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Religious Education 101

ISLAMIC STUDIES LEARNING GUIDE

Introduction to Fundamental Principles of Islam Religion

Prepared by:

SITTY CIARA MESHYCA J. ABAS, LPT

LESSON I. A Brief History of Islam in Prophet Muhammad’s Time

Introduction/Overview
The rise and spread of Islam and its evolution into an international religion with over a billion adherents is
charted. The peoples — Arabs, Persians, and Turks — who shaped Islamic history and three representative and
diverse institutions — the mosque, jihad, and the caliphate — are presented. The roles that Islamic history has played
in both religious and political contexts, stress the unique status that history enjoys amongst Muslims. However, Islam
began decades ago along with previous Prophets like Prophet Ibrahim, Nuh, and others. However, this nation was
under in the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thus, the topic itself will focus on Islamic History
from the Time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) until the recent. Moreover, the religion of Islam means
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"surrender" and its central idea is surrendering to the will of God. Its central article of faith is that "There is no God
but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger".

Definition of Terms
History – is the study of the human past as it is described in the written documents left by human beings.
Is a narration of the events which have happened among mankind, including an account of the rise and fall of
nations, as well as of other great changes which affected the political and social condition of the human race.
–John J. Anderson.1896.A Manual of General History
Religion – is the set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas, and practices that define the relations between human beings and
sacred or divinity.
Islam -
Arabic text: ‫ و البراءة من الشرك و أهله‬- ‫ و األنقياد له بالطاعة‬-‫األستسالم هلل بالتوحيد‬
Transliteration: AL ISTISLAMU LILLAHI BIT TAWHEED - WAL INQIYAAD LAHU BIT TA’ATI - WAL
BARAA'A MIN AS SHIRK WA AHLIHI
Translation:
Submission to Allah with Tawheed - And Acceptance of Him with Obedience - And disassociation from Shirk and its
people.
Islam is a Universal Religion
Islam is a universal religion in that its Prophet was sent to all people of the world, regardless of their race, color,
culture, traditions, and geographical location, as the Quran states, “We have only sent you (Oh Muhammad) as a
mercy to all the world. [Surah Al-Anbiyaa: 21:107]
That’s why Islam respect all the various human traditions and does not require new Muslim to change their own
traditions unless they contravene some of the Islamic teachings. Thus, any tradition that go against the Noble Quran
and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬must be changed and replaced with better alternative, for it is after all
Allah, who commands and forbids whatever He wills. Islam considers any place in the world to be appropriate for
worshipping Allah. In Islam, a Muslim worships Allah directly, without any intermediaries whatsoever between him
and his Lord.
Islam is a Religion of Life
Islam is a religion which balances the worldly life and the life to come. According to Islam, the worldly life is like a
farm in which a Muslim sow the seeds of good seeds in all aspect of life in order to reap the rewards of his hard work
both in this life and the hereafter. This endeavor requires an optimistic attitude, dedication, seriousness, and
determination, which is obvious the following points:
 Developing the Earth – The Quran says, “He brought you into being from the earth and made you inhabitant.”
[Surah Hud: 61:11] Allah created us and placed us on this earth, commanding us to develop it and establish a
civilization to benefit humanity in a way that does not contradict Islamic Teachings.
 Maintaining Social Relationships – Islam calls its adherents to cooperate with people around them, regardless
of their culture and religion, in order to establish a civilization and build healthy society.
 Knowledge Acquisition – It was not a coincidence that the first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬
was “read”. In fact, Islam stresses the importance of acquiring beneficial knowledge in all fields of human
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interest and considers the path that a Muslim follows to seek knowledge a path that actually leads to Paradise.
As the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬said, Narrated Abu Hurairah:
Types of Ilm (knowledge)
a. Al Ilm Ad-daruri – Wajib ayni
b. Additional Knowledge in Islam that needs by Muslim – Wajib Kifaiy
c. Al Ilm Ad-Dunyawi – Mubaah; it can be also wajib kifaiy
 that the Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬said: "Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah
makes the path to Paradise easy for him." [Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2646 In-book reference: Book 41, Hadith 2 English translation:
Vol. 5, Book 39, Hadith 2646 Graded Sahih (Darussalam)]

Islam is a Moderate Religion

Islam is a moderate religion which follows a middle course between exaggeration and negligence, extremism and
total rejection of religion. This moderation pervades all acts of worship and rituals. It is for this reason that Allah
commands the Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬, his companions and the believers at large to observe moderation
which can be realized by doing two things:
 Adhering to religion and honoring Allah’s sacred rites
 Avoiding exaggeration and extremism
Learning Islamic Rulings
All human actions fall into five categories:
Wajib (Obligatory) This denotes those acts which Allah commands Muslim to do. Those who do them
will be rewarded, but those who neglect them will be subject to punishment.
Example: five obligatory prayers

Haraam (Prohibited) This denotes those acts which Allah has prohibited. Those who leave them will be
rewarded, but those who engage in them will be punished. Example: drinking alcohol
Mustahabb (also called This is used to describe acts which are rewarded but not punishable for their
Sunnah/Recommended) omission. Examples: smiling at people, initiating greeting of Islam (saying Assalamu
alaykum).
Makruh (Disliked) This denotes those acts which Islam urges its adherents to avoid. Those who avoid
them will be rewarded, and those who do them will not be subject to punishment.
Example: Fiddling with one’s fingers during prayer.
Mubaah (Permissible) This denotes those acts that are neither forbidden nor recommended. They are rather
neutral and thus subject neither to reward nor to punishment. Examples: eating,
drinking, and talking.

