Core Beliefs: Six Articles & Five Roots
Why Core Beliefs Matter
Islam is built on a set of core beliefs that shape every aspect of a Muslim’s life — from daily worship to moral decision-making. These beliefs are not identical across all Muslims. The two main branches of Islam, Sunni and Shi’a, share many fundamental ideas but organise and emphasise them differently. Understanding both frameworks is essential for the exam.
The split between Sunni and Shi’a originated after the Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 CE. Most Muslims chose Abu Bakr as Caliph (successor), forming the Sunni tradition. A minority believed Muhammad had appointed his cousin and son-in-law Ali as the rightful leader, forming the Shi’a tradition. This disagreement over leadership led to different ways of expressing shared beliefs.
The Six Articles of Faith (Sunni Islam)
Sunni Muslims summarise their core beliefs in the Six Articles of Faith, collectively known as Iman. These six beliefs come from the Qur’an and the Sunnah (the Prophet’s teachings and example). Believing in all six is considered essential for a Sunni Muslim.
1. Tawhid — Oneness of Allah. There is only one God. Allah is eternal, absolute and has no partners or children. The sin of Shirk (associating anything with Allah) is the only unforgivable sin. Surah 112 declares: “He is Allah, the One.”
2. Malaikah — Angels. Allah created angels from divine light. They have no free will and carry out His commands perfectly. They deliver revelations to prophets and record every person’s deeds for the Day of Judgement.
3. Kutub — Holy Books. Allah revealed guidance through several scriptures, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, Scrolls of Abraham and the Qur’an. Only the Qur’an is believed to remain uncorrupted — it is the direct, unchanged word of Allah.
4. Risalah — Prophethood. Allah chose prophets to deliver His message. Muhammad is the “Seal of the Prophets” — the final messenger. Surah 33:40 confirms this.
5. Akhirah — Day of Judgement and Afterlife. This life is a preparation for the next. Every person will be judged by Allah on the Day of Judgement. The righteous enter paradise (Jannah); the wicked face punishment in hell (Jahannam).
6. Al-Qadr — Predestination. Allah knows everything that has happened and will happen. Nothing occurs by chance. Surah 9:51 states: “Only what God has decreed will happen to us.”
The Six Articles of Faith are: (1) Tawhid, (2) Malaikah (angels), (3) Kutub (holy books), (4) Risalah (prophethood), (5) Akhirah (afterlife), and (6) Al-Qadr (predestination). Every Sunni Muslim must accept all six.
The Five Roots of Usul ad-Din (Shi’a Islam)
Usul ad-Din means “foundations of the faith.” These five principles guide Shi’a belief, and from them flow the Ten Obligatory Acts that shape Shi’a practice.
1. Tawhid — Oneness of Allah. Identical to the Sunni belief. Allah is one, unique and beyond comparison.
2. Adalat — Divine Justice. Allah is perfectly just and never acts unfairly. Surah 16:90 states: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, grace, as well as generosity to close relatives.” Humans are accountable for their actions because Allah is fair in His judgement. This root is unique to Shi’a belief frameworks.
3. Nubuwwah — Prophethood. Allah sent prophets to guide humanity. Muhammad was the final prophet. This overlaps with the Sunni article of Risalah.
4. Imamate — Divinely Appointed Leadership. After Muhammad, twelve Imams from his family were chosen by Allah to lead the Muslim community. They are considered infallible. The twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is believed to be in hiding and will return at the end of time. This belief has no equivalent in Sunni Islam.
5. Al-Ma’ad — Resurrection. On the Day of Judgement every person will be physically resurrected and judged by Allah on their deeds.
The Five Roots of Usul ad-Din are: (1) Tawhid, (2) Adalat (justice), (3) Nubuwwah (prophethood), (4) Imamate (leadership), and (5) Al-Ma’ad (resurrection). The key differences from Sunni articles are the inclusion of Adalat and the Imamate.
Similarities and Differences
Both traditions share fundamental beliefs: the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), the authority of the Qur’an, the prophethood of Muhammad, and accountability on the Day of Judgement. They also share the Five Pillars of Islam — the five practices that maintain the Muslim community.
Leadership: Sunni Muslims accepted four Rightly Guided Caliphs. Shi’a Muslims believe only Ali and the twelve Imams had divine authority to lead.
Belief frameworks: Sunni Muslims follow six articles; Shi’a Muslims follow five roots. Shi’a belief uniquely includes Adalat (divine justice) and the Imamate. Sunni belief separately lists angels, holy books and predestination as individual articles.
Sources of authority: Sunni Muslims rely on the Qur’an, Sunnah and scholarly consensus. Shi’a Muslims also follow the teachings of the infallible Imams.
For the exam, you need to explain both frameworks clearly and identify what is shared and what is distinct. Remember that these differences stem from the original dispute over leadership — both groups worship the same God and follow the same Qur’an.