Without
Iman
, the individual’s espousal of Islam as his religion
would lack credibility. That is why, if he is to be a true believer, he
must not only testify to his faith by word of mouth (
Shahaada bil
Lisan
), but must also accept it with all his heart and soul and then
staunchly adhere to it. Furthermore, he is obliged to do good
works in keeping with the fundamentals of the faith. Both belief
(
iman
), and right action
(amal)
are absolutely vital.