ISLAMIC HISTORY TIMELINE

TIMELINE DESCRIPTION
570 C.E. Muhammad is born in Mecca. He comes from a noble family and is well-known for his
honesty and upright character.
610 C.E. According to Muslim belief, at the age of 40, Muhammad is visited by the angel Gabriel while
on retreat in a cave near Mecca. The angel recites to him the first revelations of the Quran and
informs him that he is God's prophet. Later, Muhammad is told to call his people to the
worship of the one God, but they react with hostility and begin to persecute him and his
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followers. The religion of Islam begins when Muhammad receives the first revelations of the
Quran.
622 C.E. After enduring persecution in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrate to the nearby
town of Yathrib (later to be known as Medina), where the people there accepted Islam. This
marks the "hijrah" or "emigration," and the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina,
Muhammad establishes an Islamic state based on the laws revealed in the Quran and the
inspired guidance coming to him from God. Eventually he begins to invite other tribes and
nations to Islam.

624-625 C.E Battle of Badr: Muhammad's forces win, resulting in a turning point for Islam against the
ruling Quraysh tribe. Battle of Badr, first victory of Muslims over Meccans, which was seen
to be a sign of the truth of Islam, Muhammad instituted the Fast of Ramadan (the month in
which both the Battle and Muhammad’s Call to Prophethood had taken place).
Battle of Uhud: Quraysh tribe defeats the Muslims.

627 -630 C.E -Battle of the Trench: Quraysh troops attempt to siege Medina (then called Yathrib), but lose
to the Muslim force. Siege of Bani Qurayzah: Muslims capture the Jewish stronghold.
-Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: A peace agreement is signed between Muhammad's Muslims and the
people of Mecca. Conquest of Khaybar oasis: Jews barricade themselves in a fort at Khaybar
oasis and are allowed to remain living there if they pay the Muslims one third of their
produce.
-First Pilgrimage ("lesser" pilgrimage or "umrah") made by Muhammad and his Muslims to
Mecca after migrating to Medina.
-Battle of Mu'tah: Muslims attempt to capture the village east of the Jordan River from the
Byzantine Empire to show their expanding dominance, resulting in a Muslim defeat.
-Non-violent conquest of Mecca: The Quraysh realize that the Muslims now greatly
outnumber them and allow the Muslims to capture their city, Mecca, and rule it as they please.
Battle of Hunayn: Ending in a decisive victory for the Muslims over the Bedouin tribe of
Hawazin.
Attempted Siege of Ta'if: Muhammad's forces are initially unable to siege Ta'if and convert its
people to Islam.Muhammad’s conquest of Makkah and rededication of the Ka’ba to
monotheistic worship. Muhammad returns to Mecca and gains control of the city. Mecca
becomes the center of the Islamic world.

Muhammad dies and Abu Bakr succeeds Muhammad as leader of the Islam faith. He is the
632- 634 C.E first of the four "Rightly Guided" Caliphs. This also marks the beginning of the Rashidun
Caliphate. Farewell Hajj Pilgrimage": This is the only Hajj pilgrimage in which Muhammad
participates. Muhammad dies in Medina, not clearly naming a successor to lead the Muslim
people. This period marked by the writing down of the revelations of the Qur’an (c. 632-50
CE) and the beginning of the collection of reminiscences about the Prophet into the Hadith
literature, as the basis for following his Sunna (life-example).
Umar becomes the second Caliph. The Islamic Empire expands during his rule to include
much of the Middle East including Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and part of North Africa.

637-638 C.E The Muslim invasion of the Levant. The Byzantines are driven out.
Muslims enter the area north of Arabia, known as "Sham," including Syria, Palestine,
Lebanon and Iraq.

641 C.E. Muslims enter Egypt and rout the Byzantine army. Muslims consider their conquest as the
liberation of subjugated people, since in most instances they were under oppressive rule.

644 – 656 C.E Uthman becomes the third Caliph. He will create the standardized version of the Quran.
Uthman orders the establishment of one "true" Quran while destroying the others. Muslim
Conquest of Mesopotamia. Ali bin Talib becomes the fourth Caliph. Islam begins to spread
throughout North Africa.

656 – 661 C.E Ali ibn Abi Talib succeeds Uthman to become the fourth and final caliph of the Rashidun
Caliphate. This period also saw the Islamic consolidation of power in Arabia and the
conquests of Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, and Persia—all of which together would thereafter
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be the heart of the Islamic Empire. The assassination of Ali and the rise of the Umayyad
Dynasty, which ruled from Damascus. This also marks the beginning of the Umayyad rule.

670-692 C.E The Dome of the Rock is completed in Jerusalem.

Husayn (son of Ali) and his Shi’ite followers killed at Karbala (Iraq), but
the son of Husayn is captured and survived to beget sons to continue the line of Shi’i Imams.
Mar 670, Hasan ibn Ali, Shia Islam's second imam (his father, Ali ibn Abi Talib, being the
first imam), is poisoned to death. Oct 680 Husayn ibn Ali, Shia Islam's third imam, is
beheaded by Yazid I's force at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq.

711 C.E Muslims enter Spain in the west and India in the east. Eventually almost the entire Iberian
Peninsula is under Islamic control- Muslims enter Spain from Morocco. They will eventually
gain control of most of the Iberian Peninsula.

