Iman In Islam: What Are Its 6 Pillars?
At the heart of a believer’s journey lies a profound internal conviction that transcends mere ritual. This spiritual framework is built upon the firm belief in Allah’s absolute oneness, His celestial angels, the divine books He revealed, and the noble messengers sent to guide humanity. It also requires an unwavering certainty in the reality of the Last Day and the humble acceptance of Divine Decree (Qadr), whether its outcomes appear favorable or challenging. Understanding Iman in Islam is about recognizing that while external actions demonstrate submission, it is the internal state of the heart that truly defines a person’s relationship with the Creator.
Linguistic and Spiritual Roots: Iman Meaning in Islam
In the Arabic language, the word Iman is derived from the root word “amn,” which signifies security, peace, and reassurance. When a person has faith, they find a unique sense of safety within their soul, knowing they are connected to the Divine.
From a Sharia perspective, however, the legal and spiritual iman meaning in islam goes beyond just “feeling safe.” It refers to an absolute, uncompromising belief in Allah, His angels, His messengers, and the destiny He has written for all creation. It is the sincere testimony of the tongue, the firm conviction of the heart, and the righteous actions of the limbs.
Faith vs. Submission: Distinguishing Between Iman and Islam
During childhood, many people conflate the concepts of Iman and Islam, treating them as identical. However, Islamic scholarship makes a clear distinction: Islam represents the external expression of submission—such as praying, fasting, and giving charity—while Iman represents the internal belief system.
This distinction is beautifully highlighted in the Holy Quran, where Allah SWT says:
“The bedouins say, ‘We have believed.’ Say, ‘You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], “We have submitted,” for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.’” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:14)
This verse clarifies that while anyone can perform the outward acts of Islam, the rank of a Mu’min (believer) is reached only when faith is deeply rooted in the heart.
The Foundation of Faith: Iman In Islam
To strengthen one’s spiritual life, one must adhere to the core pillars of iman in islam. These serve as the structural support for a Muslim’s worldview. Just as a building cannot stand without a foundation, a Muslim’s practice is incomplete without these internal convictions.
Book now Quran classes for adults
What are the 6 Pillars of Iman? A Comprehensive Guide
To live a life aligned with divine pleasure, a believer must internalize the 6 pillars of iman. Each pillar addresses a specific aspect of the unseen and the physical world:
Belief in Allah (Tawhid):
This is the cornerstone of faith—believing that Allah is One, with no partners, no beginning, and no end. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.
Belief in the Angels:
This involves acknowledging the existence of celestial beings created from light who never disobey Allah. As stated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177): “But righteous is he who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the prophets…”
Belief in the Revealed Books:
Muslims must believe in the original scriptures sent to different messengers. These include the Torah (revealed to Moses), the Psalms (Zabur, revealed to David), the Gospel (Injeel, revealed to Jesus), the Scrolls of Abraham, and the final, protected word of God: the Holy Quran.
Belief in the Messengers:
A believer must accept all prophets and messengers sent by Allah without distinction. This includes those mentioned by name in the Quran and those who were not. While a “Messenger” (Rasul) was sent with a new divine law or book, a “Prophet” (Nabi) was sent to confirm and call people back to existing divine guidance.
Belief in the Last Day:
This is the certainty that this world will end, followed by the Day of Resurrection, where every soul will be held accountable for its deeds, leading to either Paradise or Hellfire.
Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr):
This involves accepting that everything, whether good or bad, happens by the will and knowledge of Allah. As the Quran states: “Indeed, We created everything with destiny.” (Surah Al-Qamar, 54:49).
By understanding what are the 6 pillars of iman, this is only the first step; the second is reflecting on how they change our character. For example, believing in angels makes us more conscious of our actions, while believing in Divine Decree gives us the resilience to face life’s hardships without despair. These 6 pillars of faith provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of human existence with grace and purpose.
Read also about: What is the importance of Islamic Studies? | Eilaf Institute
Cultivating a Stronger Connection: The Importance of Iman in Islam
Recognizing the importance of iman in islam is essential for any Muslim seeking to deepen their religion. Faith is not static; it increases with righteous deeds and decreases with neglect. By focusing on these core tenets, a believer can transform their daily prayers from a routine into a powerful spiritual experience.
True faith provides the “amn” (security) mentioned earlier—a shield against the anxieties of the modern world. It anchors the soul, provides clarity in times of confusion, and ensures that every action taken in this life is done with the next life in mind.
Begin your journey of spiritual discovery and strengthen your foundation today. Register now to explore our courses and enjoy a free trial session!