Introduction

Worship in Islam is a term which generally denotes obedience to the commands of Allah, whether those commands be related to speech, deeds, or beliefs. Creedal acts of worship are called the 'Articles of Faith', and they form the spiritual foundation upon which every Muslim's relationship with his Creator is built.

These six articles are not mere theoretical concepts; they shape a Muslim's worldview, govern his daily conduct, and provide the framework through which he understands existence, purpose, and destiny. This article presents each article with its proofs from the Qur'an and Sunnah, and the practical benefits that belief in each brings to the believer's life.

1. Belief in Allah

Belief in Allah entails that Allah is One and Unique in the following aspects:

[1] Oneness in His Lordship (Ruboobiyah)

This means that one must attest that Allah exists, and that He is the Creator of this universe, its Owner and its Proprietor, and the One Who disposes of all its affairs. He is the One Who causes all things in existence to occur; nothing comes into existence except if He wills it. Allah says:

"Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all that exists!" (7:54)

Allah has clarified that He is the only Creator, and that it is impossible that there be another Creator with Him. He says:

"No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Far removed is Allah from every imperfection!" (23:91)

[2] Oneness in His Right to Worship (Uloohiyah)

This means that one must certainly attest that Allah is the only true god Who deserves to be worshipped, and all acts must be dedicated to Him alone. One should not rely upon anyone besides Him, nor should a person supplicate to anyone besides Him. A person should only invoke Allah to relieve some harm or fulfill some need. Allah says:

"And We did not send any Messenger before you but We inspired him (saying): none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)." (21:25)

[3] Oneness in His Names and Attributes

This means that one must believe that Allah has the Most Beautiful Names and Attributes, and that He is only attributed with the best and most lofty of Names and Attributes, and that He is far removed from every imperfection. Allah says:

"And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny His Names." (7:180)

We believe and affirm what Allah has described Himself with, in addition to what His Messenger attributed to Him, all without drawing similarity or parallels between the attributes of Allah and those of His creatures, and without suspending, distorting, or denying the meaning of His names and attributes. Allah says:

"There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer." (42:11)

2. Belief in the Angels

This is to believe in the existence of another life form called angels. No one knows their exact number except Allah Himself. They obey Him, fulfill His commands, and guard over the universe and the creatures that dwell within. They carry out specific orders of Allah — from administration, observation, guarding and protecting — all according to Allah's Will and Order. Allah says:

"And by those Angels who arrange to do the Commands of their Lord." (79:5)
"And those [angels] who distribute [provisions, rain, and other blessings] by [Allah's] Command." (51:4)

The angels were created from light. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The angels were created from light, the Jinn were created from a smokeless flame of fire, and Adam was created from what was described to you (black dry clay)." (Muslim)

The angels are from the unseen world. Although they were created from light, they cannot be seen. Allah has however given them the ability to change their appearance in order to be seen and witnessed. Allah informs us that the angel Gabriel came to Mary in the form of a human, a fact also mentioned in the Bible. Allah says:

"She placed a screen [to screen herself] from them; then We sent to her a Spirit from us (Gabriel) and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. She said: 'Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.' (The Angel) said: 'I am only a Messenger from your Lord, [to announce] to you the gift of a righteous son.'" (19:17)

The Prophet saw Gabriel in the true form Allah created him. He had six hundred wings, and he had blocked the horizon due to his great size.

The angels have wings; some have two wings, others have three, while others have more than that. Allah says:

"All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the [only] Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, two or three and four. He increases in creation what He wills. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things." (35:1)

The angels constantly worship Allah, obey Him, and praise Him. Allah says:

"They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Praises night and day, [and] they never slacken [to do so]." (21:20)

The angels act as emissaries between Allah and His messengers amongst mankind. Allah says:

"Which the trustworthy Spirit (Gabriel) has brought down. Upon your heart [O Muhammad] that you may be [one] of the warners. In a plain Arabic language." (26:193-195)

The angels are not the children of Allah; but they must be respected and loved. Allah says:

"And they say: 'The Most Beneficent has begotten a child [from the angels].' Far removed is He from every imperfection! They (the angels), are but honored slaves. They speak not until He has spoken, and [then] they act on His Command." (21:26-27)