732 – 756 C.E The Islamic army pushes into France until they are defeated by Charles Martel at the Battle of
Tours.
Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Start of the Abbasid Caliphate.
The Abbasids take over rule from the Umayyads, shifting the seat of power to Baghdad. Reign
of Al-Mansur over the Abbasid Caliphate.
Abd al-Rahman I establishes the Emirate of Cordoba.
Fall of the Umayyads and rise of the Abbasid Dynasty, which conquered the Umayyads and
ruled from Baghdad until the Mongol conquest; the Umayyads, however, continued to rule in
Muslim Spain (al-Andalus) until 1492 CE. The period of Abbasid rule marked the
continuation and culmination of the great flowering of classical Islamic civilization, e.g., the
development of the Islamic “religious sciences” of jurisprudence (Fiqh) and theology
(Kalam), the compilation of Hadith into canonical collections, and the developments of many
mystical movements (i.e. Sufism).
Due to the death of his eldest son Ishma’il, the sixth Shi’i Imam (Ja’far) appoints a younger
son (Musa al-Kazim) to be his successor as Imam. Some Shi’is saw this as a breach of the
proper line of succession from Ali through Husayn, proclaiming the son of Ishma’il (Ahmad)
as the next Imam. This group came to be one of two main groups of Shi’is, called Ismai’li or
“Sevener” Shi’is, in contrast to those who accepted the line through Musa al-Kazim, who are
called “Twelver” or Imami Shi’is.

777-788 C.E Zaragoza invites Charlemagne into Spain.

The city of Zaragoza falls to forces from the Emirate of Cordoba
Abd al-Rahman I begins construction on the Great Mosque of Cordoba.
Death of Abd al-Rahman I of the Emirate of Cordoba.
The Abbasid Caliphate takes control and builds a new capital city called Baghdad. The
Islamic Empire experiences a period of scientific and artistic achievement that will later be
called the Golden Age of Islam- Mathematician and scientist al-Khwarizmi is born. He is
known as the "Father of Algebra."
Reign of Abd al-Rahman I over the Emirate of Cordoba.
874 C.E The “Twelver” or Imami Shi’is continued to have Imams from the line of Ali through Musa
al-Kazim until this point, when the twelfth Imam disappeared at the age of four. This group of
Shi’is—who now, for instance, are dominant in modern-day Iran—believe that he went into
occultation, from which he will only emerge at the End of Time.
968 - 972 C.E The Fatimids, a “Sevener” Shi’ite Dynasty, founds Cairo and rules Egypt
Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt is founded.
1000 – 1099 C.E Islam continues to spread through the continent of Africa, including Nigeria, which served as
a trading liaison between the northern and central regions of Africa.
Ibn Sina completes his encyclopedia of medicine called The Canon of Medicine. It will
become the standard medical textbook throughout Europe and the Middle East for hundreds of
years. 1048 - Famous poet and scientist Omar Khayyam is born. Christian armies recapture
Jerusalem during the First Crusade. European Crusaders take Jerusalem from the Muslims.
Eventually Muslims defeat the Crusaders and regain control of the holy land.
Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba.
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1120 – 1187 C.E. Islam continues to spread throughout Asia. Malaysian traders interact with Muslims who
teach them about Islam.
Saladin (the most famous of the Ayyubids, the dynasty that toppled the Fatimids in Egypt in
1169 CE) retakes Jerusalem at the Battle of Hattin Saladin retakes the city of Jerusalem.

1258 -1517 C.E The Mongol army sacks the city of Baghdad destroying much of the city and killing the
Caliph. The Mongol conquest causes the fall of the Abbasid Dynasty
The Abbasid Caliphate establishes the Caliphate in Cairo, Egypt. They have religious
authority, but the Mamluks hold military and political power.
The earliest Ottoman state is formed in Anatolia, Turkey.

1517 to 1924 The Ottoman Empire conquers Egypt and claims the Caliphate. 1526 - The Mughal Empire is
established in India. The Ottoman Empire is defeated at the Siege of Vienna stopping the
advance of the Ottomans into Europe. The Taj Mahal, a tomb for the wife of the Mughal
Emperor, is completed in India. 1924 - The Caliphate is abolished by Mustafa Ataturk, the
first President of Turkey. World war 1 ends with the defeat and dissolution of the Ottoman
Empire, which was the last of the Islamic Empire.

LESSON I. B Islamic Caliphate

Caliphate - is the name of the Muslim government that ruled the Islamic Empire during the Middle Ages. For a long
period, the Caliphate controlled Western Asia, North Africa, and parts of Europe. Its culture and trade influenced
much of the civilized world spreading the religion of Islam and introducing advances in science, education, and
technology.
Caliph - which means "successor." The caliph was considered the successor to the Prophet Muhammad and was both
the religious and political leader of the Muslim world.
When did it begin?
The Caliphate began after the death of Muhammad in 632 CE.
The first four Caliphs
The Rashidun Caliphate consisted of the First Four Caliphs of the Islamic Empire. Rashidun means "rightly guided."
These first four caliphs were called "rightly guided" because they were all companions of the Prophet Muhammad and
learned the ways of Islam directly from Muhammad. The Rashidun Caliphate lasted for 30 years from 632 CE to 661
CE. The First Four Caliphs included Abu Bakr, Umar Ibn-Al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Other Major Caliphates
Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE) - Under the rule of the Umayyad Caliphate, the Islamic Empire expanded rapidly
to include much of northern Africa, western India, and Spain. At its peak, it was one of the largest empires in the
history of the world.
Ottoman Caliphate (1517-1924) - Historians generally cite the beginning of the Ottoman Caliphate as 1517 CE when
the Ottoman Empire took control of Cairo, Egypt. The Ottomans continued to maintain their claim as the Islamic
Caliphate until 1924 when the Caliphate was abolished by Mustafa Ataturk, the first President of Turkey.

