The Six Pillars of Iman.
Explore the six foundations of faith taught in the Hadith of Jibril, with Qur'anic readings and a self-paced knowledge review.
Learning objectives
Identify
Name all six pillars of Iman.
Connect
Relate each belief to the Qur'an and Hadith of Jibril.
Reflect
Describe how belief shapes worship and responsibility.
1. What is Iman?
Iman means faith or belief. In the Hadith of Jibril, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explains that Iman includes belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree (al-Qadar), its good and its evil. The narration also distinguishes the related concepts of Islam and Ihsan.
Read the question about Iman and the Prophet's answer in the Hadith of Jibril.
Read Sahih Muslim 8a ↗2. The six pillars
1 · Allah
Affirm Allah's existence, oneness and perfection, and worship Him alone. Review Surah al-Ikhlas.
2 · Angels
Believe in the angels as servants of Allah who carry out His commands. See Qur'an 66:6.
3 · Revealed Books
Believe in revelation sent by Allah, including the Qur'an and earlier scriptures as originally revealed. See Qur'an 2:285.
4 · Messengers
Believe in Allah's messengers and their calling humanity to worship Him. Muslims affirm Muhammad ﷺ as the final prophet; see 33:40.
5 · Last Day
Believe in resurrection, judgment and accountability before Allah. See Surah az-Zalzalah.
6 · Divine Decree
Believe in Allah's knowledge and decree while recognizing human responsibility for choices. See 54:49.
3. Faith, action and responsibility
The six pillars provide a framework for understanding faith. They encourage reflection on the Creator, gratitude for revelation, accountability for actions, and hope in Allah's mercy. The subject of al-Qadar is profound: believing in divine decree does not justify wrongdoing or eliminate the duty to strive and act responsibly.
Notice how this verse describes belief in Allah, angels, books and messengers, together with the believers' response of obedience and asking forgiveness.
Read Qur'an 2:285 ↗Check your understanding
Answer before revealing each response.
1. What are the six pillars of Iman?
Belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree.
2. Which hadith outlines these pillars?
The Hadith of Jibril, narrated in Sahih Muslim 8a, among other transmissions.
3. Does belief in the messengers include respecting earlier prophets?
Yes. The Qur'an affirms belief in Allah's messengers; see Qur'an 2:285.
4. What does belief in the Last Day encourage?
Awareness of resurrection, judgment and accountability before Allah.
5. Does divine decree mean a person has no responsibility for wrongdoing?
No. Faith in divine decree does not remove accountability or the duty to make responsible choices.
6. What is one passage to read on Allah's angels, books and messengers?
Qur'an 2:285 is a concise starting point.
Study assignment
- Read Sahih Muslim 8a and write down the six pillars in order.
- Read Qur'an 2:285, 33:40, 54:49 and Surah 99 with reliable translation and tafsir.
- Write two sentences about how belief in the Last Day can shape everyday conduct.
- Bring difficult questions about al-Qadar to a knowledgeable teacher.