Marcus sat across from his Muslim coworker Amin during lunch, genuinely curious. They’d worked together for two years, and he’d noticed he prayed at specific times, fasted during Ramadan, and talked about his faith naturally—never preachy, just… present. Finally, he asked: “So what exactly do Muslims believe? Like, what’s at the core of your faith?”
Amin paused, fork halfway to his mouth. It wasn’t a hostile question—he genuinely wanted to understand. But where do you even start?
He could’ve listed the Five Pillars (prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, shahada). But those are actions—what Muslims do. Marcus was asking about something deeper: what do Muslims actually believe about God, life, and reality itself?
That’s where the Six Pillars of Faith come in.
Maybe you’re like Marcus—curious about what Muslims actually believe beyond the stereotypes and headlines. Or maybe you’re a new Muslim trying to understand your own faith more deeply. Perhaps you’re a born Muslim who’s never really explored why these beliefs matter, not just that you’re supposed to believe them.
Here’s what I discovered researching Islamic theology from Quran, authentic hadiths, and classical scholars: these six beliefs aren’t random doctrines Muslims memorized. They’re a complete worldview that answers the biggest questions humans have ever asked. Who created us? Why are we here? What happens when we die? Is there justice? Do our choices matter?
This article breaks down each of the Six Pillars of Faith in plain English—what they mean, why they matter, and how they transform how you see everything.
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What You’ll Learn:
- The six core beliefs every Muslim must hold
- What each pillar of faith actually means in practical terms
- How these beliefs answer life’s biggest questions
- The difference between Pillars of Faith (beliefs) and Pillars of Islam (actions)
- Why these six beliefs create a complete, coherent worldview
Sources Referenced:
- Quran 2:285, 4:136 on the articles of faith
- Sahih Muslim hadith of Angel Jibril (AS) defining faith
- Classical scholars: Imam Al-Nawawi (RH), Ibn Kathir (RH), Al-Ghazali (RH)
- Contemporary explanations making beliefs accessible
Read Time: 11 minutes
The Foundation: What Faith Means in Islam
Look, before we dive into the six pillars, you need to understand what “faith” (iman) means in Islam.
It’s not blind belief. It’s not checking boxes on a creed you don’t understand. The Arabic word iman comes from a root meaning “to believe, to trust, to have certainty.” Real faith in Islam has three components:
1. Belief in the heart — You’re genuinely convinced these things are true, not just pretending.
2. Declaration with the tongue — You affirm your beliefs openly when needed.
3. Action with the limbs — Your faith shows in how you live (prayers, good character, avoiding evil).
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained this beautifully when Angel Jibril (AS) came to teach the Companions (RA) about their religion. In one of the most famous hadiths in Islam, recorded in Sahih Muslim, Angel Jibril (AS) appeared in human form and asked: “Tell me about iman (faith).”
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: “Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine decree—both the good and bad of it.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 1)
That’s it. Those six beliefs are the foundation of what it means to be Muslim. Everything else builds on them.
And here’s something profound: these aren’t arbitrary. Each pillar answers a fundamental question about existence. Together, they form a worldview that’s internally consistent, intellectually satisfying, and spiritually transformative.
Let’s break them down one by one.
Pillar 1: Belief in Allah (Tawhid)
This is the foundation of everything. Muslims believe in one God—not just “there’s probably some higher power out there,” but absolute certainty in the existence and oneness of Allah (SWT).
The Quran states this explicitly:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” (Quran 112:1-4)
بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِیمِ قُلۡ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One,
[112:1]
This is called Tawhid—the concept of Allah’s (SWT) absolute oneness and uniqueness. It’s not just monotheism (one god instead of many gods). It’s something more comprehensive. Tawhid means:
Allah (SWT) is One in His essence — There’s no trinity, no partners, no divisions in His being.
Allah (SWT) is One in His attributes — All perfection belongs to Him. He’s all-knowing, all-powerful, all-merciful, eternal, self-sufficient. Nothing and no one shares these attributes at His level.
Allah (SWT) is One in His right to be worshipped — Only He deserves worship. Not angels, not prophets, not saints, not idols, not your own desires. Just Him.