able:
LESSON II. A Six Articles of Faith: Believe in Oneness of Allah
Tawheed (Ar-rububbiyah, Uluhiyyah and Asma wa Sifat)
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 To discuss the Six Introduction/Overview

Islam is considered monotheistic faith, but for Islam, the principle of monotheism exists to a certain degree. For
Muslims, all the articles of faith in Islam, the most fundamental is monotheism. The Arabic term Tawhid is used to
describe this belief in the absolute Oneness of God. Tawhid comes from an Arabic word meaning "unification" or
"oneness"—it is a complex term with many depths of meaning in Islam.
Muslims believe, above all else, that Allah, or God, is the sole divine deity, who does not share his divinity with other
partners. There are three traditional categories of Tawhid: The Oneness of Lordship, the Oneness of Worship, and the
Oneness of Allah's Names. These categories overlap but help Muslims to understand and purify their faith and
worship
Acquisition of Knowledge
 What is the real purpose of human existence?
 The Quran clearly and accurately stated the purpose of human existence thus:
I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me. [Surah Dhariyat: 51:56]
 Why do we need to study Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)?
• Allāh created us according to this great purpose (which is tawheed).
• Any work done without Tawhīd is not acceptable to Allāh.
• Tawheed is the reason for the increase in goodness.
• No one can enter paradise except to the person with Tawhīd
• Tawhīd can be a reason to achieve guidance and peace.
• Tawhīd can be a reason to forgive those sins.
• Tawhīd can be a reason to achieve Shafā’ah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• Tawhīd can be a reason to achieve security and tranquility here in world and afterlife.

 What is Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)?

• Transliteration: IFRAADU ALLAHI TAALA BIRRUBUWBIYYATI WA ALULUWHIYYATI WA
ASMAA’I WA ASSIFAATI.
• Translation:
It is the oneness of Allah (the highest) in terms of His Lordship, Worship, and Names &
Attributes. Tawheed means "unification" (making something one) or "asserting oneness",
and it comes from the Arabic verb (wahhada Yuwahhidu, Tawhīdan) which itself means to
unite, unify or consolidate.
It is the belief that Allah is One, without partner in His dominion and His actions
(Rububbiyyah), One without similitude in His essence and attributes (Asmaa wa Sifaat),
and One without rival in His divinity and worship (Uluwhiyyah/'Ebaadah). The three
classifications are inseparable to such a degree that whoever omits any one aspect has failed
to complete the requirements of Tawheed.

Tawhid Rububbiyyah Tawhid Asma wa Sifat

Tawhid Uluwhiyyah
Exception to Allāh by those He named
Distinction with Allāh in
Distinction of Allāh and chose for Himself in the Quran and
His Creation and Ownership as mentioned by His Prophet
of all created and in Worship. Muhammad, and adopt all adopted He
Administration to Himself and discard all He
discarded Himself without Tahrīf
(change of meaning), or Ta'tīl
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 Tawhid Ar-Rububbiyyah (Maintaining the Unity of Lordship) This category is based on the fundamental
concept that Allah alone caused all things to exist when there was nothing; He sustains and maintains creation
without any need from it or for it; and He is the sole Lord of the universe and its inhabitants without any real
challenge to His sovereignty. In Arabic, the word used to describe this creator-sustainer quality is
Rububbiyyah which is derived from the root "Rabb" (Lord). According to this category, since God is the only
real power in existence, it is He who gave all things the power to move and to change. Nothing happens in
creation except what He allows to happen.

Evidence in the Quran pertaining to Tawhid Ar- Rububbiyyah

Surah Az-Zumar 39:62

‫ٱُهَّلل َخ ٰـِلُق ُك ِّل َش ْى ٍۢء ۖ َو ُهَو َع َلٰى ُك ِّل َش ْى ٍۢء َوِكيٌۭل‬
Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Maintainer of everything.

‫َو َم ا ِم ن َدٓاَّبٍۢة ِفى ٱَأْلْر ِض ِإاَّل َع َلى ٱِهَّلل ِر ْز ُقَها َو َيْع َلُم ُم ْس َتَقَّر َها َو ُم ْس َتْو َدَع َهاۚ ُك ٌّۭل ِفى ِكَتٰـ ٍۢب ُّمِبيٍۢن‬
Surah Hud 11:6 There is no moving creature on earth whose provision is not guaranteed by Allah. And He
knows where it lives and where it is laid to rest. All is ˹written˺ in a perfect Record.
‫ِهَّلِل ُم ْلُك ٱلَّس َم ٰـ َٰو ِت َو ٱَأْلْر ِض َو َم ا ِفيِهَّن ۚ َو ُهَو َع َلٰى ُك ِّل َش ْى ٍۢء َقِد يٌۢر‬
Surah Maidah 5:120 To Allah ˹alone˺ belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything within.
And He is Most Capable of everything.

‫ُرُه َأ ْل َف َسَنٍۢة ِّمَّما َتُعُّدوَن‬

‫ُيَدِّبُر ٱَأْل ْم َر ِم َن ٱلَّسَمٓاِء ِإَلى ٱَأْل ْر ِض ُث َّم َيْعُرُج ِإَلْيِه ِفى َيْو ٍۢم َك اَن ِم ْق َدا ٓۥ‬
Surah Sajdah 32:5 He conducts every affair from the heavens to the earth, then it all ascends to Him on a
Day whose length is a thousand years by your counting.

