Islam is centered around five core beliefs, which are fundamental to the faith and practice of Muslims. These beliefs form the foundation of Islamic theology and are known as the "Articles of Faith." Here’s a brief overview of each:
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Belief in the Oneness of God (Tawhid): At the heart of Islam is the belief in the absolute oneness of God (Allah). Muslims believe that God is unique, eternal, and not comparable to any other being. Tawhid emphasizes that God is the sole creator and sustainer of the universe, and it rejects any form of polytheism or associates (shirk).
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Belief in Angels: Muslims believe in the existence of angels, created by God from light. Angels serve various roles, including acting as messengers between God and humanity, recording human deeds, and overseeing natural phenomena. Notable angels include Gabriel (Jibril), who conveyed God's revelations to the prophets.
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Belief in the Prophets: Islam teaches that God has sent prophets to guide humanity throughout history. These prophets, including figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, are considered messengers of God. Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet (the Seal of the Prophets), and his teachings are encapsulated in the Quran.
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Belief in the Holy Books: Muslims believe that God has revealed scriptures to various prophets. The Quran, revealed to Muhammad, is considered the final and complete revelation. Other scriptures, such as the Torah (given to Moses) and the Gospel (given to Jesus), are also acknowledged, but Muslims believe that they have been altered over time.
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Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in an afterlife where individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their actions in this life. The Day of Judgment will determine one's eternal fate in paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam), based on their faith and deeds.
In addition to these core beliefs, the practice of Islam is also encapsulated in the Five Pillars of Islam, which are acts of worship and devotion that guide a Muslim's life. These pillars include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
Together, the core beliefs and practices form a comprehensive framework for a Muslim’s faith, guiding their relationship with God, their ethical conduct, and their interactions with others.