Six Articles of Faith and Five Roots of Usul ad-Din

What are the 6 articles of faith (Sunni Islam)?

1. Tawhid-oneness of God.

2. Authority of Holy Books (kutub).

3. Belief in angles (malaikah).

4. Prophethood (risalah).

5. Belief in predestination (al-qadr).

6. Day of judgement & life after death (Akhirah).

What is the importance and influence of the 6 articles?

• To unite Sunni Muslims.

• To help Sunni Muslims understand their religion.

• To support Sunni Muslims in how they should live their lives.

• To inspire Sunni Muslims to follow God’s rules and teaching, with an awareness they will be judged and held to account.

What are the 5 roots of usul ad-din (shia Islam)?

1. Tawhid- oneness of God.

2. Justice (Adalat).

3. Prohethood (Nubuwwah).

4. Imamate.

5. Day of judgement & resurrection (Mi’ad).

What are some similarities between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

• Both include and recognise the importance of Tawhid.

• Both share the concept of prophethood and life after death.

• Both impact how followers of the live their lives.

• Both unite and support followers of the in faith.

What are the differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

• Shia Muslims believe in the ‘imamate’- the spiritual descendency of all Imams. This reflects how Shi’a Muslims believed his cousin Ali was Muhammad’s rightful successor, whereas Sunni Muslims believed Abu Bakar was the right person to succeed the prophet.