‫ِإَّن َرَّبُك ُم ٱُهَّلل ٱَّلِذ ى َخ َلَق ٱلَّس َم ٰـ َٰو ِت َو ٱَأْلْر َض ِفى ِس َّتِة َأَّياٍۢم ُثَّم ٱْس َتَو ٰى َع َلى ٱْلَعْر ِش ُيْغ ِش ى ٱَّلْيَل‬
‫ٱلَّنَهاَر َيْط ُلُب ۥُه َح ِثيًۭث ا َو ٱلَّش ْم َس َو ٱْلَقَم َر َو ٱلُّنُج وَم ُم َس َّخ َٰر ٍۭت ِبَأْمِرِهٓۦۗ َأاَل َلُه ٱْلَخ ْلُق َو ٱَأْلْم ُر ۗ َتَباَر َك‬
‫ٱُهَّلل َرُّب ٱْلَعٰـ َلِم يَن‬
Surah Al A’raaf 7:54 Indeed your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days,1 then
established Himself on the Throne. He makes the day and night overlap in rapid
succession. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars—all subjected by His command.
The creation and the command belong to Him ˹alone˺. Blessed is Allah—Lord of all
worlds!
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 What is the greatest sin in the sight of Allah?

 When the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬was asked about the greatest sin the sight of Allah, he replied, “To
set up a rival to Allah in worship though He alone created you.” [Sahih Al Bukhari 4207: Sahih
Albukhari:86]

 Tawhid Al-Uluwhiyyah or a.k.a Tawhid Al-Ibadaah (Maintaining the Unity of Worship) This
means firm belief that Allah is the only true God who deserves to be worshipped. This entails the
hidden and apparent acts of worship, such as invocation (dua), fear (taqwa), reliance (tawakkal),
prayer (salah), obligatory charity (zakat), fasting (sawm), hajj (pilgrimage) and seeking assistance,
must be directed to Him alone. As the Quran states,

Your God is ˹only˺ One God. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—the Most
Compassionate, Most Merciful. [Surah Al Baqarah 2:163]
The Arabic term “ibadaah” comprises all the words and deeds which Allah loves and approves of
and which He commanded and recommended, whether such words and deeds are apparent. Worship
(ibadaah) embraces all believer’s acts if he intends to do them to get closer to Allah. Therefore, the
concept of worship in Islam is not confined to the common rituals, such as prayer and fasting; rather
it includes all beneficial acts that are done with good intentions.

Tawhid Al-Uluwhiyyah

Pillars Conditions

Importance
ubmission to, and humility before Allah while fearing Him 1.Sincerity: It has to be directed sincerely to Allah alone.
ete love for Allah 2.Following the guidance of Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬

1.Worshipping Allah is the ultimate purpose of human and jinn existence.

2. Worshipping Allah is the reason behind Allah’s sending messengers and revealing divine books.
3. Worshipping Allah is the first duty of man to his creator.
4. It is the actual realization of the Shahadah.
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 Tawhid Asma wa Sifat (Maintaining the Unity of Names and Attributes of Allah)
This category of Tawheed has five main aspects:

1. For the unity of Allah's names and attributes to be maintained in the first aspect, Allah must be
referred to according to how He and His Prophet (saws) have described Him without explaining away
His names and attributes by giving them meanings other than their obvious meanings.

2. The second aspect of Tawheed al-Asmaa was-Sifaat involves referring to Allah as He has referred to
Himself without giving Him any new names or attributes.

3. In the third aspect of Tawheed al-Asmaa was-Sifaat Allah is referred to without giving Him the
attributes of His creation.

4. The fourth aspect of Tawheed al-Asmaa was-Sifaat requires that man should not be given the
attributes of Allah.

5. Maintaining the unity of Allah's names also means that Allah's names in the definite form cannot be
given to His creation unless preceded by the prefix 'Abd meaning "slave of" or "servant of'. Many of the
Divine names in their indefinite form like Ra'oof and Raheem are allowable names for men because
Allah has used some of them in their indefinite forms to refer to the Prophet.

99 Names of Allah
# Name Transliteration Meaning
1 ‫ٱْلَّرْح َم ـاُن‬ AR-RAHMAAN The Most or Entirely Merciful
2 ‫ٱْلَّرِح ْيُم‬ AR-RAHIM The Bestower of Mercy
3 ‫ٱْلَم ِلُك‬ AL-MALIK The King and Owner of Dominion
4 ‫ٱْلُقُّدوُس‬ AL-QUDDUS The Absolutely Pure
5 ‫ٱْلَّس اَل ُم‬ AS-SALAM The Perfection and Giver of Peace
6 ‫ٱْلُم ْؤ ِم ُن‬ AL-MU’MIN The One Who gives Emaan and Security
7 ‫ٱْلُم َهْيِم ُن‬ AL-MUHAYMIN The Guardian, The Witness, The Overseer
8 ‫ٱْلَعِز يُز‬ AL-AZEEZ The All Mighty
9 ‫ٱْلَج َّباُر‬ AL-JABBAR The Compeller, The Restorer
10 ‫ٱْلُم َتَك ِّبُر‬ AL-MUTAKABBIR The Supreme, The Majestic
11 ‫ٱْلَخ اِلُق‬ AL-KHAALIQ The Creator, The Maker
12 ‫ٱْلَباِر ُئ‬ AL-BAARI’ The Originator
13 ‫ٱْلُم َصِّو ُر‬ AL-MUSAWWIR The Fashioner
 11

