Islam Muslim Beliefs Edexcel Religious Studies (9-1) Spec B

The Six Beliefs of Islam

The six beliefs of Islam are essential for Sunni Muslims.
They encompass the core tenets of the faith.
These beliefs are outlined in Kitab al-iman 1:4.
The six beliefs unite Sunni Muslims, fostering a sense of community.
They provide a framework for understanding and practicing the faith.
Salvation is achieved through belief in these principles and adherence to Islamic practices.
Equality among Muslims is emphasized, regardless of race or origin.
There are no priests or intermediaries in Sunni Islam, only angels.
Humans are born without sin and are accountable for their actions after puberty.

The five roots of 'Usul ad-Din are central to Shi'a Islam.
They include:
- Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)
- 'Adl (Divine Justice)
- Nubuwwah (Prophethood)
- Imamah (Successors to Muhammad)
- Mi'ad (The Day of Judgment and the Resurrection)
These roots are based on the Qur'an, including Surah 112.
These unite the Shia Ummah.
They help Shi’ites understand their faith e.g. resurrection/judgement.
They show what a Shia Muslim must believe and guide them on how to act to ensure they go to heaven (Jannah).
Unless they understand and believe Usul ad Din they will not be able to perform the acts of worship necessary to live the Muslim life.
Sunni’s accept four of the five roots since they are contained in the Six Beliefs.
Sunnis cannot accept Root 4 Al-Imamah since they believe that Muhammad was the last of the prophets.
According to Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, the Imam is a means through which humans receive divine grace.
- "He brings men closer to obedience (of Allah) and keeps them away from disobedience."
Humans will be resurrected after death to be judged.
\"And because the hour is coming, there is no doubt about it and Allah resurrect those who are in the graves\" (22:7).

Tawhid: Belief in the oneness of Allah (Surah 16:35–36).
Immanence: Allah is close to humanity.
Transcendence: Allah is beyond human understanding.
Omnipotence: Allah is all-powerful.
Beneficence: Allah is benevolent.
Mercy: Allah is compassionate.
Fairness and justice: Allah is just (Adalat in Shi'a Islam).
Muslims are monotheists, believing in one God.
- "Allah is Creator of all, and He is the One, the Supreme." (13:16)
Tawhid is the foundation of Islam.
- It is the first part of the Shahadah.
- It is part of Salat (prayer five times a day).
Shirk is the opposite of Tawhid, an unforgivable sin.
The 99 names of Allah reveal His nature.
Al-Qadir: The All Powerful (Omnipotent).
Al-’Alim: The Knower of All (Omniscient).
Ar-Rahman: The All-Merciful.
- Every Surah begins with Bismillah.
Al-Wadud: The Loving One (Omnibenevolent).
Al-Afu: The Forgiver.
Al-Hakam: The Judge.
As-Salam: The Source of Peace.
- Said at the end of Salah.
Al-’Adl: The Just.

Prophethood is vital for Muslims (Surah 2:136).
Muslims believe in prophets such as Adam, Ibrahim, Isma'il, Musa, Dawud, Isa, and Muhammad.
Rasuls received holy books from God. E.g. Isa – the Gospels, Muhammad – the Qur’an.
The importance of the prophets.
Allah loves humanity and want to communicate through people and holy books.
Muslims try to follow the examples of prophets, especially the Prophet Muhammad, who is the perfect example.
The prophets are shown respect as whenever Muslims say their name, their say “ peace be upon him” or write “pbuh”.
Those who follow Muhammad’s example (recorded in the Sunnah) will be rewarded, those who don’t will be punished.

Muslims recognize the Qur'an (Surah 53:4-18).
They also recognize the Tawrat (Torah) (Surah 5:43–48).
The Zabur (Psalms) (Surah 4:163–171).
The Injil (Gospel) (Surah 53:36).
Sahifah (Scrolls).
However this became so distorted, all copies were lost.
The Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Mohammad over 23 years through the Angel Jibril.
Muslims show great respect to the Qur’an.
- Not allowing it to touch the ground. It is placed on a kursi (wooden stand) when read.
- Washing before they read it to ensure they are clean.
- Covering it to protect it when it is not in use.
- Placing it at the highest point in the room to show it is above all over possessions.
The Qur’an has total authority "This is the book, in its guidance sure without doubt to those who fear Allah" (Surah 2;2).

Angels are essential for Muslims.
Jibril (Gabriel), Izra’il, and Mika’il are important angels (Surah 19, 32:11, 2:97–98).
Angels are real created beings who will eventually die.
They are supernatural beings beyond the physical world, who generally hidden from our senses.
They are made from light and are servants of Allah.
Angels have no free will and MUST obey Allah.
Angels are important because:
- Allah is transcendent but is able to communicate with humans through angels:
- they help Muslims understand Allah better as they revealed truths about Allah
- they communicate with humanity Allah’s commands
- Jibril communicated the Qur’an to Muhammad – without him Muslims would not have God’s instruction on how to live and what to believe
- Mika’l ensures that heaven is safe from evil
- They ensure that on the Day of Judgement Allah will have all the facts when judging people on their lives – this reminds Muslims the importance of living as Allah wants so they are rewarded after death
- Muhammad is believed to have told his followers that angels surround humans at all times

Predestination is significant for Muslims.
It relates to the Day of Judgement (Sahih Al-Bukhari 78:685).
There are divergent understandings in Sunni and Shi’a Islam.
Predestination is the belief that Allah has the knowledge in advance of all that will happen and is in control of everything before it happens.
- \"Say: ‘Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector’: and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.\"
Sunni Muslims believe that Allah predestined good and bad before creating man.
- \"Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term being fixed as by writing\"
Some Shi’a Muslims reject the belief in predestination.
- They accept Allah is in control, but he may decide to change what happens.
- The Shia concept of Bada’ states that God has not set a definite course for humans.
- \"Allah erases and confirms what He Wishes\" (13.39)

Akhirah encompasses Muslim teachings about life after death.
The nature of judgment, paradise, and hell are described in the Qur'an (Surah 17:49–72).
There are divergent views on how life after death affects Muslims today.
Muslims believe in an afterlife that they call Akhirah.
Everyone will be judged according to their actions on Earth towards both people and animals.
- "And to every soul will be paid in full (the fruit) of its deeds; and Allah knoweth best all that they do" (Surah 39:70)
Paradise – Jannah
- After judgement, people will pass over the narrow Bridge of As-Sirat. Those who have been blessed by God will successfully cross to Jannah on the other side. A Paradise, which Allah, prepared for the righteous. "No soul knows what comfort is kept hidden for them, as a reward for their deeds" (32:17).
Hell - Jahannam
- Those who have not obeyed Allah’s will fail to pass over As-Sirat bridge and suffer in Janannam (Hell).