Islam is built upon both faith (Iman) and practice (Islam). While the 5 Pillars of Islam outline the practical acts of worship—such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage—the 6 Pillars of Iman define the core beliefs every Muslim holds in their heart. Together, these pillars form the essence of being a true believer, guiding both spiritual conviction and daily actions.
Understanding the pillars of Iman is essential because they represent the unseen foundation upon which the religion stands, nurturing inner peace, purpose, and accountability.
Table of Contents
What Are the 6 Pillars of Iman?
The 6 pillars of Iman were described by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the famous Hadith of Jibreel, when the Angel Gabriel asked him about faith. The Prophet responded:
“It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, the good and the bad of it.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Let’s explore each pillar in detail:
1. Belief in Allah (Iman in Allah)
The cornerstone of faith is believing in the oneness of Allah. This includes acknowledging His lordship (Ruboobiyyah), His right to be worshipped alone (Uloohiyyah), and His names and attributes (Asmaa’ wa Sifaat). Muslims believe that Allah has no partners, no equals, and nothing resembles Him.
2. Belief in the Angels
Angels are unseen beings created from light who never disobey Allah. They perform tasks assigned by Him—such as recording deeds, delivering revelations, and protecting believers. For example, Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) brought revelation to the prophets, while Angel Israfeel will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.
3. Belief in the Divine Books
Muslims believe Allah revealed scriptures to guide humanity, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and finally, the Qur’an, which is the last and preserved book. Belief in the divine books means affirming their original truth and recognizing the Qur’an as the ultimate and complete guidance.
4. Belief in the Messengers
Allah sent prophets and messengers to every nation, calling people to worship Him alone. Muslims honor all prophets, from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus to the final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who was sent with the last message for all of mankind.
5. Belief in the Last Day
The Day of Judgment reminds believers that life is temporary, and everyone will be held accountable for their deeds. Faith in the Last Day motivates Muslims to live righteously, seek forgiveness, and prepare for eternal life in Paradise or Hell.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr)
The final pillar is belief in Allah’s divine destiny. Everything that happens, whether good or bad, occurs by Allah’s knowledge and will. This teaches Muslims patience in hardship and gratitude in blessings, trusting that Allah’s wisdom is perfect.
Difference Between the 5 Pillars of Islam and the 6 Pillars of Iman
The 5 Pillars of Islam and the 6 Pillars of Iman are two fundamental concepts in the Islamic faith, but they differ in meaning, scope, and practice.
The 5 Pillars of Islam are the practical acts of worship that every Muslim must perform. They represent the outward actions that define a Muslim’s life. These pillars are
- Shahada (Declaration of Faith): Testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger.
- Salah (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers.
- Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of wealth to the needy.
- Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan): Abstaining from food, drink, and desires during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): Performing pilgrimage once in a lifetime, if financially and physically able.
The 6 Pillars of Iman, on the other hand, represent the articles of faith—what a Muslim must believe in at heart. They are:
- Belief in Allah
- Belief in the Angels
- Belief in the Divine Books
- Belief in the Prophets and Messengers
- Belief in the Day of Judgment
- Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree, both good and bad)
Key Difference
The 5 Pillars of Islam deal with actions and practices—how Muslims live their faith through worship.
The 6 Pillars of Iman deal with beliefs and convictions—what Muslims hold true in their hearts.
Both are essential and interconnected. A Muslim must believe (Iman) and also act upon those beliefs (Islam) to live a complete Islamic life.
The Importance of Believing in the 6 Pillars of Iman
Believing in the 6 Pillars of Iman is not just a matter of knowledge but a deep conviction that shapes a Muslim’s entire life. These pillars guide the heart, strengthen the soul, and provide inner peace, even when facing life’s toughest challenges. Understanding their importance helps us see how faith influences our actions, thoughts, and character.
Strengthens Faith
Believing in the 6 Pillars of Iman builds a strong connection with Allah and keeps the heart firm in times of doubt or hardship.
Provides Inner Peace
Faith in Allah’s wisdom and decree (Qadr) gives Muslims peace of mind, knowing that everything happens for a reason.
Shapes Good Character
A true believer guided by Iman naturally develops honesty, kindness, patience, and humility in daily life.
Motivates Righteous Actions
Belief in the unseen, such as angels and the Hereafter, encourages Muslims to perform good deeds and avoid sin.
Offers Hope and Comfort
Faith in the Day of Judgment and Allah’s mercy provides hope, especially during trials, losses, or suffering.
Unites the Muslim Community
Shared belief in these pillars creates unity among Muslims worldwide, regardless of culture or background.
Strengthen Your Faith with Riwaq Al Quran
Understanding the 6 Pillars of Iman is essential for every Muslim seeking to deepen their connection with Allah. At Riwaq Al Quran, we provide expert-led courses that guide learners of all levels to grasp the fundamentals of Islamic belief and apply them in daily life.
Whether you want to explore the principles of faith, understand the Qur’an and Hadith in context, or develop a stronger spiritual foundation, Riwaq Al Quran offers personalized lessons with certified instructors who ensure clarity, guidance, and practical application.
What We Offer:
- Comprehensive courses on the 6 Pillars of Iman and Islamic theology
- Step-by-step guidance for beginners and advanced learners
- Practical tips for living faith in everyday life
- Flexible schedules to fit your routine
- Trusted by thousands of students worldwide
Why Choose Riwaq Al Quran?
Understanding your faith is the first step toward spiritual growth and purposeful living. Our mission is to help you build a strong foundation in Islam through knowledge, reflection, and practice.
Enroll today and take the next step in strengthening your iman with structured learning and expert guidance.
Conclusion
In Islam, the 6 Pillars of Iman form the foundation of a Muslim’s belief, shaping the way one understands life, worships Allah, and interacts with the world. They go beyond rituals, focusing on the unseen aspects of faith—such as belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree. These pillars create a strong spiritual framework that guides Muslims to live with sincerity, hope, patience, and accountability.
Ultimately, embracing the 6 Pillars of Iman is not just about belief but about transforming faith into daily action. It instills peace during hardships, gratitude in times of ease, and a sense of purpose in every moment of life. When combined with the 5 Pillars of Islam, they complete the picture of faith and practice—where belief and action work hand in hand to draw a Muslim closer to Allah and ensure a meaningful, righteous life.