Some Angels and Their Tasks

Gabriel — Given the task of revelation. "Which the trustworthy Spirit (Gabriel) has brought down. Upon your heart [O Muhammad] that you may be [one] of the Warners." (26:193-4)

Michael — Assigned the task of rain and vegetation. "Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael — then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers." (2:96)

The Angel of Death — Given the task of collecting people's souls at the time of death. "Say: 'The Angel of Death who is set over you will take your souls, then you shall be brought back to your Lord.'" (32:11)

Israafeel — Given the task to blow the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection. "Then, when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask of one another." (23:101)

Malik — The Keeper of Hellfire. "And they will cry: 'O Malik! Let your Lord make an end of us.' He will say: 'Verily, you shall abide forever.'" (43:77)

The Zaabaaniyah — The angels given the task of punishing the inhabitants of Hellfire. "Then, let him call upon his council [of helpers], We will call the guards of Hell [to deal with him]!" (96:17-8)

The Recording Angels — Every human has been assigned two angels; one who records his good deeds, and the other who records his sins. Allah says: "[Remember!] That the two receivers receive, one sitting on the right and one on the left [to note his or her actions]. Not a word does he utter, but there is a watcher by him ready [to record it]." (50:17)

Ridhwaan — The Keeper of Paradise. There are also other angels charged with protecting humans. We must believe in them all.

The Benefits of Belief in the Angels

[1] We come to know the Magnificence of Allah, His ability, and His All-Encompassing Knowledge and Will, for indeed the magnificence of His creation is a proof of the magnificence of the Creator.

[2] When a Muslim feels that there are angels closely watching what he is saying and doing, and that everything he does is either for him or held against him, he is keen to perform righteous deeds and abstain from sins, whether he is alone or in public.

[3] One is saved from fables and superstitions held by those who have incorrect beliefs in regard to the Unseen world.

[4] One comes to know the Mercy which Allah shows to His righteous slaves.

3. Belief in Allah's Books

Allah revealed Heavenly Books to His Messengers to convey them to mankind. These Books, at the time of their revelation, contained nothing but the truth. In them was the Message of the Oneness of Allah: that there is no creator, administrator, or owner except Him, that all worship should be directed to Him and no one else, and that to Him belongs all excellent Names and Attributes. Allah says:

"Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice." (57:25)

A Muslim must believe in all the Heavenly Books and he must believe that they were originally from Allah. However, it is not lawful for him to abide by its laws, since these Books were revealed to specific nations during specific times.

The Scriptures of Abraham and Moses

The Qur'an has given a brief insight about the religious fundamentals found in these scriptures. Allah says:

"Or, has he not been informed of what is in the scriptures of Moses? And [of] Abraham who fulfilled (the commandments): That no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another; and that man shall have nothing but what he strives for; and that his striving shall soon be seen; then shall be rewarded for it with the fullest reward; and that to your Lord is the goal." (53:36-42)

The Torah

The Torah is the Sacred Book which was revealed to Moses. Allah says:

"Verily, We did send down the Torah [to Moses], therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to Allah's Will, judged the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests [too judged the Jews by the Torah after those Prophets] for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's Book, and they were witnesses thereto. Therefore, fear not men but fear Me and sell not My Verses for a miserable price." (5:44)

The Zaboor (Psalms)

The Zaboor is the Scripture revealed to David. Allah says: "...and to David We gave the Zaboor." (4:163)

The Injeel (Gospel)

The Injeel is the Sacred Book which was revealed to Jesus. Allah says:

"And in their footsteps, We sent Jesus, son of Mary, confirming the Torah that had come before him. And We gave him the Injeel, in which was guidance and light and confirmation of the Torah that had come before it, a guidance and an admonition for the Allah-fearing." (5:46)

The Noble Qur'an

One must believe that the Qur'an is the Speech of Allah which Gabriel brought to Muhammad in clear Arabic language. Allah says:

"Which the trustworthy Spirit (Gabriel) has brought down. Upon your heart [O Muhammad] that you may be [one] of the warners. In a plain Arabic language." (26:193-5)