14 ‫ٱْلَغَّفاُر‬ AL-GHAFFAR The All- and Oft-Forgiving

15 ‫ٱْلَقَّهاُر‬ AL-QAHHAR The Subduer, The Ever-Dominating
16 ‫ٱْلَو َّهاُب‬ AL-WAHHAAB The Giver of Gifts
17 ‫ٱْلَّر َّز اُق‬ AR-RAZZAAQ The Provider
18 ‫ٱْلَفَّتاُح‬ AL-FATTAAH The Opener, The Judge
19 ‫ٱْلَعِليُم‬ AL-‘ALEEM The All-Knowing, The Omniscient
20 ‫ٱْلَقاِبُض‬ AL-QAABID The Withholder
21 ‫ٱْلَباِس ُط‬ AL-BAASIT The Extender
22 ‫ٱْلَخ اِفُض‬ AL-KHAAFIDH The Reducer, The Abaser
23 ‫ٱْلَّر اِفُع‬ AR-RAAFI’ The Exalter, The Elevator
24 ‫ٱْلُم ِع ُّز‬ AL-MU’IZZ The Honourer, The Bestower
25 ‫ٱْلُم ِذ ُّل‬ AL-MUZIL The Dishonourer, The Humiliator
26 ‫ٱْلَّسِم يُع‬ AS-SAMEE’ The All-Hearing
27 ‫ٱْلَبِص يُر‬ AL-BASEER The All-Seeing
28 ‫ٱْلَح َك ُم‬ AL-HAKAM The Judge, The Giver of Justice
29 ‫ٱْلَعْد ُل‬ AL-‘ADL The Utterly Just
30 ‫ٱْلَّلِط يُف‬ AL-LATEEF The Subtle One, The Most Gentle
31 ‫ٱْلَخ ِبيُر‬ AL-KHABEER The Acquainted, the All-Aware
32 ‫ٱْلَح ِليُم‬ AL-HALEEM The Most Forbearing
33 ‫ٱْلَعِظ يُم‬ AL-‘ATHEEM The Magnificent, The Supreme
34 ‫ٱْلَغُفوُر‬ AL-GHAFOOR The Forgiving, The Exceedingly Forgiving
35 ‫ٱْلَّش ُك وُر‬ ASH-SHAKOOR The Most Appreciative
36 ‫ٱْلَعِلُّي‬ AL-‘ALEE The Highesth, The Exalted
37 ‫ٱْلَك ِبيُر‬ AL-KABEER The Greatest, The Most Grand
38 ‫ٱْلَح ِفيُظ‬ AL-HAFEEDH The Preserver, The All-Heedful and All-
Protecting
39 ‫ٱْلُم ِقيُت‬ AL-MUQEET The Sustainer
40 ‫ٱْلَح ِس يُب‬ AL-HASEEB The Reckoner, The Sufficient
41 ‫ٱْلَج ِليُل‬ AL-JALEEL The Majestic
42 ‫ٱْلَك ِر يُم‬ AL-KAREEM The Most Generous, The Most Esteemed
43 ‫ٱْلَّرِقيُب‬ AR-RAQEEB The Watchful
44 ‫ٱْلُمِج يُب‬ AL-MUJEEB The Responsive One
45 ‫ٱْلَو اِس ُع‬ AL-WAASI’ The All-Encompassing, the Boundless
46 ‫ٱْلَح ِك يُم‬ AL-HAKEEM The All-Wise
47 ‫ٱْلَو ُدوُد‬ AL-WADOOD The Most Loving
48 ‫ٱْلَمِج يُد‬ AL-MAJEED The Glorious, The Most Honorable
49 ‫ٱْلَباِع ُث‬ AL-BA’ITH The Resurrector, The Raiser of the Dead
50 ‫ٱْلَّش ِه يُد‬ ASH-SHAHEED The All- and Ever Witnessing
51 ‫ٱْلَح ُّق‬ AL-HAQQ The Absolute Truth
52 ‫ٱْلَو ِكيُل‬ AL-WAKEEL The Trustee, The Disposer of Affairs
53 ‫ٱْلَقِو ُّي‬ AL-QAWIYY The All-Strong
54 ‫ٱْلَم ِتيُن‬ AL-MATEEN The Firm, The Steadfast
55 ‫ٱْلَو ِلُّي‬ AL-WALIYY The Protecting Associate
56 ‫ٱْلَح ِم يُد‬ AL-HAMEED The Praiseworthy
57 ‫ٱْلُم ْح ِص ُي‬ AL-MUHSEE The All-Enumerating, The Counter
58 ‫ٱْلُم ْبِدُئ‬ AL-MUBDI The Originator, The Initiator
59 ‫ٱْلُم ِع يُد‬ AL-MU’ID The Restorer, The Reinstater
60 ‫ٱْلُم ْح ِيى‬ AL-MUHYEE The Giver of Life
61 ‫ٱْلُم ِم يُت‬ AL-MUMEET The Bringer of Death, the Destroyer
62 ‫ٱْلَح ُّى‬ AL-HAYY The Ever-Living
63 ‫ٱْلَقُّيوُم‬ AL-QAYYOOM The Sustainer, The Self-Subsisting
64 ‫ٱْلَو اِج ُد‬ AL-WAAJID The Perceiver
 12

