2017_Grade_3_and_4_Pillars_of_Imaan

Pillars or Articles of Imaan

What is Imaan?

The most simple definition of Imaan is the belief in the six articles of Islamic faith, known as ARKAN-AL-IMAAN.

The Six Pillars Of Imaan, also known as the articles of faith, are a portion of the foundation on which a Muslim's beliefs stand on. These pillars are very important and hold heavy weight on the Day Of Judgement.

Following are the six articles of the Islamic faith:

  • BELIEF IN ALLAH (SWT)
  • BELIEF IN HIS ANGELS (Malaa'ika)
  • BELIEF IN ALLAH'S BOOKS
  • BELIEF IN HIS MESSENGERS
  • BELIEF IN THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT (Yawmil Qiyaamah)
  • BELIEF IN QADA AND QADAR (divine will and decree)

1. Belief in Allah

The first Pillar of Imaan is the belief in the All-Powerful, Most Beneficent. Believing in Allah, above all else is the first and most important pillar. It is not only belief in Allah alone but in the way He is described through the Qu’ran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Hadiths). This includes all 99 names that describe Allah(SWT).

2.Belief in Angels: (Malaa'ika)

This is the second pillar of Imaan. The Angels are messengers of Allah (SWT). They were created from light and were created before human beings, for the purpose of worshiping Allah (SWT). They obey Allah (SWT) and are His workers. Some pray and glorify Allah (SWT), some carry the throne of Allah (SWT), some help Muslims in times of need, (like the Battle Of Badr) and so on. They have many many different jobs.

Following are the names of some of the Angels or Malaa'ika and their responsibilities:

Angel Jibril: To deliver the Divine revelations from Allah (SWT) to His chosen messengers from among the prophets. (alayhum salam).

Angel Mikail: Responsible to bring forth rain and oversee the cultivation of crops.

Angel Israfil: To blow the trumpet on the last day. Once for destruction of the universe and again for the resurrection of all beings to face the Judgement Day.

Angel Izrail (Malak Ul Mawt): Angel of death, who does not delay or expedite the hour of claiming the soul.

Angel Maalik: Is the guardian of Jahannum (Hell- fire).

Angel Ridwaan: Is the guardian of Paradise (jannah).

Munkar And Nakir: Responsible to question the people in the grave. They ask questions about belief in Allah (SWT), His messenger Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and issues relating to Deen.

Kiraman Katibeen: The two angels that sit on our shoulders and record our good and bad deeds. Together they are called the KIRAMAN KATIBEEN.

3. Belief In The Books of Allah

Third pillar is the belief in all the books of Allah including Quran that were revealed at different times. Following are the revealed books and the prophets on which they were sent:

  • SUHUF- Ibrahim (AS)
  • ZABOOR- Dawood (AS)
  • TAURAH- Musa (AS)
  • INJIL- Isa (AS)
  • QURAN- Muhammad (S)

We as Muslims have to believe in all of the above mentioned books, and that Quran is the final revelation of Allah's words and it also confirms the previous scriptures.

4. Belief In The Prophets

This is one of the six articles of Islamic faith, and is specifically mentioned in Quran.

The first Prophet was the first human being, Adam (AS). There were many prophets sent to various nations and tribes throughout history, with the final prophet being Muhammad (S).

Muhammad (S) is the "Seal of the Prophets." (KHATAM and NABIYYIN meaning the last prophet).

According to some traditions, 124,000 prophets are believed to have been sent.

Only 25 of these prophets have been mentioned in the Holy Quran.

Every prophet preached the same main Islamic beliefs, the oneness of God and worshiping Him only, avoidance of idolatry and sin, and the belief in resurrection and the day of judgement.

Each came to preach Islam at different times in history and some told of the coming of the final Prophet, who would be Muhammad (SAW).

5. Belief In The Day Of Judgement (Yawmul Qiyaamah)

This is the belief in the last day. This is the Day of accounting for all deeds; evil or good, big or small. We need to believe that all we do in our lives will have bearing on the last day. No one but Allah (SWT) knows when this day will come, although there are major and minor signs which have been foretold to happen before Qiyamah, towards the end of time. Many Quranic Surahs talk about this day, specifically "Surah Al Qiyamah".

6. Belief In Al- Qadar

A Muslim believes in al-Qadar which is predestination, believing that God has knowledge of all that has and will happen, all that has taken place and is yet to take place, and that whatever He wills, shall take place. Humans have the power of choice and ultimately Allah (SWT) is aware of the course of action each shall follow.

Humans will be held responsible on judgement day, for whatever good or bad path they chose to adopt.