The Fundamentals of Islam

1. 1. Tawheed (Oneness of God):

       This is the core principle of Islam, believing in the One, Absolute, and Perfect Creator. He is unique, eternal, merciful, and just. He has no partners, children, or physical form. He is beyond our limited perception and cannot be confined to human understanding. Any attempt to define or depict Him is futile and ultimately leads to error.

   2. Adl (Justice):

       God is inherently just and will reward or punish each individual according to their deeds. The concept of predestination, where God preordains all events, is rejected as it diminishes individual agency and accountability. God has given us free will and will judge us fairly based on our choices and actions.

   3. Nubuwwat (Prophethood):

       Belief in the divinely appointed prophets sent by God to guide humanity is essential. All prophets are sinless and perfect, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) is the last and final prophet. The total number of prophets is 124,000, and all nations were given guidance through them. It is important to acknowledge and respect all prophets as they delivered the same message from God.

   4. Imamat (Guidance): After the Prophet’s death, God appointed twelve divinely chosen Imams to protect and interpret the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s teachings. They are sinless and possess direct knowledge from God. Their rulings are considered the ultimate interpretation of Islamic law and guidance. The Imams are:
      • • Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib A.S
        • Imam Hasan ibn Ali A.S
        • Imam Husain ibn Ali A.S
        • Imam Ali ibn Husain A.S
        • Imam Muhammad ibn Ali A.S
        • Imam Ja’far ibn Muhammad A.S
        • Imam Musa ibn Ja’far A.S
        • Imam Ali ibn Musa A.S
        • Imam Muhammad ibn Al A.S
        • Imam Ali ibn Muhammad A.S
        • Imam Hasan ibn Ali A.S
        • Imam Muhammad ibn Hasan (the Twelfth Imam, currently in occultation)
   5. Qiyaamat (Resurrection): Belief in the Day of Judgement is essential. On this day, all human beings will be raised from the dead and held accountable for their deeds. This day will be a testament to God’s absolute power and justice. It serves as a reminder that our actions in this life have lasting consequences and that true justice will prevail in the afterlife.

Furoo-ad-Deen (Branches of Religion)

the term “Furu’ al-Din” refers to the branches or secondary principles of the religion. These are derived from the primary principles known as “Usul al-Din” (Roots of Religion). The Usul al-Din are five fundamental beliefs that form the core of Shia theology, while the Furu’ al-Din encompass the practical aspects of religious observance and conduct. The Furu’ al-Din are also known as the “practical principles” or “branches of religion.” Here are the Furu’ al-Din in Shia Islam:

1. 1. Salat (Prayer):

      Muslims perform the ritual prayers, which they must conduct at specific times during the day as obligatory acts of worship.

   2. Zakat (Charity):

      The giving of alms or charity to those in need. It is a mandatory practice for eligible Muslims to contribute a portion of their wealth for the welfare of the community.

   3. Sawm (Fasting):

      Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.

   4. Hajj (Pilgrimage):

      Undertaking the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in a lifetime, provided the individual is physically and financially capable.

   5. Khums (One-Fifth): Believers pay one-fifth of excess income or profit to the religious leadership (Marja’ al-Taqlid), who utilize it for the benefit of the community and religious purposes.
   6. Jihad (Struggle or Striving): Shia Islam interprets the concept of Jihad as a spiritual struggle for self-improvement and adherence to the faith, despite its frequent misunderstanding.
   7. Amr bil Ma’ruf (Enjoining Good): Encouraging others to do good deeds and promoting virtuous behavior within the community.
   8. Nahi anil Munkar (Forbidding Evil): Discouraging and preventing others from engaging in sinful or harmful activities.
   9. Tawalla (Love for the Ahl al-Bayt): Expressing love, loyalty, and attachment to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, known as the Ahl al-Bayt.
   10. Tabarra (Disassociation from Oppressors). Believers actively avoid individuals or groups perceived as oppressive or unjust, particularly those who persecuted the Prophet’s family.

These principles guide Shia Muslims in both their personal and communal lives, emphasizing a holistic approach to faith that includes both belief and practice. Despite this, variations may arise among different schools of thought within Shia Islam regarding the details of the Furu’ al-Din, while they still regard the Usul al-Din as unchanging and fundamental beliefs.