Foundations of Iman
The Six Articles of Faith in Islam
A beginner-friendly guide to belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree.
What are the Six Articles of Faith?
The Six Articles of Faith are the central beliefs that form the foundation of Iman in Islam. They explain what Muslims believe about Allah, the unseen world, divine guidance, human purpose, accountability, and Allah’s complete knowledge and power.
These beliefs are brought together in the famous Hadith of Jibril, in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explained Iman. They are also taught throughout the Quran. A Muslim does not treat them as isolated facts; together, they shape worship, hope, patience, responsibility, and everyday conduct.
Belief should shape life
In Islam, faith is not merely theoretical knowledge. Genuine belief should encourage sincere worship, good character, honesty, patience, gratitude, repentance, and responsibility toward other people.
Quick overview
The six articles at a glance
Belief in Allah
Faith in the one true God
Muslims believe that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and only One worthy of worship.
Article 02Belief in the Angels
Faith in Allah’s honored servants
Muslims believe that angels are real creations of Allah who faithfully carry out the duties He assigns to them.
Article 03Belief in the Revealed Books
Faith in divine revelation
Muslims believe that Allah sent revelation to guide humanity and that the Quran is His final revealed Book.
Article 04Belief in the Messengers
Faith in Allah’s chosen teachers
Muslims believe that Allah sent messengers to call people to worship Him and live according to His guidance.
Article 05Belief in the Last Day
Faith in resurrection and judgment
Muslims believe that every person will be resurrected, judged with perfect justice, and held accountable for earthly life.
Article 06Belief in Divine Decree
Faith in Allah’s knowledge and decree
Muslims believe that Allah has complete knowledge and power while human beings remain responsible for their choices.
Article 1
Belief in Allah: Faith in the one true God
The first and most important article is belief in Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is one, without partner or equal. He created and sustains everything, possesses perfect knowledge and power, and alone deserves every act of worship.
Belief in Allah includes accepting the names and attributes He has revealed in a manner befitting His majesty. This belief gives life purpose: people were created to worship Allah, follow His guidance, and return to Him.
Key learning points
- Allah alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all existence.
- No person, object, or created being shares His right to worship.
- Knowing Allah encourages love, hope, gratitude, trust, and reverence.
Quran reference: See Quran 2:255 and 112:1–4.
Article 2
Belief in the Angels: Faith in Allah’s honored servants
Angels are real creations belonging to the unseen world. Allah created them to worship Him and carry out the duties He assigns. They do not disobey His commands and should never be worshipped or treated as divine.
Islamic revelation names some angels and describes particular responsibilities. Jibril brought revelation to the prophets. Other angels carry out tasks connected with recording deeds, death, provision, protection, and events of the Last Day.
Key learning points
- Angels are created servants of Allah, not partners with Him.
- They faithfully perform the responsibilities Allah gives them.
- Belief in the recording of deeds strengthens personal accountability.
Quran reference: See Quran 2:285 and 66:6.
Article 3
Belief in the Revealed Books: Faith in divine revelation
Muslims believe that Allah revealed guidance to His messengers. The Quran mentions scriptures including the Tawrah given to Musa, the Zabur given to Dawud, the Injil given to Isa, and the Quran revealed to Muhammad ﷺ.
Muslims honor the original revelations sent by Allah. They believe the Quran confirms the truth of earlier revelation, serves as the final divine Book, and has been preserved as guidance for humanity.
Key learning points
- Divine revelation teaches people how to know and worship Allah.
- The original scriptures came from the same divine source.
- The Quran is the final criterion and guidance for Muslims.
Quran reference: See Quran 3:3–4 and 5:48.
Article 4
Belief in the Messengers: Faith in Allah’s chosen teachers
Allah chose human messengers to communicate His guidance. Their central call was consistent: worship Allah alone and reject false worship. They also taught moral responsibility, justice, mercy, and preparation for the life to come.
Muslims believe in all of Allah’s messengers and do not reject any of them. They include Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and many others. Muhammad ﷺ is believed to be the final prophet and messenger.
Key learning points
- The messengers were truthful human beings chosen by Allah.
- Their essential message called people to worship Allah alone.
- Muhammad ﷺ completed the line of prophethood.
Quran reference: See Quran 2:285 and 33:40.
Article 5
Belief in the Last Day: Faith in resurrection and judgment
Muslims believe that earthly life will end and that Allah will resurrect humanity. Every person will face a perfectly just judgment in which intentions, beliefs, words, and actions are fully known.
Belief in the Last Day includes realities taught in revelation concerning life after death, resurrection, accountability, Paradise, and Hell. It reminds believers that worldly life is meaningful but temporary.
Key learning points
- Every person will be resurrected and held accountable.
- Allah’s judgment is complete, knowledgeable, and perfectly just.
- Awareness of the Hereafter encourages repentance and righteous action.
Quran reference: See Quran 22:7 and 99:6–8.
Article 6
Belief in Divine Decree: Faith in Allah’s knowledge and decree
Belief in divine decree, or Qadar, means accepting that Allah knows all things, has recorded what will occur, and that nothing happens outside His will and creative power. His knowledge includes the past, present, future, and every possible outcome.
This belief does not make human choices meaningless. People possess a real but dependent ability to choose and are responsible for their intentions and actions. Muslims are therefore taught to seek what is beneficial, make responsible decisions, pray for help, and trust Allah with the outcome.
Key learning points
- Allah’s knowledge is complete and nothing surprises Him.
- Human beings make choices for which they are accountable.
- Belief in Qadar supports patience without excusing wrongdoing or neglect.
Quran reference: See Quran 54:49 and 57:22.
A connected worldview
How the Six Articles of Faith work together
Belief in Allah establishes the source and purpose of faith. Belief in angels introduces part of the unseen creation. Belief in revealed books and messengers explains how divine guidance reaches humanity. Belief in the Last Day establishes final accountability, while belief in divine decree develops trust in Allah’s knowledge, wisdom, and power.
Together, these beliefs give Muslims a coherent understanding of creation, revelation, moral choice, worship, hardship, hope, death, and the life to come.
Belief and action
Six Articles of Faith and Five Pillars
The Six Articles of Faith and the Five Pillars are related but not identical. The articles summarize core beliefs, while the pillars organize central acts of worship. Sound belief gives worship meaning, and sincere worship strengthens and expresses belief.
Learn about the Five PillarsCommon questions
Six Articles of Faith FAQ
What are the six articles of faith in Islam?
They are belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree, including what people experience as good or difficult.
Are the six articles of faith the same as the Five Pillars?
No. The six articles describe foundational beliefs, while the Five Pillars describe central acts of worship and practice. Belief and action support one another in Islam.
Where do the six articles of faith come from?
They are presented together in the well-known Hadith of Jibril and are also taught throughout the Quran, including the beliefs mentioned in Quran 2:285 and 4:136.
What does Iman mean?
Iman is commonly translated as faith or belief. In Islamic teaching, sincere faith is connected with conviction, truthful words, worship, and righteous conduct.
Does belief in divine decree remove human responsibility?
No. Muslims believe in Allah’s complete knowledge and decree while also believing that people make meaningful choices and are accountable for their intentions and actions.
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