But here’s what makes Islamic monotheism unique: Allah (SWT) isn’t some distant, uninvolved force. The Quran describes Him as closer to you than your jugular vein (Quran 50:16). He hears your prayers directly—no intermediary needed. He knows your struggles. He forgives when you repent.
“And when My servants ask you concerning Me—indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Quran 2:186)
SubhanAllah. The Creator of 200 billion galaxies cares about your personal struggles and answers when you call Him.
Ibn Kathir (RH) explained in his tafsir that believing in Allah (SWT) properly transforms everything. You’re not just accepting intellectually that God exists—you’re recognizing your purpose. You were created to worship Him, and when you do, everything in your life gains meaning.
That promotion you got? Thank Allah (SWT). That hardship you’re facing? Turn to Allah (SWT). That joy in your heart? It’s from Allah (SWT). Your whole life becomes oriented around Him.
And that’s not restrictive—it’s liberating. Because once you truly believe in Allah (SWT), you stop being enslaved to people’s opinions, wealth, status, or anything else. You’re accountable only to the One who actually matters.
Pillar 2: Belief in Angels
Okay, so Muslims believe in angels. But what does that actually mean?
Angels (malaikah) are beings created by Allah (SWT) from light, who exist to worship Him and carry out His commands perfectly. They don’t have free will like humans—they do exactly what Allah (SWT) tells them, without question or deviation.
The Quran mentions angels throughout:
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers.” (Quran 2:285)
ءَامَنَ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِمَاۤ أُنزِلَ إِلَیۡهِ مِن رَّبِّهِۦ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَۚ كُلٌّ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَلَـٰۤىِٕكَتِهِۦ وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَرُسُلِهِۦ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَیۡنَ أَحَدࣲ مِّن رُّسُلِهِۦۚ وَقَالُوا۟ سَمِعۡنَا وَأَطَعۡنَاۖ غُفۡرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَیۡكَ ٱلۡمَصِیرُ
The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.”
[2:285]
But why does believing in angels matter? What difference does it make to your life?
Here’s the thing: angels are constantly involved in your existence, even though you can’t see them.
Angel Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) brought revelation from Allah (SWT) to the prophets. The Quran itself was delivered to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) through Angel Jibril (AS).
Angel Mikail (AS) (Michael) is responsible for distributing rain and provisions by Allah’s (SWT) command.
Angel Israfil (AS) will blow the trumpet signaling the Day of Judgment.
The Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt) takes souls when their time comes.
And here’s what impacts you daily: there are angels recording every single thing you do. The Quran tells us:
“When the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left. Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record].” (Quran 50:17-18)
إِذۡ یَتَلَقَّى ٱلۡمُتَلَقِّیَانِ عَنِ ٱلۡیَمِینِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِیدࣱ
When the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left.
[50:17]
Two angels—one on your right recording good deeds, one on your left recording bad deeds. Everything. Your words, your actions, even your intentions.
Now, some people find this unsettling. “I’m being watched constantly?”
But think about it differently. Those angels recording your good deeds? They’re your witnesses for Paradise. Every prayer you struggled to wake up for. Every time you controlled your anger. Every charity you gave secretly. It’s all documented. Nothing’s forgotten.
Imam Al-Ghazali (RH) wrote that believing in angels should make you constantly aware of Allah’s (SWT) presence. You’re never truly alone. You’re always in the company of beings who see you and report to your Creator.
And honestly? That awareness changes behavior. When you truly believe angels are recording, you think twice before lying, gossiping, or sinning in private. Not out of paranoia—but out of consciousness that Allah (SWT) sees everything.
Pillar 3: Belief in Divine Books
Muslims believe Allah (SWT) didn’t just create humans and leave them to figure out life on their own. He sent guidance through revealed scriptures given to various prophets throughout history.
These include:
The Scrolls (Suhuf) given to Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
The Torah (Tawrat) given to Prophet Musa (AS)
The Psalms (Zabur) given to Prophet Dawud (AS)
The Gospel (Injil) given to Prophet Isa (AS)
The Quran given to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
Now here’s something crucial that trips people up: Muslims believe these scriptures were originally divine revelation from Allah (SWT). But—and this is important—Muslims also believe that the earlier scriptures (Torah, Gospel) were altered, edited, or corrupted over time by humans.