The Qur'an is different than the Heavenly Books that preceded it in the following ways:

a) The Qur'an is the last of the Heavenly Books, confirming the previous Books. "And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and a witness over it." (5:48)

b) All previous Books were abrogated by the Qur'an. Its teachings are divine, final, everlasting and suitable for all times and places. "This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." (5:3)

c) It was revealed to all of mankind, not a specific nation. "And We have not sent you except to all of mankind, as a giver of glad tidings and a warner." (34:28)

d) Its recitation, memorization and teaching are regarded as acts of worship. The Messenger said: "Whoever recites one letter of the Qur'an, he will receive ten rewards. I do not mean that 'Alif Laam Meem' is one letter, rather, 'Alif' is a letter, 'Laam' is a letter, and 'Meem' is a letter." (at-Tirmidhi)

e) The Qur'an includes all the legislations which are needed to reform society.

f) It is a historical account explaining the series of religions which were revealed to the various prophets and messengers.

g) Allah has preserved the Qur'an from all distortions. "Indeed it is We ourselves Who have sent down the Remembrance and surely, it is We Who shall guard it [from distortion]." (15:9)

h) As for the other Books, Allah did not promise to protect them, for they were revealed to a particular people in a particular time. For that reason, they were distorted.

The Benefits of Belief in Allah's Books

[1] One realizes the mercy and love Allah has for His slaves, since He revealed to them Books which guide them to the Path which leads to His Pleasure. He safeguarded man from confusion and from the evil of Satan.

[2] One realizes the great wisdom of Allah, since He gave each nation a set of laws that suited them during their times.

[3] To distinguish true believers from those who are not. It is incumbent upon one who believes in his own Book to believe in the other Heavenly Books as well.

[4] To increase the good deeds of the Believers; for the one who believes in his Book and the Books that came after his Book receive his reward twice. Allah says: "These will be given their reward twice over, because they are patient, and repel evil with good, and spend out of that which We have provided them." (28:52-4)

4. Belief in the Messengers

One must believe that Allah chose the finest amongst mankind to be Messengers whom He sent to His creation with specific legislations: to worship and obey Allah and to establish His religion and His Oneness. Allah says:

"And We did not send any Messenger before you but We inspired him (saying): none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)." (21:25)

They are bearers of glad-tidings of the Pleasure of Allah and His Paradise, which is reserved for those who believe in them and their teachings. They are also sent as warners to their peoples, to warn them of the anger of Allah and His punishment. Allah says:

"And We send not the Messengers but as givers of glad tidings and as warners. So whosoever believes and does righteous good deeds, upon such shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve. But those who reject Our verses, the torment will touch them for their disbelief." (6:48-9)

There are many Prophets and Messengers; no one knows their exact number except Allah. Allah says: "And, indeed We have sent Messengers before you; of some of them We have related to you their story, and of some We have not related to you their story." (40:78)

One must believe in all of them and that they were human; they were not supernatural beings. Allah says:

"And We sent not before you but men to whom We inspired, so ask the people of the Reminder (Scriptures) if you do not know. And We did not create them (the Messengers) [with] bodies that ate not food, nor were they immortal." (21:8)

Allah says about Muhammad: "Say: 'I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your God is One God. So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.'" (18:110)

And He said about Jesus: "The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a believer. They both used to eat food (as any other human being, while Allah does not eat)." (5:75)

They do not have any attributes resembling Allah's. They can neither extend benefit, nor cause harm. They have no control over the universe. Allah says:

"Say: 'I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except as Allah wills. If I had the knowledge of the Unseen, I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me.'" (7:188)

They fulfilled the trust and fully conveyed the message of Allah. They are the most knowledgeable and most pious of creation. Allah protected them from lying and treachery. Allah says: "And it was not for a Messenger to bring a sign except by Allah's Leave." (13:38)

If one believes in some while he disbelieves in others, he has committed an act of disbelief and can no longer be considered a Muslim. Allah says:

"Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers saying, 'We believe in some but reject others,' and wish to adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment." (4:150-1)

The Prophets Named in the Qur'an

The Qur'an has mentioned the names of twenty-five prophets and messengers. Allah says:

"And that was Our Proof which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All Wise, All Knowing. And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob, each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. Thus do We reward the good doers. Zachariah, and John and Jesus and Elias, each one of them was of the righteous. And Ishmael and Elijah, and Jonah and Lot, and each one of them We preferred above all of the creation." (6:83-6)

Allah also mentions Adam, Hud, Salih, Shu'aib, and Enoch. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the last and final Messenger; no Messenger will come after him until the Final Day. Allah says: "Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the Prophets." (33:40)

Allah calls some of the Messengers "Ulul-'Azm" (those of strong determination): Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad — the most determined in conveying the Message. Allah says: "And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you, and from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, son of Mary." (33:7)

Who is Muhammad?

