The Six Articles of Faith and Five Roots

The Six Articles of Faith (Sunni Islam)

In Sunni Islam, the fundamental beliefs are summarised in six articles:

1. Tawhid - Belief in Allah (God), the one and only
2. Angels - Belief in the existence of angels (Malaikah)
3. Holy Books - Belief in the revealed scriptures (Torah, Bible, Qur'an)
4. Prophets - Belief in God's messengers, including Muhammad as the final Prophet
5. Day of Judgement - Belief in resurrection and accountability after death
6. Predestination - Belief in divine will and human responsibility (Al-Qadr)

Why these matter: These beliefs shape every aspect of Muslim life--how they pray, make ethical decisions, understand suffering, and live according to Islamic values.

The Five Roots of Shi'a Islam (Usul ad-Din)

Shi'a Muslims emphasise five core doctrines:

1. Tawhid - Monotheism; the absolute oneness of God
2. Adalat (Justice) - God's perfect justice and fairness in all things
3. Nubuwwah (Prophethood) - God sends prophets to guide humanity
4. Imamah (Leadership) - Divinely guided leaders (Imams) who are infallible in religious matters
5. Mi'ad (Day of Return) - The resurrection and final judgement

Key difference: The emphasis on Adalat and Imamah reflects Shi'a theology: God's justice requires free will, and the Imams are essential guides for the faithful.

Why Beliefs Matter: Islam as a Living Faith

Islamic beliefs are not abstract doctrines--they are practical guides. A Muslim who believes in Tawhid (God's oneness) submits to God's will in daily decisions. A Muslim who believes in the Day of Judgement lives ethically, knowing actions have eternal consequences. Belief shapes behaviour.

The Qur'anic Foundation: Surah 4:136 states: "Believe in God and His Messenger, and the Book which He hath sent down to His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him)." This underscores that belief in God, prophets, and scriptures are interconnected.

Sunni and Shi'a: Historical Context

The Sunni-Shi'a split emerged after Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE, primarily over the question of succession and leadership. This theological divide has shaped Islamic history for 1,400 years:

• Sunni (87% of Muslims) - Believe in the Rightly Guided Caliphs; leadership chosen by community consensus.
• Shi'a (13% of Muslims) - Believe in Imams appointed by God; infallible guides with divine authority.

Despite differences, both traditions share a commitment to the Qur'an, the Prophet, and Islamic ethics. Differences are more about interpretation than fundamental rejection.

The Four Caliphates and Islamic Law Schools

After Prophet Muhammad, Islamic leadership and jurisprudence developed through different schools:

• Hanafi - Flexible interpretation; predominant in Turkey, Egypt, Central Asia
• Maliki - Community consensus emphasis; North Africa, West Africa
• Shafi'i - Balanced approach; Southeast Asia, parts of Middle East
• Hanbali - Strict adherence to Qur'an and Hadith; Saudi Arabia

All four are equally valid within Sunni Islam--different pathways to the same truths.

Guidance

Essay Question:

"The differences between Sunni and Shi'a beliefs are more important than the similarities." Evaluate this statement.

Success criteria:

• Identify at least 2-3 key similarities (shared beliefs in God, prophets, Qur'an, Day of Judgement)
• Explain at least 2-3 key differences (Imamah, Adalat, jurisprudential schools)
• Weigh both sides: do differences fundamentally divide Islam, or are they complementary interpretations?
• Reach a reasoned conclusion