The Quran itself addresses this:
“So woe to those who write the scripture with their own hands, then say, ‘This is from Allah,’ in order to exchange it for a small price.” (Quran 2:79)
فَوَیۡلࣱ لِّلَّذِینَ یَكۡتُبُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِأَیۡدِیهِمۡ ثُمَّ یَقُولُونَ هَـٰذَا مِنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ لِیَشۡتَرُوا۟ بِهِۦ ثَمَنࣰا قَلِیلࣰاۖ فَوَیۡلࣱ لَّهُم مِّمَّا كَتَبَتۡ أَیۡدِیهِمۡ وَوَیۡلࣱ لَّهُم مِّمَّا یَكۡسِبُونَ
So woe to those who write the “scripture” with their own hands, then say, “This is from Allah,” in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.
[2:79]
But Muslims believe the Quran is different. Allah (SWT) Himself promised to preserve it:
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder (the Quran), and indeed, We will be its Guardian.” (Quran 15:9)
إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا ٱلذِّكۡرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ
Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.
[15:9]
And that promise held. The Quran you can read today—in Arabic—is letter-for-letter identical to what was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) 1,400+ years ago. Every Muslim worldwide recites the same text. There’s no “Catholic Quran” vs. “Protestant Quran” with different verses or books.
Why does believing in divine books matter?
Because it means you’re not making up morality as you go. Allah (SWT) gave you an instruction manual for life. The Quran addresses everything—how to worship, how to treat family, how to conduct business, how to handle grief, how to seek justice, how to find inner peace.
And get this: the Quran isn’t just for seventh-century Arabs. It’s for you, right now, in 2025. Whether you’re navigating workplace ethics, relationship struggles, existential crisis, or spiritual emptiness—the Quran speaks to it.
A brother once told me he was going through severe depression. Medications weren’t working. Therapy helped but didn’t fully resolve it. Then he started reading Quran with understanding—not just reciting in Arabic mechanically. He said certain verses felt like Allah (SWT) was speaking directly to his situation. That connection to divine guidance transformed his perspective.
That’s what believing in the Quran means. You have direct access to Allah’s (SWT) words. Not interpretations filtered through priests or scholars claiming exclusive authority—but the actual words of your Creator, preserved and available to you.
Pillar 4: Belief in Prophets and Messengers
Muslims believe Allah (SWT) sent prophets throughout human history to guide people back to worshipping Him alone. These weren’t mythical figures or demigods—they were human beings chosen by Allah (SWT) to deliver His message.
The Quran mentions 25 prophets by name, including Prophet Adam (AS), Prophet Nuh (AS) (Noah), Prophet Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham), Prophet Musa (AS) (Moses), Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus), and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). But the Prophet (ﷺ) taught that Allah (SWT) sent 124,000 prophets throughout history to different nations.
Every prophet taught the same core message:
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid false gods.'” (Quran 16:36)
وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِی كُلِّ أُمَّةࣲ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَۖ فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ حَقَّتۡ عَلَیۡهِ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةُۚ فَسِیرُوا۟ فِی ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَیۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُكَذِّبِینَ
And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.” And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.
[16:36]
So what’s the difference between them? Their laws and specific practices varied according to their time and people. But the fundamental belief—Tawhid, the oneness of Allah (SWT)—was identical.
Now here’s where Muslims differ from other faiths:
Muslims respect Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus) but don’t worship him. He was a prophet, not God or the son of God. The Quran explicitly says he was a human messenger, born miraculously to Maryam (Mary) (RA), but still a created being.
Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the final prophet. No prophet will come after him. His message is universal and preserved until the Day of Judgment.
Why does believing in prophets matter?
Because they show you how to worship Allah (SWT), not just that you should. The Quran contains Allah’s (SWT) words; the Sunnah (teachings and example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)) shows you how to live those words.
The Prophet (ﷺ) wasn’t just a messenger who delivered the Quran and left. He was a living example. He showed how to pray, how to treat your wife, how to conduct business, how to handle conflict, how to be patient during hardship.
