While the five pillars of Islam describe what Muslims do, the six articles of faith describe what Muslims believe. If you are exploring Islam or have just become Muslim, our guide for new Muslims covers the shahada and first steps.
The Six Articles of Faith
Muslims believe in all six articles together:
- Allah (God): Belief in the one God, the Creator, who has no partner. His names and attributes are explored in the 99 names of Allah.
- Angels: Belief in angels, beings created from light to carry out God's commands
- Revealed books: Belief in the books God revealed, including the Torah, the Psalms (Zabur), the Gospel (Injil) and the Qur'an
- Prophets and messengers: Belief in all the messengers from Adam to Muhammad ﷺ. Our guide to the prophets in Islam lists the 25 prophets named in the Qur'an.
- The Day of Judgement: Belief in accountability and the eternal life after death
- Divine decree (qadar): Belief that God's knowledge encompasses all things
Tawhid: The Oneness of God
Tawhid, the oneness of God, is the central idea in Islamic belief. It is more than saying “God is one”: it shapes how a Muslim sees God, the world and their own life. Many scholars explain tawhid in three categories, though not all scholars use this division:
| Category | Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah | Oneness of lordship | God alone creates, sustains and governs the universe. |
| Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah | Oneness of worship | All worship, such as prayer, supplication and sacrifice, is for God alone. |
| Tawhid al-Asma wa's-Sifat | Oneness of names and attributes | God's attributes, such as mercy, power and knowledge, are unique and beyond comparison. |
Islam, Iman and Ihsan
Scholars often describe the faith in three levels, drawn from a well-known hadith known as the Hadith of Jibreel (reported by Umar ibn al-Khattab, in Sahih Muslim).
| Aspect | Islam | Iman | Ihsan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Outward submission: the five pillars | Inner conviction: the six articles of faith | Excellence in worship and awareness of God |
| Focus | Actions and practice | Heart and belief | Soul and sincerity |
What Strengthens and Weakens Faith
Many scholars teach that faith can grow stronger or weaker, and they explain this in different ways. These are some things Muslims commonly link with each.
Strengthens faith
- Reciting the Qur'an: Regular time with the Qur'an
- Good company: Spending time with people who remind you of Allah
- Reflection (tafakkur): Thinking about the signs of God in creation
- Acts of service: Charity and kindness, which soften the heart
Weakens faith
- Persistent wrongdoing: Carrying on with wrongdoing without repenting
- Neglecting prayer: Letting regular prayer slip
- Heedlessness (ghaflah): Living on autopilot without spiritual awareness
- Bad company: Spending time with people who mock faith or encourage wrongdoing
Qadar: Understanding Divine Decree
Belief in qadar is often misunderstood. It does not mean fatalism. Many Sunni scholars describe four levels of qadar:
- KnowledgeAllah knows everything that has happened, is happening and will happen.
- WritingEverything is recorded in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz).
- WillNothing happens except by Allah's permission.
- CreationMuslims believe Allah is the Creator of all things, and that people still choose their actions and are responsible for them. Scholars explain how these fit together in different ways.
Islamic Beliefs FAQ
What are the six articles of faith?
The six articles of faith are belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His prophets and messengers, the Day of Judgement, and divine decree (qadar). Muslims believe in all six together. They are the core of iman, or faith, just as the five pillars are the core acts of worship in Islam.
What is the difference between Islam and iman?
Islam refers to outward submission to God, shown through actions such as the five pillars. Iman refers to inner conviction: the belief of the heart in the six articles of faith. Scholars also describe a third level, ihsan, which means worshipping God with excellence and a constant awareness of Him.
What is tawhid?
Tawhid is the belief that God is one, with no partner, equal or rival. It is the central idea in Islamic belief and shapes how Muslims understand worship, the world and their own lives. Many scholars explain it in three parts: the oneness of God's lordship, of worship, and of His names and attributes.
Does belief in qadar mean people have no choice?
No. Belief in qadar, or divine decree, means that Allah knows all things and that nothing happens without His permission. It does not mean fatalism. Muslims believe people still make real choices and are responsible for them. Scholars explain how God's decree and human choice fit together in different ways.
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This page is a general guide. For your own situation, please consult a qualified scholar.
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