65 ‫ٱْلَم اِج ُد‬ AL-MAAJID The Illustrious, the Magnificent

66 ‫ٱْلَو اِح ُد‬ AL-WAAHID The One
67 ‫ٱَأْلَح د‬ AL-AHAD The Unique, The Only One
68 ‫ٱْلَّص َم ُد‬ AS-SAMAD The Eternal, Satisfier of Needs
69 ‫ٱْلَقاِدُر‬ AL-QAADIR The Capable, The Powerful
70 ‫ٱْلُم ْقَتِدُر‬ AL-MUQTADIR The Omnipotent
71 ‫ٱْلُم َقِّد ُم‬ AL-MUQADDIM The Expediter, The Promoter
72 ‫ٱْلُم َؤ ِّخ ُر‬ AL-MU’AKHKHIR The Delayer, the Retarder
73 ‫ٱَألَّو ُل‬ AL-AWWAL The First
74 ‫ٱآْل ِخ ُر‬ AL-AAKHIR The Last
75 ‫ٱْلَّظاِهُر‬ AZ-DHAAHIR The Manifest
76 ‫ٱْلَباِط ُن‬ AL-BAATIN The Hidden One, Knower of the Hidden
77 ‫ٱْلَو اِلي‬ AL-WAALI The Governor, The Patron
78 ‫ٱْلُم َتَعاِلي‬ AL-MUTA’ALI The Self Exalted
79 ‫ٱْلَبُّر‬ AL-BARR The Source of Goodness, the Kind Benefactor
80 ‫ٱْلَّتَّو اُب‬ AT-TAWWAB The Ever-Pardoning, The Relenting
81 ‫ٱْلُم ْنَتِقُم‬ AL-MUNTAQIM The Avenger
82 ‫ٱْلَعُفُّو‬ AL-‘AFUWW The Pardoner
83 ‫ٱْلَّر ُؤ ُف‬ AR-RA’OOF The Most Kind
84 ‫َم اِلُك ٱْلُم ُك‬
‫ْل‬ MAALIK-UL-MULK Master of the Kingdom, Owner of the Dominion
85 ‫ُذ و ٱْلَج اَل ِل َو ٱِإْل ْك َر اُم‬ DHUL-JALAALI Possessor of Glory and Honour, Lord of
WAL-IKRAAM Majesty and Generosity
86 ‫ٱْلُم ْقِس ُط‬ AL-MUQSIT The Equitable, the Requiter
87 ‫ٱْلَج اِمُع‬ AL-JAAMI’ The Gatherer, the Uniter
88 ‫ٱْلَغنُّي‬ AL-GHANIYY The Self-Sufficient, The Wealthy
89 ‫ٱْلُم ْغ ِنُّي‬ AL-MUGHNI The Enricher
90 ‫ٱْلَم اِنُع‬ AL-MANI’ The Withholder
91 ‫ٱْلَّض اُر‬ AD-DHARR The Distresser
92 ‫ٱْلَّناِفُع‬ AN-NAFI’ The Propitious, the Benefactor
93 ‫ٱْلُّنوُر‬ AN-NUR The Light, The Illuminator
94 ‫ٱْلَهاِد ي‬ AL-HAADI The Guide
95 ‫ٱْلَبِد يُع‬ AL-BADEE’ The Incomparable Originator
96 ‫ٱْلَباِقي‬ AL-BAAQI The Ever-Surviving, The Everlasting
97 ‫ٱْلَو اِر ُث‬ AL-WAARITH The Inheritor, The Heir
98 ‫ٱْلَّرِش يُد‬ AR-RASHEED The Guide, Infallible Teacher
99 ‫ٱْلَّصُبوُر‬ AS-SABOOR The Forbearing, The Patient

LESSON II. B Basic Concept about Shirk, Kufur, and Nifaq

Introduction/Overview
Islam considered shirk, kufur, and nifaq as a major causes of danger in one’s faith. In fact these above
mentioned words can be a reason for someone to attain the wrath of Allah or worst can be a way for them to
enter hellfire permanently. In this lesson, the students can learn what are the major and minor shirk, kufur,
and nifaq which can help them to be aware and avoid acts pertaining to those things. Also, those above
mentioned contradicts to the Tawhid and Islam a monotheistic faith. Tawhid is used to describe this belief in
the absolute Oneness of God. Muslims believe, above all else, that Allah, or God, is the sole divine deity,
who does not share his divinity with other partners.
 13

Acquisition of Knowledge
Definition of terms
A. Shirk – “idolatry, polytheism, or association of God with other deities.” Shirk contradicts the belief that
Allah alone is worthy of worship. It is considered to be the greatest sin in the sight of Allah and is the only
sin which He never forgives without sincere repentance.
Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him ˹in worship˺,1 but forgives anything else of whoever He
wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin. [Surah An Nisa 4:48]
Indeed, shirk renders acts of worship invalid and worthless, as the Quran states,
This is Allah’s guidance with which He guides whoever He wills of His servants. Had they associated others with Him
˹in worship˺, their ˹good˺ deeds would have been wasted. [Surah Al An’aam 6:88]

SHIRK

SHIRK AL AKBAR SHIRK AL ASGAR

SHIRK SHIRK SHIRK SHIRK SHIRK

AR RUBUBIYYAH AL ULUWHIYYAH BIL ALFADH BIL AF’AL AL KHAFIY/RIYA’

SHIRKU FIY
DUA

SHIRKU
FIY TAA’A

SHIRKU FIY
MAHABBAH

 SHIRK AL AKBAR (Major Shirk) – This involves directing any act of worship to other than
Allah. Therefore, directing words and deeds that Allah loves to Him alone testifies to
monotheism and true faith, while directing them to other than Allah constitutes acts of unbelief
and shirk.
Mushrik- is someone or a person who associates others with Allah. Someone who knows that
existence of Allah but choose to worship others than Allah.
A. Shirk Ar-rbubiyyah- it is when a person believes that there is God other than Allah as being
the creator, the provider of rizq, the giver life, the one who assert death and the controller of
the universe.
B. Shirk Al Uluwhiyyah- it is when a person believes that there is God other than Allah who is
worthy of worship.
a) Shirku fiy dua – to make any supplications other than Allah.
b) Shirku fiy Taa’a - it is the obedience to the created beings by tolerating/permitting the
haram or forbidding the halaal.
c) Shirku Fiy Mahabbah – too much or extreme love for the creations other than Allah.
 SHIRK AL ASGAR (Minor Shirk) – this involves those words and deeds which serve as a
vehicle to commit major shirk.
 14

