Pillars of Imān
The six things every Muslim must believe — from Allah to divine decree.
Imān is belief in the heart, statement of the tongue, and action with the limbs. The Prophet ﷺ listed six pillars of faith in the Hadith of Jibrīl. These are not optional extras — denying any pillar knowingly takes one outside Islam.
1. Belief in Allah
That He is the only true God — Creator, Owner, and the only One deserving worship. Includes belief in His names, attributes, and oneness in lordship and worship.
2. Belief in His angels
Unseen beings created from light who obey Allah completely. They record deeds, deliver revelation, and carry out commands we often do not perceive. Denying angels is disbelief.
3. Belief in His books
Allah revealed scriptures to guide humanity — including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Qur’an as the final, preserved revelation. Muslims believe in what was originally revealed and that the Qur’an abrogates prior laws where they differ.
4. Belief in His messengers
Allah sent prophets to every nation; we believe in all of them without distinguishing between them in status of belief. Muḥammad ﷺ is the seal of the prophets — the final messenger to all people.
5. Belief in the Last Day
Resurrection, reckoning, the Scale, the Bridge, Paradise, and Hell are real. Life after death is longer and more decisive than this world.
6. Belief in al-qadar (divine decree)
Allah’s knowledge, writing, will, and creation encompass everything — good and hardship. Belief in qadr includes trust in Allah’s wisdom while still acting, striving, and making duʿāʾ. Blaming qadr for sin is a misuse of the concept.
Practical tips
- Read Qur’an 2:285–286 and reflect on each pillar in order.
- Teens track: see also “Muslim Teens Accelerator” for a one-minute summary.
- When doubt arises, say “I believe in Allah” and seek a scholar — do not isolate.