For someone to be a true believer, their behaviors, conduct, and connection with God must all be transformed by their faith, which has permeated their heart.
Islam demands its adherents to lead lives of honesty, decency, humility, and dedication while continuously working to advance their spiritual well-being.
They sincerely uphold the teachings and customs of Islam and make an effort to live up to its moral and ethical norms.
۞ قَالَتِ ٱلْأَعْرَابُ ءَامَنَّا ۖ قُل لَّمْ تُؤْمِنُوا۟ وَلَـٰكِن قُولُوٓا۟ أَسْلَمْنَا وَلَمَّا يَدْخُلِ ٱلْإِيمَـٰنُ فِى قُلُوبِكُمْ ۖ وَإِن تُطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ لَا يَلِتْكُم مِّنْ أَعْمَـٰلِكُمْ شَيْـًٔا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌ ١٤
Some of˺ the nomadic Arabs say, “We believe.” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “You have not believed. But say, ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts.1 But if you obey Allah and His Messenger ˹wholeheartedly˺, He will not discount anything from ˹the reward of˺ your deeds. Allah is truly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
This verse emphasizes the distinction between inward faith (iman) and external submission (Islam).
II. The Six Articles of Faith (Arkan al-Iman)
The foundation of being a believer in Islam is belief in six fundamental principles, which are known as the Arkan al-Iman (The Articles of Faith).
These principles form the core of a Muslim’s creed and shape their worldview and relationship with the Creator. Every mu’min is required to believe in these six pillars of faith:
1. Belief in Allah (God)
The first and most important belief in Islam is belief in Allah, the One God. Allah is the creator, sustainer, and ruler of the entire universe.
“Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal; He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none comparable to Him.” (Qur’an, 112:1-4)
Islam is a strictly monotheistic religion, which emphasizes the oneness of God (Tawhid). A believer must affirm that there is no god but Allah and that He alone is worthy of worship.
2. Belief in the Angels (Mala’ika)
The second article of faith is belief in the angels created by Allah. Angels are divine beings created from light, who carry out specific tasks assigned to them by Allah.
They are messengers between God and the prophets, protectors of humans, and recorders of human actions.
Among the most significant angels in Islamic belief are:
– Jibril (Gabriel): The angel who brought the revelations to the Prophet Muhammad.
– Mikail (Michael): Responsible for bringing rain and sustenance.
– Israfil: The angel who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.
– Munkar and Nakir: The angels who question the dead in their graves.
Angels are obedient and do not possess free will like humans. For a believer, recognizing the existence of angels reinforces the understanding of the unseen world and the fact that everything in creation is intricately governed by Allah’s will.
3. Belief in the Divine Books
Muslims believe in all of the revelations that were sent by Allah to guide humanity.
This includes belief in the original forms of the previous scriptures like the Torah given to Moses(Mosa AS), the Psalms given to David(Da’ud AS), and the Gospel given to Jesus(Isa AS).
However, Muslims hold that these previous scriptures have been altered over time, and only the Qur’an, the final revelation given to Prophet Muhammad, remains unchanged and protected.
The Qur’an is the ultimate and final divine guidance for all of humanity, and it contains the complete and perfect message for human beings to follow. A true believer upholds the sanctity of the Qur’an and strives to live in accordance with its teachings.
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ ٩
“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder [Qur’an], and indeed, We will preserve it.” (Qur’an, 15:9)
4. Belief in the Prophets (Nabi and Rasul)
Muslims believe in all the prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity, beginning with Adam and ending with the Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded as the Seal of the Prophets.
In total, Islam recognizes 25 prophets mentioned in the Qur’an, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus.
All of these prophets conveyed the message of monotheism and called people to worship Allah alone.
However, Prophet Muhammad holds a special status as the final prophet. His life and teachings, preserved in the Hadith, serve as the perfect example for Muslims to emulate.
مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍۢ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمًۭا ٤٠
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets.” (Qur’an, 33:40)
Belief in the prophets entails respecting them, honoring their message, and following their guidance as models of righteousness and devotion to God.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah)
A key component of Islamic faith is belief in the afterlife and the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe that this life is temporary and a test, and that after death, they will be resurrected to stand before Allah and be judged for their actions.