His name is Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Abdul-Muttalib bin Haashim. His Kunyah is Abul-Qaasim. He was from the Arab tribe of Quraish whose ancestry traces back to 'Adnaan, from the children of Ishmael, the Prophet of Allah and son of Abraham.

The Prophet said: "Indeed Allah chose the tribe of Kinaanah over other tribes from the children of Ishmael; He chose the Quraish over other tribes of Kinaanah; He chose Banu Haashim over the other families of the Quraish; and He chose me from Banu Haashim." (Muslim)

He was born in the year 571 C.E. in the honored city of Mecca. His whole life exemplified truth and trustworthiness. He never told a lie, acted treacherously, or deceived anyone. Even before he received revelation, he was known amongst his people as "The Truthful" and "The Trustworthy." He was of excellent character and manners, eloquent in speech, and always wished well for others. Allah describes him, saying:

"And verily, you are on an exalted standard of character." (68:4)

He received his first revelation from Allah at the age of forty, and he remained in Mecca thereafter for thirteen years calling to the worship of Allah alone. He then migrated to Medina and called its people to Islam, where they accepted it. Allah revealed the remaining legislations there. He conquered Mecca eight years after his migration, and he died when he was sixty-three, after having been revealed the entire Qur'an by Allah. All the legislations of the Religion were revealed, completed and perfected, and the majority of Arabs accepted Islam.

The Benefits of Belief in the Messengers

[1] One realizes the mercy and love Allah has for His slaves; since He sent to them Messengers who conveyed to them His religion. They in themselves were examples whom people followed.

[2] To distinguish the believers who are truthful in their Faith from others; for it is incumbent upon one who believes in his own Messenger to believe in other Messengers who are mentioned in his Book.

[3] Those who believe in their Messengers and then believe in Muhammad receive double reward.

5. Belief in the Last Day

One must believe that the life of this world will come to an end. Allah says:

"Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish." (55:26)

When Allah wills this world to come to an end, He will order Angel Israafeel to blow the Trumpet. At that point, everything on Earth will perish. Then, He will order him to blow it again, and upon that, all people will rise from their graves in their bodies, all over the world, from the time of Adam. Allah says:

"And the Trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will collapse and die, except him whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown a second time and behold, they will be standing, looking on (waiting)." (39:68)

Belief in the Last Day constitutes belief in everything that Allah and His Messenger has informed us of:

[1] The Life of the Barzakh

The Barzakh denotes the time after one's death until the Last Day. In it, the believer will live a life of pleasure, while the disbelievers will be punished. Allah says: "The Fire; they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon, and on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the Angels): 'Make Pharaoh's people enter the severest torment!'" (40:46)

[2] Resurrection

Allah will resurrect mankind, naked, barefooted, and uncircumcised. Allah says: "The disbelievers claim that they will never be resurrected. Say: Yes! By my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will be informed of what you did, and that is easy for Allah." (64:7)

The Qur'an affirms this fact by striking many examples: contemplating how Allah brings dead earth to life; pondering over the creation of the heavens and earth; reflecting on how a person wakes up after sleep (called "the lesser death"); and pondering over his own creation.

[3] The Gathering

Allah will gather all creation together and call them to account. Allah says: "And (remember) the Day We shall cause the mountains to pass away, and you will see the earth as a leveled plain, and we shall gather them all together so as to leave not one of them behind." (18:47)

[4] Brought Before Allah in Ranks

"And they shall be brought before your Lord, standing in ranks: Now certainly you have come to Us as We created you at first. Nay, you thought that We had not appointed to you a time of the fulfillment of the promise." (18:48)

[5] Limbs Will Bear Witness

"Till, when they reach it (Hellfire), their hearing and their eyes, and their skins will testify against them as to what they used to do. And they will say to their skins, 'Why do you testify against us?' They will say: 'Allah has caused us to speak, He causes all things to speak: and He created you the first time, and to Him you are made to return.'" (41:20-2)

