Introduction
In our exploration of ISLAM, we have embarked upon a profound journey through its religious doctrines, particularly focusing on the first dimension—Islam The Religion—according to the Hadith of Gabriel (AS), as detailed in our previous article. Now, our voyage takes us deeper into the intricate layers of Islamic teachings as we transition to the second dimension: Iman (believe, faith). As we unravel the essence of Iman, we delve into the very core of the Hadith of Gabriel, seeking a comprehensive understanding of ISLAM as not merely a set of practices but a profound way of life.
Unveiling the Depths of Iman
Iman is what the heart believes and believes in, and deals with the actions of the heart and mind. Iman is the origin and foundation of ISLAM through starting to believe in Verbal Shahadah from the deep inside of the heart or conscience and conscious mind. Though legally a person is considered Muslim just by oral testification and bearing witness to Shahadah.
Understanding Islam Vs Iman and Muslim Vs Momin:
A Muslim is defined as a person who verbally testifies to Shahadah and is often used alternatively as a Momin, like Islam and Iman in Islamic text. However, to understand the basic difference between these two words, a Momin is the one who testifies to Shahadah orally in its true sense but with a firm belief in his heart and affirmed by the active conscious mind.
There are two distinct segments to understanding Iman in simple words, a) through testifying Shahadah orally, and, b) believing with a conscious mind and intellect. Iman is classified in the following two key terms.
Iman-e-Mufassal and Iman-e-Mujammal Explained
Let's delve deeper into these two segments of Iman: Iman-e-Mufassal (The Details of Faith) and Iman-e-Mujammal (The Summary of Faith).
Iman-e-Mufassal (The Details of Faith):
Iman-e-Mufassal refers to the detailed aspects of faith in Islam. It involves a comprehensive belief in specific elements that form the foundation of Islamic theology. These elements are explicitly outlined and detailed in various religious texts, emphasizing a profound understanding of the intricacies of faith. The key components of Iman-e-Mufassal include:
1) Belief in Allah:
Recognizing Allah as the one and only Creator, Cherisher, and Sustainer of the universe. Acknowledging the various Names and Attributes that Allah has described Himself with in Islamic scriptures.
2) Belief in His Angels:
Accepting the existence of angels as supernatural beings created by Allah to carry out His divine commands.
3) Belief in His Revealed Books:
Affirming the authenticity and divine origin of all the Books revealed by Allah, including the Quran, Torah, Bible, and others.
4) Belief in His Prophets and Messengers:
Believing in the chosen individuals who were sent by Allah to guide humanity, including well-known figures like Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the final Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon them all)
5) Belief in the Last Day:
Accepting the concept of the Hereafter, where individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds.
6) Belief in Predestination:
Acknowledging that everything, both good and bad, is under the control and divine decree of Allah.
7) Belief in Resurrection After Death:
Firmly believing in life after death, where individuals will be judged based on their actions in the worldly life.
Iman-e-Mufassal, therefore, provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of the fundamental tenets of Islamic faith, ensuring that believers have a profound comprehension of the core principles that shape their worldview.
Iman-e-Mujammal (The Summary of Faith):
Iman-e-Mujammal represents a more concise and summarized form of faith. It comprises the essential beliefs that every Muslim should uphold in a broader sense. While Iman-e-Mufassal delves into the specifics, Iman-e-Mujammal encapsulates these beliefs in a more condensed form. The six articles of Iman-e-Mujammal include:
1). Belief in Allah as the One and Only God:
Recognizing Allah as the singular deity worthy of worship, with no partners or associates.
2). Belief in the Beautiful Names and Attributes of Allah:
Acknowledging the majestic and perfect Names and Attributes of Allah, reflecting His absolute greatness.
3). Belief in Allah's Sovereignty:
Understanding that Allah is the ultimate ruler and controller of all affairs, and nothing happens without His knowledge and permission.
4). Belief in Divine Decree:
Accepting that both good and bad come from Allah, and everything is part of His divine plan.
5). Belief in Angels, Books, and Prophets:
Having faith in the existence of angels, the divine origin of Holy Books (Torah, Psalm, Gospel and Quran) and the legitimacy of the Prophets and Messengers.
6). Belief in the Last Day and Hereafter:
Firmly believing in the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be held accountable for their deeds, and the concept of life after death.
Iman-e-Mujammal serves as a concise guide for Muslims, highlighting the core beliefs that define their faith without delving into the intricate details found in Iman-e-Mufassal. It offers a broader perspective, making these foundational beliefs accessible and easy to remember for believers in their daily lives.
Unveiling Quranic Guidance to Muslim to Believe
The Quran emphasizes the significance of sincere affirmation of ISLAM by heart, not merely through outward submission. It addresses both new and born Muslims, urging them to believe in a complete sense, as depicted in the following verse:
The Bedouins say: “We believe.”(O Prophet), say to them: “You do not believe; you should rather say: 'We have submitted'”; for belief has not yet entered your hearts. If you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not diminish anything from the reward of any of your deeds. Surely Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Compassionate. 49:14
The Quran continually stresses the importance of sincere belief in Allah, His Messenger (Muhammad), and the revealed Books. It differentiates between those who claim faith outwardly and those who truly believe in their hearts:
"Believers! Believe in Allah and His Messenger and in the Book He has revealed to His Messenger, and in the Book He revealed before." (4:136)
Believers! Believe in Allah and His Messenger and in the Book He has revealed to His Messenger, and in the Book He revealed before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Messengers and in the Last Day, has indeed strayed far away. 4:136
Hypocrisy is warned against, where individuals may perform outward rituals without true faith in their hearts. Such individuals face severe consequences unless they repent:
Surely the hypocrites shall be in the lowest depth of the Fire and you shall find none to come to their help, except those who repent and mend their ways and hold fast to Allah and make their faith exclusive to Allah. Those people shall be numbered with the believers and Allah will certainly bestow on the believers a great reward. 4:145; 4:146
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Iman in ISLAM is not confined to verbal declarations but extends to a deep-rooted belief in the heart and an active conscious mind. The Quranic guidance underscores the importance of sincere belief, differentiating between outward conformity and genuine faith. As Muslims, understanding the dimensions of Iman is crucial in embodying the true essence of this profound faith.
We have discussed Islam (religion) and Iman (faith) so far. Stay tuned to explore in the next article about ‘Ehsan’ (Excellence), the third dimension of the Hadith of Gabriel (AS). It clarifies the doctrines of ISLAM that can be measured and assessed for their internal coherence and their philosophical validity, which can be judged from the outside.
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