The Day of Judgment will be a day of accountability, where individuals will be held responsible for every deed, word, and thought. The righteous will be rewarded with eternal paradise (Jannah), while those who rejected God and committed evil will face punishment in hell (Jahannam).
إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى ٱللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍۢ سَلِيمٍۢ ٨٩
“The Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit anyone, except for one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Qur’an, 26:88-89)
Belief in the Day of Judgment instills in the believer a sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions. It motivates them to live a life of righteousness, justice, and compassion.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr)
The final article of faith is belief in qadr, or divine decree. Muslims believe that everything in the universe happens by Allah’s will and according to His perfect knowledge.
This includes both the good and the bad that befalls a person. While human beings have free will and are responsible for their actions, nothing happens without Allah’s permission.
This belief teaches Muslims to trust in Allah’s wisdom and to remain patient and grateful in all circumstances.
They recognize that hardships and trials are a part of life, but that ultimately, Allah is in control, and His plan is always just and wise.
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَآ إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَىٰنَا ۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٥١
“Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (Qur’an, 9:51)
III. The Five Pillars of Islam
While the Articles of Faith form the core beliefs of a believer in Islam, these beliefs must also be put into action.
The practical manifestation of belief is seen in adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam, which are obligatory acts of worship that every Muslim must perform.
1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
The Shahada is the central creed of Islam and the ultimate testimony of faith. A believer declares:
“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
This statement encapsulates the essence of Islamic belief, affirming both the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. For one to be considered a true believer, they must sincerely affirm the Shahada and live by its meaning.
2. Salah (Prayer)
Salah, the five daily prayers, is one of the most important obligations in Islam. A believer must perform these prayers at specific times throughout the day:
– Fajr (before dawn)
– Dhuhr (midday)
– Asr (afternoon)
– Maghrib (sunset)
– Isha (night)
Prayer is a direct link between the believer and Allah. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and submission.
Through Salah, a believer remains constantly aware of their dependence on Allah and reinforces their faith and humility.
3. Zakat (Charity)
Zakat is the obligatory giving of a portion of one’s wealth to those in need, typically 2.5% of a Muslim’s accumulated wealth.
It is a means of purifying one’s wealth and fulfilling the duty to support the less fortunate in society.
The giving of Zakat is a profound act of compassion and social justice, which reflects a believer’s commitment to caring for others.
“Take from their wealth a charity by which
you purify them and cause them to increase.” (Qur’an, 9:103)
4. Sawm (Fasting)
During the month of Ramadan, a believer must fast from dawn until sunset.
This includes abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours.
Fasting is an act of worship that teaches self-discipline, patience, and empathy for the less fortunate.
Fasting also serves as a reminder of the believer’s dependence on Allah and deepens their spiritual awareness.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.
The pilgrimage is a powerful act of worship that symbolizes unity, humility, and submission to Allah.
During Hajj, millions of believers from around the world gather, wearing simple white garments, standing as equals before Allah.
It is a time for reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.
IV. The Character of a Believer
A believer in Islam is not only defined by their adherence to the pillars of faith and practice but also by their character.
The Qur’an and Hadith place immense importance on moral conduct, highlighting qualities such as truthfulness, honesty, patience, kindness, and humility as essential traits of a mu’min.
The Prophet Muhammad said:
“The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.” (Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat)
The believer is someone who strives to embody the best of character, not only in their worship but also in their interactions with others.
They are conscious of their responsibilities towards their family, neighbors, community, and society at large.
In addition, a believer is encouraged to reflect on the concept of taqwa (God-consciousness), which means being mindful of Allah at all times, whether in public or in private.
This awareness motivates the believer to act righteously, avoid wrongdoing, and maintain a close relationship with Allah.
Conclusion
In summary, a believer in Islam (mu’min) is someone who internalizes and acts upon the six articles of faith and the five pillars of Islam.
They affirm their belief in the oneness of Allah, the prophethood of Muhammad, the angels, divine books, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree.
Their faith is not merely intellectual but transforms their character, behavior, and relationships with others.
The true believer strives to embody the qualities of humility, integrity, patience, and compassion, while maintaining a close relationship with Allah through worship and obedience to His commands.
Through faith and practice, the mu’min seeks to fulfill their purpose in life: to worship Allah, live righteously, and attain eternal success in the Hereafter.
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