[6] The Questioning

"But stop them; verily they are to be questioned. 'What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)?' Nay, but that Day they shall surrender." (37:24-6)

[7] The Siraat (Bridge over Hell)

"There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell); this is with your Lord a Decree which must be accomplished." (19:71)

[8] The Weighing of Deeds

"And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We to take account." (21:47)

[9] The Handing Out of Scrolls and Books

"Then, as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand, he surely will receive an easy reckoning. And he will return to his family in joy! But whosoever is given his Record behind his back, he will invoke (his) destruction. And he shall enter a blazing Fire..." (84:7-12)

[10] Paradise and Hellfire

People will be rewarded with Paradise or Hellfire in an everlasting and eternal life. Allah says:

"Verily those who disbelieve from among the people of the Book and the pagans will abide in the Fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures. Verily, those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are the best of creatures. Their reward with their Lord is the Paradise of Eden, underneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein forever. Allah will be pleased with them, and they with Him. That is for him who fears his Lord." (98:6-8)

[11] The Prophetic Reservoir, Intercession, and More

One must also believe in the prophetic reservoir (Hawd), intercession, and all other things of which the Messenger of Allah informed us.

The Benefits of Belief in the Last Day

[1] It makes one prepare himself for that Day by performing good deeds, and competing therein, and abstaining from sinful acts and fearing His punishment.

[2] It comforts the believers; since they know if they forgo something in this world, Allah rewards them with something better in the Hereafter.

[3] To distinguish the believers who are truthful in their faith from those who are not.

6. Belief in Qadaa & Qadar

One must believe that Allah knew everything before it came into being, as well as what would occur afterwards. He then brought them into existence, all in accordance to His Knowledge and Decree. Allah says:

"Verily, We have created all things with Qadar." (54:49)

Everything which occurred in the past, which is occurring in the present, and what will occur in the future is known to Allah before it came into existence. Allah then brought it into being, all in accordance to His Will and Decree. The Messenger of Allah said:

"A person is not a believer until he believes in the Divine Decree, its good and its evil consequences — until he knows that whatever happened to him would have never missed him, and what missed him would never have occurred." (at-Tirmidhi)

The Benefits of Belief in Qadaa & Qadar

[1] It eases the effects of calamities and eliminates the feeling of regret. Allah says: "No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees, before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah. In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to obtain, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you." (57:22-3)

[2] It encourages knowledge and exploration of what Allah created in this universe. Afflictions, such as disease, drive humans to seek a cure, and this is done by searching for the sources of medicine which Allah created.

[3] It eases the effects of calamities and eliminates the feeling of regret. If someone loses money in a business, this is considered a hardship. If a person is sorrowful after that, this would lead to two hardships. If one believes in the Divine Decree, he would be pleased with the results no matter what. The Prophet said:

"The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, and in each one there is good. Be keen to do what benefits you and seek Allah's help... And if any mishap befalls you, do not say, 'If only I had done such and such,' but rather say, 'This is from the Divine Decree of Allah, and whatever He Wills He does,' for indeed, 'if' opens the door for Satan's works." (Muslim)

The Prophet also said to a young companion:

"Guard Allah's commandments and He will guard you. Guard Allah's commandments, you will find Him in front of you. And if you ask, then ask Allah, and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah. Know that if the whole world was to gather to help you, they would never be able to help you except with something which Allah has already written for you. And if the whole world gathered to cause you some harm, they would not be able to harm you except with something which Allah has already written for you. The pens have been lifted, and the scrolls have dried." (at-Tirmidhi)

Belief in the Divine Decree is not, as some mistakenly think, a call to put one's trust in Allah without striving or fulfilling the means. Rather, it is belief that Allah has decreed all things, while simultaneously taking the necessary means and striving in accordance with the commands of Allah.

Conclusion

These Six Articles of Faith form the spiritual backbone of a Muslim's creed. They are not passive beliefs but active convictions that transform how one worships, interacts, endures hardship, and hopes for the future. From the magnificence of Allah's Oneness to the certainty of the Last Day, each article deepens the believer's connection to his Creator and his purpose in this life. As the Prophet taught, Ihsaan is "to worship Allah as though you see Him" — and these articles provide the lens through which that vision becomes possible.