Basic Beliefs of Islam

Summary

In this interview, Dr. Mhar Hussein, CEO of The Academia Institute in Nottingham, discusses the fundamental beliefs of Islam. He explains that 'Iman' (faith) involves unwavering belief in one Almighty God, with core elements including belief in Angels, Prophets, the Quran, the Afterlife, and Predestination. Dr. Hussein clarifies the various Islamic creeds, notably those of Hanafi, Ashari, and Humbly schools, and emphasizes that belief shapes one’s worldview and guides actions. He also touches on the debate surrounding the increase or decrease of faith, noting that some view it as static, while others believe it can grow with one's deeds and connection to God.

Takeaways

• 😀 Belief in Islam, or 'Iman,' means accepting as truth the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly the belief in one Almighty God.
• 😀 The six core beliefs of Islam include belief in God, Angels, Messengers, Books, the Hereafter, and Predestination.
• 😀 All Islamic beliefs revolve around the central concept of belief in one Supreme, Almighty God, reinforcing the connection between God and humanity.
• 😀 The Glorious Quran is the primary source of Islamic beliefs, and Muslim scholars have worked to summarize these beliefs into creeds over time.
• 😀 Different Islamic traditions, like Hanafi, Ash'ari, and Hanbali, may express the same beliefs in slightly different styles or details, but the core beliefs are consistent.
• 😀 'Iman,' or belief, is akin to a worldview or lens through which Muslims perceive themselves, others, and the world around them.
• 😀 The concept of belief in Islam is tied to actions, meaning that belief in God must be expressed through deeds and behavior.
• 😀 Works (deeds) in Islam are a way to put faith into action and reflect a person’s relationship with God.
• 😀 Some Muslim scholars believe that faith (Iman) is an all-or-nothing concept, where once you cross a certain threshold, it doesn’t increase or decrease.
• 😀 Other scholars believe that faith can grow over time, as one’s deeds and connection with God evolve.
• 😀 Overall, faith in Islam is both a belief in God and a continuous process of developing a relationship with Him through actions and deeds.

Q & A

What does the Arabic word 'Iman' mean in the context of Islam?

In Islam, 'Iman' means to accept as truth whatever the Prophet Muhammad taught. It represents an unwavering belief in God and the teachings of Islam.

What is the primary belief in Islam according to Dr. Mhar Hussein?

The primary belief in Islam is the belief in one Almighty God. All other beliefs in Islam, including belief in angels, messengers, books, the Hereafter, and predestination, are centered around the belief in God.

What are the six basic beliefs of Islam?

The six basic beliefs of Islam are belief in God, belief in angels, belief in the messengers, belief in the holy books, belief in the Hereafter, and belief in predestination.

How do the six basic beliefs of Islam relate to the belief in God?

Each of the six beliefs revolves around the central belief in God. They are ways through which God communicates with humanity, helping people understand and connect with God.

What is the role of the Quran in understanding the basic beliefs of Islam?

The Quran is the primary source of knowledge about the basic beliefs of Islam. It provides the guidance, teachings, and principles on which the beliefs are based.

What is the significance of the Creed in Islam, and what is its relationship with the Quran?

The Creed in Islam, developed by scholars over the centuries, distills the teachings of the Quran into a more structured format. It helps Muslims succinctly understand and express the core beliefs of Islam.

What is the difference between the different Islamic Creeds, such as Hanafi, Ashari, and others?

The differences between the Islamic Creeds like Hanafi, Ashari, and others lie in the style, tone, and details of their interpretations. However, the core content of the beliefs remains the same.

How does belief in God shape a Muslim's worldview?

Belief in God provides Muslims with a worldview that shapes how they view themselves, others, and the world around them. It influences their attitudes, mindset, and understanding of reality.

How do works relate to belief in Islam?

In Islam, works or deeds are the expressions of a person's belief. They are actions that put faith into practice and reflect a person's relationship with God.

Can belief in Islam increase or decrease over time?

There is a debate among scholars about whether faith can increase or decrease. Some argue that once a person has entered Islam, their faith is fixed, while others believe that faith can grow with a deeper relationship and connection with God.