Allah (SWT) says:
“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day.” (Quran 33:21)
لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِی رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةࣱ لِّمَن كَانَ یَرۡجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡیَوۡمَ ٱلۡـَٔاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِیرࣰا
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.
[33:21]
That means when you’re facing something difficult, you can look at how Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) handled similar situations. Lost a loved one? He lost his wife, children, and closest companions—here’s how he grieved while maintaining faith. Facing persecution? He endured thirteen years of torture in Makkah—here’s how he stayed firm. Struggling with anger? Here are his teachings on controlling it.
You’re not navigating life alone, guessing what God wants. You have the example of someone who Allah (SWT) chose as the best of creation to follow.
Pillar 5: Belief in the Day of Judgment
Here’s where Islam gets really serious. Muslims believe this life isn’t all there is. After you die, you’ll be resurrected, judged by Allah (SWT), and sent to either eternal Paradise (Jannah) or eternal Hell (Jahannam) based on your faith and deeds.
The Quran describes it vividly:
“Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 3:185)
كُلُّ نَفۡسࣲ ذَاۤىِٕقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوۡنَ أُجُورَكُمۡ یَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِیَـٰمَةِۖ فَمَن زُحۡزِحَ عَنِ ٱلنَّارِ وَأُدۡخِلَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ فَقَدۡ فَازَۗ وَمَا ٱلۡحَیَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡیَاۤ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡغُرُورِ
Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.
[3:185]
That last phrase hits hard. This entire life—all the wealth, status, pleasure, power you chase—is temporary. It’s not the real thing. The real life begins after death.
On the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah):
The trumpet will sound, and everyone who ever lived will be resurrected.
Your book of deeds will be presented to you—everything recorded by those angels we mentioned earlier.
Your limbs will testify against you if you lied about what you did.
Allah (SWT) will judge with perfect justice. Nothing hidden. Nothing forgotten. No bribes. No favoritism.
Those whose good deeds outweigh their bad, who believed in Allah (SWT) and lived accordingly, will enter Paradise.
Those who rejected Allah (SWT), who worshipped others besides Him, who refused to submit despite knowing the truth—they’ll face Hell.
Now, I know some people find this idea harsh. “A loving God wouldn’t send people to Hell forever.”
But think about it this way: Allah (SWT) gave you everything. Your life, your intellect, signs all around you pointing to His existence, prophets explaining the message clearly, a preserved scripture accessible to you. If after all that, you still choose to reject Him, worship others besides Him, or live as if He doesn’t matter—that’s your choice. And choices have consequences.
The Day of Judgment isn’t Allah (SWT) being cruel. It’s perfect justice finally being served.
All the oppressors who escaped worldly punishment? They’ll face it then. All the victims who never got justice in this life? They’ll receive it then. All the good you did that nobody knew about? It’ll be rewarded then.
Ibn Taymiyyah (RH) explained that believing in the Day of Judgment should transform how you live every moment. Every decision you make, ask yourself: “Would I be proud of this when I’m standing before Allah (SWT) on that Day?”
That awareness changes everything. You stop living for short-term pleasure and start investing in eternity.
Pillar 6: Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
This is the pillar that confuses people most. Muslims believe in Qadar—divine decree or predestination. But what does that actually mean? Are we robots with no free will?
Here’s the balanced Islamic understanding:
Allah (SWT) has perfect knowledge of everything—past, present, and future. He knew before He created you exactly what choices you’d make, what would happen to you, and where you’d end up. And He decreed it all.
But—and this is crucial—you still have free will. You don’t know what Allah (SWT) has decreed. You make genuine choices every day. You’re not a puppet; you’re accountable for your decisions.
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught: “All things are determined by decree, even incapacity and ability.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 33, Hadith 6400)
So how do you balance these two truths?
Think of it this way: imagine you’re watching a recording of yesterday’s football match. You’re seeing it for the first time, so you don’t know who wins. From your perspective, it’s uncertain. But the outcome already happened—it’s determined. The players still made real choices during the match, but the result is already known.
That’s sort of how Allah’s (SWT) knowledge works. From His timeless perspective, He knows what you’ll choose. But from your perspective, you’re making genuine decisions and you’re accountable for them.
