Islam: Core Beliefs Preview

Tawhid: The Oneness of God

Tawhid (Arabic: توحيد) means absolute monotheism — the belief that there is only one God (Allah) and nothing is to be worshipped but Allah.

It's the central principle of Islam and appears in the Shahada: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."

Key differences from Christianity:

• Islam emphasizes God's strict oneness — no Trinity, no incarnation
• Jesus is respected as a great prophet, not as God or Son of God
• God is entirely transcendent (beyond human understanding) but merciful and just

The Six Articles of Faith (Sunni)

Sunni Muslims affirm six key beliefs:

1. Tawhid: Oneness of God; absolute monotheism
2. Angels (Malaikah): Spiritual beings created from light who serve God; chief angel Jibril (Gabriel) delivered the Qur'an to Muhammad
3. Holy Books: Allah revealed scriptures to multiple prophets: Torah (to Moses), Psalms (to David), Gospel (to Jesus), Qur'an (to Muhammad). The Qur'an is the final and perfect revelation
4. Prophets & Messengers: Allah sent prophets throughout history (Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, etc.). Muhammad is the final prophet ("Seal of the Prophets")
5. Day of Judgment (Yawm ad-Din): All people will be resurrected and judged by Allah for their deeds. Believers enter Paradise; those who reject truth face punishment
6. Divine Decree (Al-Qadr): Allah has complete knowledge of all that will happen (predestination), yet humans have free will and responsibility

The Qur'an & Sunnah

The Qur'an: Believed by Muslims to be the literal word of Allah, revealed orally to Muhammad over 23 years. Written in classical Arabic. 114 chapters (surahs); 6,236 verses (ayahs).

Topics in the Qur'an: God's nature, prophets, law, ethics, family, commerce, warfare, forgiveness, mercy.

The Sunnah: The teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, recorded in collections called Hadith. The Sunnah shows how to apply Qur'anic principles in daily life.

Sharia (Islamic Law): Derived from four sources: Qur'an, Sunnah, Ijma (consensus), Qiyas (analogy). It governs all aspects of life: personal, family, business, crime, governance.

Predestination (Al-Qadr) & Human Responsibility

A key Islamic belief that puzzles non-Muslims: How can Allah know the future and predetermine all things, yet humans have free will and are responsible for their choices?

Islamic scholars explain: Allah's knowledge is different from human foreknowledge. Allah is outside time, so Allah's knowing what you'll choose doesn't make the choice unfree. It's like a video recorder watching a movie you've already made — the knowledge doesn't make you less responsible.

Humans are fully responsible for their actions (Qur'an 2:286: "Allah does not burden any person with more than they can bear").

Islamic Beliefs in Practice

How the Five Pillars express Islamic belief:

• Shahada (Declaration): "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger." Belief expressed verbally and lived daily
• Salah (Prayer): Five daily prayers show submission to Allah and keep believers in constant remembrance of God
• Zakat (Charity): Giving 2.5% of wealth to the poor purifies wealth and expresses belief that all belongs to Allah
• Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan): Refraining from food/drink during daylight develops self-discipline and empathy for the poor
• Hajj (Pilgrimage): All Muslims who are able should visit Makkah once in their lifetime, expressing unity and submission

In Y10–11, you'll explore how these practices flow from belief and shape Muslim identity and community.

Guidance

Consider: God's nature, prophecy, revelation, law, the afterlife. Why might understanding these differences matter?