Islamic doctrine is often summarized in "Six Articles of Faith." These are the fundamental beliefs which every Muslim must ascribe to:
1. One God (Allah)
The central belief in Islam, and arguably the most important theme of Islam, is that there is one God. The Muslim name for God is "Allah," which is Arabic for "the (al) God (Ilah)."
2. The angels of God
Angels in Islam are spiritual creatures that serve the purposes of Allah. They are messengers who relay communication to people and carry out other responsibilities. Angels, such as Gabriel (thought to be the same Gabriel as the one read about in the Christian New Testament), is mentioned in the Quran. Angels are often found in Islam art, revealing their importance to the Islamic worldview.
3. The books of God, especially the Qur'an
The Quran is the most important writing in the religion of Islam and is the highest authority in both religious and legal matters. The word "Quran" means "recitation" in Arabic. Muslims believe the Quran to be an errorless record of the angel Gabriel's revelations to Muhammad, from 610 until his death in 632 AD. It is also believed to be a perfect copy of a Quran that has existed eternally in paradise.
4. The prophets of God, especially Muhammad
Muhammad is the most important historical and theological figure in Islam. His name, which means "highly praised," reflects this. Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 AD. His father died before he was born and his mother died when he was six-years-old. Muhammad was then raised primarily by his uncle, for whom he worked as a shepherd.
5. The Day of Judgment (or the afterlife)
The afterlife is very important to the Islamic worldview. Muslims believe in the continued existence of the soul and a transformed physical existence after death. Islam teaches that there will be a day of judgment when all humans will be divided between the eternal destinations of Paradise and Hell.
6. The supremacy of God's will (or predestination)
Islam teaches that God not only foreknows, but also foreordains all that comes to pass in the world and in the lives of individuals. References
- - "Six Articles of Faith." ProIslam.com. 2005.
- "Basics of Becoming a Muslim." Islamicity. 2005.