Why does believing in Qadar matter practically?
When good things happen, you thank Allah (SWT) and recognize it came from Him, not just your own effort.
When bad things happen, you remain patient and trust Allah’s (SWT) wisdom, knowing nothing occurs except by His permission and for ultimate good.
The Quran says:
“No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah—He will guide his heart.” (Quran 64:11)
مَاۤ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِیبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِۗ وَمَن یُؤۡمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ یَهۡدِ قَلۡبَهُۥۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَیۡءٍ عَلِیمࣱ
No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah – He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things.
[64:11]
Imam Al-Ghazali (RH) wrote that believing in Qadar is what gives Muslims unshakeable peace. You do your best, then trust Allah (SWT) with the results. You’re not anxious about things outside your control because you know Allah (SWT) is handling it.
Lost that job? Allah (SWT) has something better planned. Didn’t get into that university? There’s wisdom you don’t see yet. Facing illness? It’s erasing sins and raising your rank.
That doesn’t mean you become passive and don’t try. You absolutely take action and make effort—that’s your part. But you recognize ultimately, Allah (SWT) controls the outcomes—and He’s wiser and more merciful than you can imagine.
How These Six Beliefs Fit Together
Here’s the beautiful part: these six pillars aren’t random disconnected beliefs. They form a complete, coherent worldview.
You believe in Allah (SWT) who created you with purpose.
You believe in angels who carry out His commands and record your deeds.
You believe in divine books that give you guidance on how to live.
You believe in prophets who modeled that guidance perfectly.
You believe in the Day of Judgment where you’ll be held accountable and rewarded or punished justly.
You believe in divine decree which gives you trust in Allah’s (SWT) plan through all of life’s ups and downs.
Together, they answer the fundamental questions:
Where did I come from? Allah (SWT) created you.
Why am I here? To worship Allah (SWT) and be tested.
How should I live? Follow the guidance in the Quran and example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
What happens when I die? Resurrection, judgment, eternity in Paradise or Hell.
Why do bad things happen? Part of Allah’s (SWT) test and perfect plan.
You’re not left guessing about existence. You have clarity, purpose, and hope.
The Difference Between Pillars of Faith and Pillars of Islam
Quick clarification because this confuses people: there are Six Pillars of Faith (what we just covered—your beliefs) and Five Pillars of Islam (your actions).
The Five Pillars of Islam are:
- Shahada (declaration of faith)
- Salah (five daily prayers)
- Zakat (charitable giving)
- Sawm (fasting Ramadan)
- Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)
Think of it this way: the Six Pillars of Faith are what happens in your heart and mind—what you believe. The Five Pillars of Islam are what you do with your body—how you practice.
Both are essential. You can’t just believe without practicing, and practicing without genuine belief is empty ritual.
Your Next Steps
So where do you go from here?
If you’re exploring Islam:
1. Study each pillar deeply. Don’t just take my word for it—read Quran verses, research authentic hadiths, see if these beliefs resonate as truth.
2. Ask questions. Visit a mosque, talk to knowledgeable Muslims, seek answers to what confuses you.
3. Pray for guidance. If you’re sincerely seeking truth, ask Allah (SWT) to guide you. He promises to guide those who seek Him sincerely.
If you’re already Muslim:
1. Strengthen your understanding. Many born Muslims know that they’re supposed to believe these six things but never really understood why or how they connect.
2. Check your heart. Do you truly believe these pillars with certainty, or are they just inherited traditions?
3. Let these beliefs transform your life. Belief in the Day of Judgment should change how you act. Belief in Qadar should change how you handle stress. Make these beliefs active, not passive.
4. Teach others. Share this understanding with family, friends, kids. Don’t let these profound truths remain abstract theology.
FAQ Section
Do all Muslims believe these six pillars?
Yes—these six are non-negotiable core beliefs for all Muslims, both Sunni and Shia. They’re based directly on Quran and authentic hadith. Rejecting any of them removes a person from Islam according to scholarly consensus.
What’s the difference between faith (iman) and Islam?
