Book 1: Introduction

The Pillars of Faith

This book is about the beliefs of Muslims. It is about the Arkān al Ēmān, the Pillars of Faith. The Pillars of Faith are the primary beliefs that a Muslim must hold in their hearts.

Why are these actions called Arkān al Ēmān?  What does the word ‘Arkān’ mean?

 Arkān is derived from the root word ‘rukn’ which implies support for a building. Such a support could be a pillar or a corner as in the four corners of a room. In this particular context, arkān means ‘pillars.’ Ēmān means faith or belief. Arkān al Ēmān are the ‘Pillars of Faith.’

So, what are those main beliefs of a Muslim? 

The following is an extract from a hadīth, (saying of the Prophet Muhammad [1] صلى الله عليه وسلم ). It relates to the angel Jibrīl’s [2] عليه السلام (Gabriel) questioning of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and identifies the main beliefs a Muslim must hold:

Related by Abdullah Ibn Omar Bin Al Khattãb [3] رضي الله عنه

“He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about ēman” (faith). He (the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied: “That you affirm your faith in Allāh, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Judgement, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil”. He (the inquirer) said: “You have told the truth”.

Muslim

I counted six things there.

Yes. These six beliefs are known as the arkān al ēmān, the pillars of faith. They are, to believe in:

1.     Allāh;

2.     His Angels;

3.     His Books;

4.     His Messengers;

5.     The Last Day;

6.     Preordination i.e. the fact that all good and bad comes only from Allāh.

So, if I merely believe in those six things, is that enough to consider myself a Muslim?

As well as belief, there must be action. According to one hadīth,

Narrated Ibn Umar, Allāh's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, Islām is based on (the following) five (principles):

1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allāh and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh صلى الله عليه وسلم (Shahādah).

2. To offer the salāh (obligatory prayers) dutifully and perfectly.

3. To pay zakāh (obligatory charity).

4. To perform Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah if one is able).

5. To observe fasts during the month of Ramadhān (sawm Ramadhān).

Bukhāri

As well as believing in the six basic beliefs, without question, we must also undertake the above actions, the arkān al Islām – the Pillars of Islām. For Muslims, belief and action, must go hand in hand.

As mentioned, this book is devoted to the subject of Arkān al Ēman, the Pillars of Faith