The basic creed of Islam is encapsulated in the statement of faith known as the Shahada, which serves as the foundational declaration of the Islamic faith. The Shahada is recited by Muslims as a testimony of their belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. The Shahada is as follows:
“La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah.”
This Arabic phrase can be translated to English as:
“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
This declaration emphasizes the monotheistic nature of Islam, affirming the belief in the absolute oneness of God (Allah) and acknowledging Prophet Muhammad as the last and final messenger sent by God to humanity. The Shahada is considered the core and essential creed in Islam, and it is recited by Muslims as a central part of their faith and worship.
let’s delve into more detail about the basic creed of Islam:
1. Tawhid (Oneness of God): The first part of the Shahada, “La ilaha illallah” translates to “There is no god but Allah.” This encapsulates the concept of Tawhid, which is the fundamental belief in the absolute oneness of God in Islam. It asserts that there is only one divine being, and all worship and devotion should be directed to this singular, indivisible God.
2. Prophethood of Muhammad (Peace be upon him): The second part of the Shahada, “Muhammadur rasulullah” translates to “Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” This affirms the belief that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last and final messenger sent by God to guide humanity. Muslims believe that he received divine revelations in the form of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and that his life serves as an exemplary model for righteous living.
3. Six Pillars of Faith (Iman): Beyond the Shahada, there are five additional beliefs that make up the Six Pillars of Faith, which are essential components of a Muslim’s belief system. These are:
– Belief in Allah’s angels: Muslims believe in the existence of angels as spiritual beings created by Allah to carry out specific tasks.
– Belief in Allah’s revealed books: This includes belief in the original scriptures, such as the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the final revelation, the Quran.
– Belief in Allah’s messengers: Muslims believe in all the messengers and prophets sent by Allah, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and others, culminating in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
– Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in the resurrection and a final day of judgment when individuals will be held accountable for their deeds.
– Belief in divine preordainment (Qadar): This encompasses the belief that everything, good or bad, is predestined by the will of Allah.
These beliefs collectively form the foundation of Islamic creed and provide a comprehensive framework for the faith and practice of Muslims worldwide. The Shahada, however, remains the succinct expression of the core tenet of Islam, emphasizing the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
### Additional Concepts:
– Salah (Prayer): Muslims engage in regular ritual prayers, called Salah, as a means of maintaining a direct connection with Allah. These prayers serve as a constant reminder of one’s faith and submission to God.
– Zakat (Charity): Islam emphasizes the importance of charity and the obligation to help those in need. Zakat, a form of almsgiving, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The combination of these beliefs and practices provides a comprehensive framework for the life of a Muslim, guiding both individual conduct and societal interactions. The emphasis on monotheism, divine guidance through prophethood, and the moral accountability of individuals shapes the worldview of Islam. The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad provide detailed guidance on various aspects of life, ethics, and spirituality for Muslims to follow.
The basic creed of Islam, as encapsulated in the Shahada, is considered a fundamental and unchanging aspect of the Islamic faith. The Shahada affirms the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, and it is regarded as the central declaration of faith for Muslims.
While individuals may explore and deepen their understanding of Islam, conversion to Islam typically involves the sincere acceptance and proclamation of the Shahada. Once a person embraces Islam, the Shahada becomes a foundational and unalterable expression of their faith. It is not something that Muslims generally change or modify.
It’s important to note that within the framework of Islam, there is room for individuals to deepen their knowledge, engage in personal spiritual growth, and seek a better understanding of the faith. However, the core tenets of the Shahada remain constant, reflecting the essence of Islamic monotheism and the belief in the finality of prophethood with Muhammad.
If you have specific questions or concerns related to personal faith, it is advisable to seek guidance from knowledgeable religious scholars, local Islamic authorities, or a mosque community for more personalized advice and support.
let’s explore these aspects of the Islamic creed in more detail:
### 1. Tawhid (Oneness of God):
– Absolute Monotheism: Tawhid is the central and defining concept in Islam, emphasizing the absolute oneness and uniqueness of God (Allah). Muslims believe in a single, indivisible God with no partners, associates, or equals.
– Rejecting Polytheism: Islam strongly rejects polytheism (associating partners with God) and considers it the gravest sin. The Islamic declaration of faith, the Shahada, reflects this commitment to monotheism.
### 2. Prophethood of Muhammad (Peace be upon him):
– Finality of Prophethood: Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last and final messenger in a line of prophets that includes figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. His role was to convey the complete and final message of Islam.
– The Quran as Divine Revelation: Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years through the angel Gabriel. The Quran serves as a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life.
### 3. Six Pillars of Faith (Iman):
– Belief in Angels: Angels are spiritual beings created by Allah to carry out specific tasks. They play roles such as recording human deeds, delivering messages, and serving in the divine plan.
– Belief in Divine Books: Muslims believe in the original scriptures revealed by God, including the Torah (to Moses), the Psalms (to David), the Gospel (to Jesus), and the Quran (to Muhammad).
– Belief in Prophets and Messengers: The belief extends to all the prophets and messengers sent by God throughout history to guide humanity. Each prophet had a specific message for their community.
– Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in life after death and a final day when all individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their actions. This concept encourages ethical behavior and responsibility in this life.
– Belief in Divine Preordainment (Qadar): Muslims believe that everything, both good and bad, is predestined by the divine will of Allah. This includes individual destinies, events, and the concept of free will within the framework of divine knowledge.