Iman – Faith As The First Pillar Of Islam JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Iman (Faith) is the foundation of Islam. It is the first and most important pillar that every Muslim must have. The word “Iman” in Arabic means to believe firmly with the heart, to declare with the tongue, and to act with the body. Without Iman, no act of worship is accepted by Allah. This lesson will explain what Iman is, what Muslims believe in, how Iman affects a Muslim’s life, and how to strengthen one’s faith.

What is Iman (Faith)?

Definition of Iman

Iman means to believe completely in Allah and His message. It is not just saying “I believe” with your mouth, but truly feeling it in your heart and showing it through your actions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Iman is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Divine Destiny, both the good and the bad of it.” (Muslim)

The Three Components of Iman

Iman has three important parts:

1. Belief in the heart: Accepting with your heart that something is true
2. Declaration with the tongue: Saying what you believe with your words
3. Action with the limbs: Doing good deeds that show your belief

Difference Between Islam and Iman

• Islam refers to the outward actions and practices of the religion
• Iman refers to the inner faith and belief
• A person might perform Islamic actions without having complete Iman
• True faith leads to good actions, and good actions strengthen faith

The Six Articles of Faith

Muslims must believe in six main things. These are called the Articles of Faith:

1. Belief in Allah (God)

This is the most important belief in Islam. It includes:

• Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): Believing that Allah is One with no partners
• Allah’s Existence: Believing that Allah exists without any doubt
• Allah’s Lordship: Believing that Allah is the Creator and Controller of everything
• Allah’s Names and Attributes: Believing in all the beautiful names and perfect attributes of Allah
• Worshipping Allah Alone: Directing all worship only to Allah

Muslims believe that Allah:

• Is One and has no partners or children
• Created everything that exists
• Knows everything, sees everything, and hears everything
• Is Most Merciful and Most Compassionate
• Is the only One worthy of worship

2. Belief in the Angels

Angels are created from light. They:

• Always obey Allah and never sin
• Do not eat, drink, or sleep
• Cannot be seen by humans in their true form
• Each have special duties assigned by Allah

Some important angels include:

• Jibreel (Gabriel): Delivered revelation to prophets
• Mikael (Michael): In charge of rain and plants
• Israfeel: Will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment
• Izraeel (Angel of Death): Takes souls at death
• Kiraman Katibin: Record our good and bad deeds
• Munkar and Nakir: Question people in the grave

3. Belief in the Divine Books

Allah sent guidance through books to His messengers. Muslims believe in:

• The Quran: Revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
• The Torah (Tawrat): Revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses)
• The Psalms (Zabur): Revealed to Prophet Dawud (David)
• The Gospel (Injeel): Revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus)
• The Scrolls of Ibrahim (Abraham)

Muslims believe:

• The Quran is the final revelation
• The Quran has never been changed and is protected by Allah
• Earlier books in their original form were from Allah, but many have been changed over time
• The Quran confirms the truth in earlier revelations and corrects what was changed

4. Belief in the Messengers

Allah sent many prophets and messengers to guide humanity. Muslims believe:

• All prophets taught the same basic message: to worship Allah alone
• Prophets were the best of humanity, but they were human beings, not divine
• Every nation received at least one prophet
• Prophets were protected from major sins and never lied about Allah’s message
• Muslims must believe in all prophets without making distinctions between them

Some of the major prophets mentioned in the Quran include:

• Adam (the first human and prophet)
• Nuh (Noah)
• Ibrahim (Abraham)
• Ismail (Ishmael)
• Ishaq (Isaac)
• Yaqub (Jacob)
• Yusuf (Joseph)
• Musa (Moses)
• Dawud (David)
• Sulaiman (Solomon)
• Isa (Jesus)
• Muhammad (peace be upon them all)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger, and no prophet will come after him.

5. Belief in the Last Day

Muslims believe this world will end and be followed by eternal life. This belief includes:

• The End of the World: This world will end on a day known only to Allah
• Resurrection: All people will be brought back to life
• Judgment: Everyone will be judged according to their beliefs and actions
• Paradise (Jannah): A place of eternal happiness for believers
• Hellfire (Jahannam): A place of punishment for disbelievers and sinners

Signs of the Last Day include:

• Many small signs: increase in earthquakes, spread of immorality, loss of knowledge
• Major signs: appearance of Dajjal (Antichrist), return of Prophet Isa (Jesus), rising of the sun from the west

6. Belief in Divine Destiny (Qadar)

Muslims believe that Allah has knowledge of everything and has written all that will happen. This includes:

• Allah’s Complete Knowledge: Allah knows everything that happened, is happening, and will happen
• Allah’s Writing: All events are written in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz)
• Allah’s Will: Nothing happens without Allah’s permission
• Allah’s Creation: Allah created everything and causes all things to happen

However, humans have free will and are responsible for their choices. Allah knows what choices we will make, but does not force us to make them.