Islam is the outward practice—the Five Pillars (prayer, fasting, etc.). Iman is the inward belief—the Six Pillars we covered here. You need both. The Prophet (ﷺ) explained they’re connected but distinct aspects of the religion.
Can you be Muslim if you doubt some of these beliefs?
Doubt that leads to sincere searching for understanding is normal and acceptable—many Companions (RA) asked questions to clarify. But outright rejection of any pillar after understanding it contradicts Islamic faith. If you’re struggling with doubt, study deeply and ask scholars for guidance.
Why do Muslims believe the Bible was changed but Quran wasn’t?
Historical evidence shows variations in biblical manuscripts across centuries, different canons among denominations, and acknowledged human editing. The Quran, by contrast, was memorized by thousands during the Prophet’s (ﷺ) lifetime, written down immediately, and standardized within 20 years of his death. Today, every Quran worldwide (in Arabic) is identical. Muslims believe this fulfills Allah’s (SWT) promise to preserve it.
How does belief in Qadar work with personal responsibility?
You’re accountable for choices you make with free will—you don’t get to blame Qadar for sins you chose to commit. But outcomes beyond your control (death, birth circumstances, natural disasters) are under Allah’s (SWT) decree. You control your effort; Allah (SWT) controls results. This balance means you try your best then trust Allah (SWT) with what happens next.
What happens to people who never heard about Islam?
Scholars have different views on this, but most agree Allah (SWT) judges people based on what they knew and had access to. Those who genuinely never received the message won’t be judged as if they rejected it. Allah (SWT) is perfectly just—no one will be punished unjustly. Our job is to convey the message clearly; Allah (SWT) judges hearts.
Is faith enough, or do I need good deeds too?
Both. Faith without action is incomplete, and actions without faith are worthless. The Prophet (ﷺ) taught that faith, statement, and action are all components of complete iman. You can’t just “believe” and live however you want—your belief should manifest in how you live.
How can I strengthen my faith if I’m struggling with these beliefs?
Study the evidence—read Quran with understanding, learn about the Prophet’s (ﷺ) life, research scientific signs in Quran. Make sincere dua asking Allah (SWT) to increase your faith. Surround yourself with practicing Muslims. Attend Islamic lectures. And be patient—faith increases and decreases naturally; what matters is you keep seeking truth.
Conclusion
Remember Marcus from the beginning—the coworker who asked Amin what Muslims actually believe?
After he explained the Six Pillars of Faith, he said something that stuck with him: “That actually makes sense. Like, it’s a complete system. It answers the questions I’ve been asking my whole life but never found satisfying answers to.”
That’s the thing about these six beliefs. They’re not arbitrary doctrines Muslims memorized to pass some religious test. They’re a comprehensive worldview that explains where you came from, why you’re here, how you should live, and where you’re going.
You believe in Allah (SWT)—the loving Creator who made you with purpose. You believe in angels—unseen beings constantly carrying out His will. You believe in divine books—guidance He sent so you’re not left guessing. You believe in prophets—human examples showing you how to live that guidance. You believe in the Day of Judgment—ultimate justice and accountability. You believe in divine decree—trust that everything is under His wise control.
And when you truly internalize these beliefs—not just intellectually accept them, but let them transform your heart—everything changes.
Your life has meaning because you’re here to worship Allah (SWT). Your struggles have purpose because they’re tests. Your good deeds matter because they’re being recorded. Your future is secure because Paradise awaits those who believe and do good. Your anxiety lessens because you trust Allah’s (SWT) plan.
That’s what Muslims believe. And that’s why millions embrace Islam every year—because these beliefs resonate as truth when you encounter them sincerely.
What’s been your experience with these beliefs? If you’re Muslim, which pillar of faith strengthens you most during hard times? If you’re exploring Islam, which belief resonates most deeply with you? Share your thoughts below—your reflection might help someone else on their journey.
May Allah (SWT) strengthen our faith, grant us certainty in these beliefs, and make us among those who believe with their hearts, declare with their tongues, and act with their limbs. May He keep us firm on truth until we meet Him. Ameen.
This article is for educational purposes. For specific questions about Islamic beliefs or personal faith struggles, consult qualified scholars at your local mosque or through reputable Islamic knowledge institutions.
