Core Islamic Beliefs: A Guide to What Muslims Believe

Sometimes we watch the news or social media, and wonder, “What is Islam?” and “What do Muslims believe in?”. Then you are on the right page. What are the core Islamic beliefs that guide the lives of over a billion people? If you’re seeking clarity, you’ve come to the right place.

I have gathered the most accurate and unbiased information from within Islamic scriptures and books about the core Islamic beliefs and faith to answer all the basic questions regarding their belief system and how they see the world.

Islam: Key Facts at a Glance

Topic	Detail
Religion	Islam (Meaning “submission to the will of God.”)
Origin	7th Century CE, Mecca (Modern-day Saudi Arabia)
Followers	Muslims (Meaning “one who submits”), ~1.9 billion worldwide
Concept of God	Allah (The Arabic word for the One, Unique God)
Final Prophet	Muhammad (Peace be upon him)
Holy Scripture	The Quran (The literal, unchanged word of God)
Core Theology	The Six Articles of Faith
Core Practices	The Five Pillars of Islam

This guide walks you through the fundamental Muslim beliefs, supported by direct references from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith. Get ready to discover the profound wisdom and structure of one of the world’s major faiths—let’s dive in!

While the table above provides a high-level snapshot, the spiritual foundation of Islam is built upon six core tenets, known as the Six Articles of Faith.

Core Islamic Beliefs: Understanding the Six Articles of Faith

There are mainly six things that Muslims believe in, and these six articles of faith form the essential foundation of Islamic doctrine.

Belief in the Oneness of Allah God (Tawhid)

Central to the Islamic faith is the belief that there is only one God (Allah), and everything that exists is the creation of Allah. He is the Creator, Master, Sustainer of everything. Everything is under his complete control. And there is no one like him.

In the Holy Book of Islam (Quran), it is mentioned in many places. This concept is powerfully summarized in Chapter 112 of the Quran,

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ○ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ○ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ○ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One.’ ○ Allah, the Eternal Refuge. ○ He neither begets nor is born. ○ Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

Belief in the Angels (Mala'ika)

Muslims believe that there are angels, created by Allah from light. They do not have the free will to disobey Allah. Jabreel (Gabriel) is the famous angel mentioned in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions.

Angels have their duties and tasks given by Allah, which they perform without hesitation. The angel Jabreel (Gabriel) is known for bringing the revelation (the Quran) to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). There are other angels like Mikaeel (Michael), Israfeel, and some others mentioned in the Quran.

Belief in the Revealed Books (Kutub)

Muslims believe that Allah (God) revealed books and scriptures (Scrolls) to different Prophets over time to guide mankind. Four books are mentioned by name: Torah revealed to Moses (Peace be upon Him), Zabur (Psalms) revealed to David (Peace be upon Him), Injeel (Gospel) was revealed to Jesus (Peace be upon Him), and finally Quran was revealed to Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

There is a mention of earlier scriptures called Sahuf (scrolls) revealed to Abraham (Abrahim, Peace be upon Him). Muslims believe the previous books are meant to be for those people and for that time, while the Quran, as the last and final Book, has been meant for all of mankind to follow.

Belief in the Prophets and Messengers (Rusul)

In Islam, Muslims believe that Allah (God) sent around one hundred twenty-four thousand prophets and messengers at different times to guide mankind to the right path. These are the same Prophets mentioned in Jewish and Christian religions, like Adam, Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa).

Muslims consider all prophets to be respected, righteous, and role models for humanity, but Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) is the last and final Prophet and Messenger.

They all convey the same message: the oneness of Allah (God), to worship Him alone, and to reject polytheism. They brought guidance on how to live a righteous life.

Muslims believe Allah did not leave humanity without guidance but sent chosen individuals as Prophets and Messengers to show the way, with Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) as the Last and Final Messenger.

Belief in the Day of Judgment (Akhirah)

This belief is the conviction that after death, every soul will be resurrected to stand before Allah. That day is called “The Day of Judgment”. On that day, every action, word, and intention from our worldly life will be accounted for, and Allah will deliver perfect justice, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked.

This belief is a profound motivation to Muslims. It transforms a Muslim’s perspective. Knowing they will answer for their deeds inspires mindfulness, patience through hardship, and a sincere commitment to good deeds—not out of fear alone, but out of a hopeful desire to earn the ultimate reward: Allah’s pleasure and Paradise.

Belief in Divine Decree (Al-Qadr)

Muslims believe that Allah (God) has ultimate knowledge and control over everything that happens. While humans have free will to make their own choices, the ultimate outcome is always according to Allah’s wise and ultimate plan.