The Effects of Iman on a Muslim’s Life

Inner Peace and Contentment

Strong Iman gives a Muslim:

• Peace of mind knowing that everything happens by Allah’s will
• Contentment with what Allah has provided
• Hope in times of difficulty
• Purpose and meaning in life

Righteous Behavior

True Iman leads to:

• Following Allah’s commands and avoiding what He has forbidden
• Treating others with kindness, honesty, and respect
• Being truthful and trustworthy in all dealings
• Helping others and being generous

Strength in Hardship

With strong Iman, a Muslim can:

• Endure difficulties patiently
• See trials as tests from Allah rather than punishments
• Trust in Allah’s plan even when things are difficult
• Find hope and comfort in prayer and remembrance of Allah

Fear and Hope

Proper Iman creates:

• Fear of Allah’s punishment that prevents sin
• Hope in Allah’s mercy that encourages good deeds
• Balance between fear and hope, avoiding both despair and excessive confidence

Signs of Strong Iman

Love for Allah and His Messenger

• Putting Allah’s commands before personal desires
• Following the Sunnah (practice) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
• Feeling happiness when remembering Allah

Regular Worship

• Performing prayers with focus and concentration
• Reading and reflecting on the Quran regularly
• Remembering Allah throughout the day

Good Character

• Honesty in all dealings
• Kindness to all creatures
• Patience during hardship
• Controlling anger
• Forgiving others

Concern for the Hereafter

• Thinking often about the afterlife
• Working for eternal success more than worldly success
• Using worldly resources to gain rewards in the Hereafter

How to Strengthen Iman

Gaining Knowledge

• Learn about Allah through His names and attributes
• Study the Quran and its meanings
• Learn the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet)
• Attend Islamic classes and lectures

Regular Worship

• Pray the five daily prayers on time
• Perform extra voluntary prayers
• Fast in Ramadan and voluntary fasts
• Give charity regularly
• Make dua (supplication) to Allah

Good Company

• Spend time with righteous people
• Avoid those who encourage sin or disbelief
• Attend the mosque and Islamic gatherings

Self-Reflection

• Think about your own shortcomings
• Evaluate your actions regularly
• Consider the blessings Allah has given you
• Ponder over Allah’s creation

Remembrance of Allah

• Say “Subhan Allah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah), and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Greatest) often
• Recite the Quran daily
• Make morning and evening supplications
• Remember Allah in all situations

Challenges to Iman

External Challenges

• Negative influences from media and society
• Peer pressure to do things against Islamic teachings
• Anti-Islamic propaganda and misinformation
• Materialism and focus on worldly pleasures

Internal Challenges

• Following desires that conflict with Islamic teachings
• Laziness in performing acts of worship
• Pride and arrogance
• Attachment to worldly things
• Doubts and questions without seeking answers

Overcoming Challenges

• Seek knowledge to clear doubts
• Ask questions to knowledgeable Muslims
• Remember that tests strengthen faith
• Make dua for guidance and strong faith
• Remember death and the afterlife

Stories of Faith

Prophet Ibrahim’s Faith

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) showed great faith when:

• He questioned idol worship and called people to worship Allah alone
• He was thrown into a fire for his beliefs, but Allah saved him
• He was ready to sacrifice his son when Allah commanded him to (Allah then replaced his son with a ram)

The Companions’ Faith

The companions of Prophet Muhammad showed strong faith when:

• They endured persecution in Makkah
• They left their homes and wealth to migrate for Allah’s sake
• They lived simply despite having opportunities for luxury
• They stood firm in their beliefs even when facing death

Common Misconceptions About Iman

“Faith is Only in the Heart”

Some people think that Iman is only belief in the heart, and actions don’t matter. This is wrong because:

• True faith must show in actions
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) defined Iman as including actions
• The Quran often mentions “those who believe and do good deeds” together

“Blind Faith”

Islam does not ask for blind faith. Muslims are encouraged to:

• Use reason and reflection
• Observe the signs of Allah in creation
• Ask questions to increase understanding
• Seek knowledge throughout life

“Once You Have Faith, You Can’t Lose It”

Iman can increase and decrease. It:

• Increases with good deeds, knowledge, and remembrance of Allah
• Decreases with sins, heedlessness, and neglecting worship
• Needs constant nurturing and protection

Conclusion

Iman (Faith) is the foundation of a Muslim’s life. It begins with belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and Divine Destiny. True faith affects every aspect of life, bringing peace, guiding behavior, and providing strength during hardships. Iman is not static—it can grow stronger or weaker. Therefore, Muslims must work to strengthen their faith through knowledge, worship, good company, self-reflection, and remembrance of Allah. With strong Iman, a Muslim can face life’s challenges and work towards success in this world and the Hereafter.

Evaluation

1. What is the meaning of Iman in Islam?
2. List the six articles of faith in Islam.
3. Explain how Iman affects a Muslim’s daily life.
4. What are some ways to strengthen Iman?
5. Why is Iman considered the foundation of Islam?

Classwork

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the meaning of Iman in Islam?
2. List the six articles of faith in Islam.
3. Explain how Iman affects a Muslim’s daily life.
4. What are some ways to strengthen Iman?
5. Why is Iman considered the foundation of Islam?