The Heart of Life: Faith (Iman)
Faith (Iman) is one of the core concepts of Islam and lies at the heart of life itself. The six pillars of faith shape the beliefs of Muslims and guide their outlook on life. These pillars are belief in Allah, belief in angels, belief in prophets, belief in holy books, belief in the hereafter, and belief in divine decree and destiny (kaza and kader). The aim of this course is not only to deeply understand these pillars of faith but also to inspire a love for them among our students.
1. Belief in Allah
The first and most fundamental pillar of faith is belief in Allah. This signifies belief in the existence of one Creator, who governs and sustains the entire universe. Allah is the possessor of infinite knowledge and power and has absolute authority over all things. Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah (tawhid) and worship Him alone.
2. Belief in Angels
Belief in angels is believing in spiritual beings created by Allah. Angels are sinless beings created from light who obey Allah's commands. The Quran mentions four major angels: Gabriel, Michael, Israfil and Azrael. Students will be told that believing in angels increases trust in Allah. Their different duties will be discussed and how believing in them shapes our faith will be emphasized.
3. Belief in Prophets
Belief in prophets is the faith in Allah’s messengers, who were sent to guide humanity to the right path. According to Islamic belief, many prophets were sent, beginning with Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and ending with the final Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In this subject, our students will be told about the exemplary moral values of the prophets and how they guided people. In addition, sections from the life of the Prophet Muhammad will be presented, and his characteristics such as mercy, patience and justice will be explained.
4. Belief in Holy Books
Belief in holy books means faith in the divine revelations sent by Allah to guide humanity. These books conveyed Allah’s commands and prohibitions. In Islam, belief centers around four major books: the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran. However, Muslims believe that the Quran is the final and most complete form of revelation. In this subject, it will be emphasized to students that the Quran is a guide for people and that it is a guide in every aspect of life.
5. Belief in Divine Decree and Destiny (Kaza and Kader)
Belief in divine decree and destiny is the faith that Allah has foreordained everything that happens, and nothing occurs without His knowledge and permission. Islam holds that every event unfolds according to Allah's divine will and wisdom. This pillar combines human free will with Allah’s overarching control of the universe. In explaining this topic, students will be taught the concepts of patience, trust and gratitude. It will also be emphasized that trusting in Allah and taking refuge in Him during difficult moments in life helps a person maintain inner peace.
6. Belief in the Hereafter
Belief in the hereafter is the faith that there will be life after death, resurrection, and a day of judgment where every individual will be held accountable for their actions. According to Islam, the worldly life is temporary, and humans will be judged in the hereafter based on their deeds. This belief encourages people to live their lives with integrity and responsibility. Teaching students that belief in the hereafter motivates them to be more honest, just, and compassionate is vital. Moreover, discussing the concepts of heaven and hell in a way that emphasizes love, hope, and mercy will help students engage with this pillar in a positive and meaningful manner.
Conclusion
Faith (Iman) lies at the core of a Muslim’s life and shapes their worldview. These six pillars are the foundation of Islamic belief and form the bedrock of a Muslim's spiritual and moral compass. Throughout this course, our goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to foster a deep love for these pillars of faith in our students. As we teach these topics, we will guide our students with patience, empathy, and care, ensuring that the lessons we impart leave a lasting impact on their hearts and strengthen their faith.
Faith (Iman) is one of the core concepts of Islam and lies at the heart of life itself. The six pillars of faith shape the beliefs of Muslims and guide their outlook on life. These pillars are belief in Allah, belief in angels, belief in prophets, belief in holy books, belief in the hereafter, and belief in divine decree and destiny (kaza and kader). The aim of this course is not only to deeply understand these pillars of faith but also to inspire a love for them among our students.
1. Belief in Allah
The first and most fundamental pillar of faith is belief in Allah. This signifies belief in the existence of one Creator, who governs and sustains the entire universe. Allah is the possessor of infinite knowledge and power and has absolute authority over all things. Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah (tawhid) and worship Him alone.
2. Belief in Angels
Belief in angels is believing in spiritual beings created by Allah. Angels are sinless beings created from light who obey Allah's commands. The Quran mentions four major angels: Gabriel, Michael, Israfil and Azrael. Students will be told that believing in angels increases trust in Allah. Their different duties will be discussed and how believing in them shapes our faith will be emphasized.
3. Belief in Prophets
Belief in prophets is the faith in Allah’s messengers, who were sent to guide humanity to the right path. According to Islamic belief, many prophets were sent, beginning with Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and ending with the final Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In this subject, our students will be told about the exemplary moral values of the prophets and how they guided people. In addition, sections from the life of the Prophet Muhammad will be presented, and his characteristics such as mercy, patience and justice will be explained.
4. Belief in Holy Books
Belief in holy books means faith in the divine revelations sent by Allah to guide humanity. These books conveyed Allah’s commands and prohibitions. In Islam, belief centers around four major books: the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran. However, Muslims believe that the Quran is the final and most complete form of revelation. In this subject, it will be emphasized to students that the Quran is a guide for people and that it is a guide in every aspect of life.
5. Belief in Divine Decree and Destiny (Kaza and Kader)
Belief in divine decree and destiny is the faith that Allah has foreordained everything that happens, and nothing occurs without His knowledge and permission. Islam holds that every event unfolds according to Allah's divine will and wisdom. This pillar combines human free will with Allah’s overarching control of the universe. In explaining this topic, students will be taught the concepts of patience, trust and gratitude. It will also be emphasized that trusting in Allah and taking refuge in Him during difficult moments in life helps a person maintain inner peace.
6. Belief in the Hereafter
Belief in the hereafter is the faith that there will be life after death, resurrection, and a day of judgment where every individual will be held accountable for their actions. According to Islam, the worldly life is temporary, and humans will be judged in the hereafter based on their deeds. This belief encourages people to live their lives with integrity and responsibility. Teaching students that belief in the hereafter motivates them to be more honest, just, and compassionate is vital. Moreover, discussing the concepts of heaven and hell in a way that emphasizes love, hope, and mercy will help students engage with this pillar in a positive and meaningful manner.
Conclusion
Faith (Iman) lies at the core of a Muslim’s life and shapes their worldview. These six pillars are the foundation of Islamic belief and form the bedrock of a Muslim's spiritual and moral compass. Throughout this course, our goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to foster a deep love for these pillars of faith in our students. As we teach these topics, we will guide our students with patience, empathy, and care, ensuring that the lessons we impart leave a lasting impact on their hearts and strengthen their faith.
- Teacher: Zafer Yalcin