This belief brings peace during difficult times and humility during times of ease.

In Summary, everything happens by God’s will and ultimate wisdom, yet humans are still responsible for their own choices.

Related Pages You May Like

What is Shahada.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main belief of Islam?

The main and most important belief in Islam is the absolute oneness of God, known as Tawhid. This means affirming that there is only one Creator, who alone is worthy of worship, and that He is unique in His names and attributes. This is established in the Quran:"Your god is but one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful." (Quran 2:163) The entire message of Islam is built upon this foundational principle.

2. Do Muslims believe in the Bible?

Muslims believe that the original revelations given to Prophets Moses, David, and Jesus (peace be upon them)—the Torah (Tawrat), Psalms (Zabur), and Gospel (Injeel)—were true guidance from God. However, Muslims believe these texts were not preserved in their original form. The Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is the final, preserved, and uncorrupted word of God, which confirms what was true in previous scriptures and corrects what was changed. The Quran states:"And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it." (Quran 5:48)

3. What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the same core beliefs in the Six Articles of Faith and Five Pillars of Islam. The historical difference originated from a question of leadership succession after the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) death. Sunnis believed the community should choose the most qualified leader (Caliph), while Shias believed leadership should remain within the Prophet's family through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali (RA). This is a historical and jurisprudential difference, not a difference in core creed. The Prophet emphasized unity:"Indeed, the believers are like a single structure, its parts supporting one another." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2446, Sahih Muslim 2585)

4. Do Muslims believe in the afterlife?

Yes, belief in the afterlife is a fundamental Islamic belief and one of the Six Articles of Faith. Muslims believe that this life is a test, and after death, every soul will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment to be held accountable for their beliefs and actions. The outcome is an eternal life in Paradise (Jannah) or Hellfire (Jahannam). The Quran is filled with descriptions of both, such as:"And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged." (Quran 2:281)

5. How do Muslims view other religions?

Islam teaches respect for people of all faiths and rejects compulsion in religion. The Quran establishes the principle of religious freedom and civil dialogue:"There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion." (Quran 2:256) "And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best..." (Quran 29:46) Muslims are commanded to interact with everyone with justice and kindness, recognizing that guidance ultimately comes from God.

6. What are the main practices of Islam?

The main practices are the Five Pillars of Islam, which were outlined by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He said:"Islam is built upon five [pillars]: testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying the Zakat charity, making the pilgrimage to the House (Hajj), and fasting in Ramadan." (Sahih al-Bukhari 8, Sahih Muslim 16) These pillars provide the structure for a Muslim's worship and daily life.

7. Who do Muslims worship?

Muslims worship the One God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In Arabic, He is called Allah, which is the same word Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians use for God. The Quran emphasizes that He is the God of all previous prophets:"Say, 'We have believed in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'" (Quran 3:84)

8. What is the Quran?

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal, verbatim word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Gabriel over 23 years. It is a standing miracle, unique in its preservation, style, and guidance. God Himself challenges anyone to produce a chapter like it:"And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful." (Quran 2:23) It remains unchanged since its revelation and is memorized in its entirety by millions of people.

9. Do Muslims believe in angels?

Yes, belief in angels is a mandatory article of faith. Angels are created from light and are obedient servants of God, each assigned specific tasks. The Quran mentions several by name, including Gabriel (Jibreel), who delivers revelation, and Michael (Mika'il), who manages rain and sustenance."The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers..." (Quran 2:285)

10. How can I convert to Islam?

Converting to Islam is a simple yet profound process. It involves sincerely believing in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH) and declaring the Shahada (testimony of faith). The words are: In Arabic: أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمداً رسول الله In English: "I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger." Upon saying this with belief and understanding, a person’s past sins are forgiven, and they begin a new life as a Muslim. The Prophet (PBUH) said:"O people! Turn to Allah in repentance and seek forgiveness from Him, for I turn to Him a hundred times a day." (Sahih Muslim 2702) This shows the door to repentance and acceptance is always open.

These six articles of faith form the essential foundation of
Islam. Together, Belief in One God (Allah), His angels, revealed books, prophets,
the Day of Judgment, and divine decree form a coherent framework that guides
humanity and addresses fundamental questions about creation, purpose, morality,
and destiny.

If you are curious about how these beliefs are put into practice,
explore our guide on Islamic worship, which provides accurate, well-referenced research
on the Five Pillars of Islam.

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