Understanding the foundation of Islamic belief
The importance of faith in Islam becomes profoundly evident when we examine the core tenets of this religion. Among the Five Pillars of Islam, the declaration of faith (Shahadah) holds a position of unparalleled significance. It is prohibited in Islam to compel someone into accepting the faith, as true acceptance must come from the heart. One has to sincerely testify and acknowledge the words of the shahada to become Muslim.
The shahada stands as the foremost and pivotal pillar of Islam. It represents the core belief and a sincere declaration of faith and trust in which a person acknowledges and affirms that:
The meaning of Shahada in Islam is encapsulated in its two distinct parts. The first part means that "none is worthy to be worshipped but Allah Almighty alone, and that Allah Almighty has neither partner nor son". The second part of the belief asserts that Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is the last Messenger of Allah Almighty.
Muslims believe in the finality of Prophethood with the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as the "Last of all Prophets." This belief signifies that His Prophethood confirms and completes all the messages revealed to earlier Prophets, starting from Prophet Adam (Peace Be Upon Him).
Sayyiduna Ubada bin Samit (May Allah Almighty Be Pleased With Him) narrated about the virtue of the declaration of faith: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) saying, " If anyone testifies that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is God's messenger, God will keep him from going to hell. " (Mishkat al-Masabih, Kitab ul Iman, Chapter 3, Hadith: 36, Vol. 1, p. 28)
Sayyiduna al-Haaj Maulana Abdul Mustafa al-A'zami (May Allah Almighty Have Mercy Upon Him) states in his famous book "Bahisht ki Kunjiyan": "This is the foundational phrase of Islam upon which the entire edifice of Islam stands. This phrase is undoubtedly not only a deed that leads to Paradise but also the essence and foundation of all righteous deeds that lead to Paradise." (Bahisht ki Kunjiyan, p. 33, Maktabat al-Madina Publication)
There are 2 types of the descriptions of faith:
I solemnly declare my belief in Allah Almighty as He is with all His names and attributes, and I have accepted (to obey) all His commandments by pledging with my tongue and testifying them with my heart.
I believe in Allah Almighty, His Angels, His (revealed) Books, His Prophets, the Day of Judgment and (I believe that) good and bad destiny is from Allah Almighty and (I believe that) there will be resurrection after death.
To fully grasp the essence of Islam, it is essential to internalize the profound significance of Tawhid in Islam, the cornerstone of belief in the Oneness of Allah Almighty. Moreover, this understanding should be accompanied by a sincere recognition of the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), completing the tapestry of faith in Islam.
Allah Almighty, is One, with no partners in His divinity, works, commandments, or names. He is 'Waajib-ul-Wujood', eternal (al-Qadeem) and everlasting (al-Baaqi). He alone deserves boundless praise and worship, while everything in the universe relies on Him.
Being a Muslim one should have faith in the Angels (Peace Be Upon Them) of Allah Almighty. Angels (Peace Be Upon Them) are genderless, they neither eat, drink, marry, nor reproduce. They are composed of light, allowing them to assume different forms, though they refrain from doing so against the command of Allah Almighty.
Allah Almighty revealed many scriptures and Heavenly Books to numerous Prophets. From them, 4 are very famous:
The Taurat (Torah) revealed to Prophet Musa (Peace Be Upon Him)
The Zabur (Psalms) revealed to Prophet Dawood (David) (Peace Be Upon Him).
The Injeel (Bible) revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus) (Peace Be Upon Him).
The Glorious Quran revealed to our Beloved Prophet Sayyiduna Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the Seal of the Prophets.
While all the words of Allah Almighty are equally sacred, the Holy Quran holds a unique position as the most rewarding and significant among them.
In Muslim religion beliefs, it is crucial to understand and appreciate the virtues and qualities of the Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them), just as it is essential to know about the Attributes of Allah Almighty. Having a sound knowledge of Prophethood in Islam helps in avoiding misconceptions and misleading beliefs, ensuring that one does not say anything that might degrade or disrespect the Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them).
All the Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them), were men, chosen by Allah Almighty, to receive Divine Revelation for the guidance of humanity. They are also known as Apostles or Messengers of Allah Almighty.
Throughout history, no woman has been accorded the status of a Prophet, as it was not obligatory for Allah Almighty to send Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them). However, out of His immense kindness, Allah Almighty sent the Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them) to guide mankind. A Prophet is entrusted with receiving Divine Revelation (Wahi), whether conveyed by Angels or through other means.
Throughout history, Allah Almighty, sent down numerous Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them), to provide guidance to humanity. This divine guidance began with Prophet Adam (Peace Be Upon Him) and continued until Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). While some of these Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them) are mentioned specifically in the Holy Quran, many others are not explicitly named in it.
The Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them) who have been given prominence in the Holy Quran are:
The exact number of Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them), sent down by Allah Almighty, for the guidance of humanity is not definitively known, and opinions on this matter may vary. The safest approach is to believe that Allah Almighty sent approximately 124,000 Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them), without specifying an exact figure.
The concept of life after death, as explained in the Holy Quran, aligns with humanity's moral consciousness. Without it, belief in Allah Almighty would lose meaning, and justice would be absent, with no accountability for actions.
The basic beliefs of Islam teach that our present life is a test, preparing us for the eternal realm that follows. A day will come when the universe will be destroyed and recreated, and all the deceased will be resurrected for judgment before Allah Almighty.
Allah Almighty is the Most Just and will reward or punish individuals according to their deeds, especially for those who commit terrible crimes and oppress others. As this life is short and actions affect many, complete justice and retribution cannot be achieved in this world. The Holy Quran assures the Day of Judgment, where each soul's fate will be decided by Allah Almighty.
Every human being desires justice, even if they don't always uphold it for others. Tyrants and oppressors who inflict suffering on others will object strongly if any injustice is done to them. Anyone who has experienced injustice, regardless of their social status, seeks punishment for the wrongdoer.
While many criminals are punished, some escape with light consequences or are set free, leading comfortable lives. However, Allah Almighty, may not punish them in this world, but on the Day of Judgment, they will be held accountable and face punishment for their actions. Except that they repent or Allah Almighty shows mercy upon them.
In this world, justice and reward for good deeds are often incomplete. Earthly compensation cannot adequately repay those who have shown immense courage, done great good, or endured hardships for the truth. These acts can only be fully repaid in an eternal life where every individual affected by one's actions will bear witness, and one's innermost thoughts and intentions will be precisely judged by Allah Almighty, the All-Knowing.
Islamic beliefs and practices in the Hereafter are logical, as Allah Almighty has instilled in us a desire for justice and righteousness, even if we cannot always attain it in this world. This life is just one part of our existence, and the Hereafter provides the necessary balance and absolute justice promised by Allah Almighty. Whatever is missing or gained unlawfully here will find its resolution there.
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