KUFR

KUFR AL AKBAR KUFR AL ASGAR

KUFR KUFR KUFR QITAALU AL

AT-TAKDHIYB IBAA’I WA NI’MAH MUSLIM LI AKHI AT-TA’NU WA
ISTIKBAAR MUSLIM QADHU FIY
ANSAAB AL
AKHIRIN WA
NIHAYATI ALAA
ALMAYYITU
KUFR KUFR KUFR
ASH-SHAK I’RAADH NIFAAQ

A. Shirk bil Alfadh – it is an act of shirk using words. Example: swearing by other than Allah
B. Shirk bil Af’al – it is an act of shirk using individual acts of disobedience. Example:
believing in “agimat”, superstition, and black magic/sorcery.
C. Shirk Al khafiy/Riya’- it is an act of shirk intentions and wills.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
SHIRK AL AKBAR SHIRK AL ASGAR
He can leave Islam He cannot leave Islam
He will stay in hellfire forever He will punish in hellfire but He will be
pardoned by Allah and has a chance to be in
Paradise.
It can damage all the deeds It cannot damage all the deeds, but it
invalidates the work that is intended to show
off.

B. Kufr– is destructive morbidity that harms one’s Imān. It is an Arabic term that means to cover, hide, and
disbelieve (Al-Ba‟albaki, 1995). According to the Holy Qur'an, kufr means to disagree, to reject or not to
give a declaration to any one of the commands and prohibitions bestowed by Allah and shown by Prophet
Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬. It is completely opposite of Imān.
ٰAnd who does more wrong than those who fabricate lies against Allah or reject the truth after it has
reached them? Is Hell not a ˹fitting˺ home for the disbelievers? [Surah Ankabut 29:68]

Kafir - someone or a person who can be a mushrik or worst he doesn’t believe in the existence of Allah. The
following characteristics ensure kufr (Al-Gajnawī. 1998).
a. To prove a rule of Allah as false or to disbelieve it
b. Not to accept willingly and wholeheartedly any a rule of Allah
c. To oppose a rule of Islam
d. To dislike or hate a rule of Allah e. To doubt a rule of Islam
 15

 KUFR AL AKBAR (Major Kufr) – This involves whatever contradicts faith in belief,
saying/words or doing/deeds.
And whoever rejects the faith, all their good deeds will be void ˹in this life˺ and in the Hereafter they
will be among the losers. [Surah Al Maidah 5:5]

a) Kufr At-Takdhiyb – it is when the servant denies with his heart or tongue or a great matter
in the religion.
b) Kufr Ibaa’i wa Istikbaar – it is when the servant refuses to submit to the rulings of Islam
out of arrogance and pride.
c) Kufr Ash-Shak – it is when the servant doubts something of the origins of the religion.
d) Kufr I’raadh – it is when a person abandons the religion of Allah entirely and does not learn
it or act according to it.
e) Kufr Nifaaq – it is to show faith and conceal disbelief, for this hypocrisy is blasphemy.
 KUFR AL ASGAR (Minor Kufr) it is every disobedience that is mentioned in the Shari’a but
it did not reach the level of major kufr.
a) Kufr Ni’mah – it is the denial of grace of Allah and its attribution to others.
b) Qitaalu al Muslim li Akhi Muslim – It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet
Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬said: “Verbally abusing a Muslim is Fusuq (disobedience) and fighting
him is Kufr (ungratefulness to Allah).” [Sunan Ibn Majah 3940: graded Sahih]
c) At-Ta’nu wa Qadhu fiy Ansaab al Akhirin wa Nihayati alaa AlMayyitu
The Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬said, "Two matters are signs of disbelief on the part of
those who indulge in them: Defaming and speaking evil of a person's lineage, and wailing
over the dead." [Muslim:Riyad as-Salihin 1578]

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
KUFR AL AKBAR KUFR AL ASGAR
He can leave Islam He cannot leave Islam but he is doing great
 16

When death comes to those who commits this
kind of kufr without repentance he will stay in
hellfire forever
It can damage all the deeds
disobedience
He will be in hellfire but he cannot stay there
forever by the will of Allah
It cannot damage all the deeds

C. Nifaaq - is an Arabic word which means hypocrisy, duplicity, to hide and double dealing (Al-Ba'albaki,
1995). Terminologically, it means to express exactly the opposite to what is in his mind (Al-Fawzān, 2002).
It refers to show off that one believes, accepts, likes and agrees with any of the rules of Islam but actually he
disbelieves, hates, rejects and opposes that rule entirely or partially (Ibn Hajam, 1996).
Munafiq (a hypocrite) – a person who commits or have nifaaq.
Some of the characteristics of such type of hypocrites are as follows:
a. They speak lie
b. They break the promise Nifaaq al Amaliy

c. They betray amānat

d. They do not perform their salāt in congregation especially in the Fajr salāt etc
As Allah said:
Surely the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire—and you will never find for them any helper-
[Surah An Nisa 4:145]

NIFAAQ

NIFAAQ AL I’TIQAADIY NIFAAQ AL AMALIY

ALKDHIBU FIY AL
HADITH
TAKDHIBU RASUL BUGHDHU
RASUL
IKHLAFU AL
WA’DI

KHIYAANATU AL
BUGHDHU ALKARAAHIY AMANAH
MAA JA’A AL ISTIHZAAI
ATU LI-
BIHI RASUL BILLAHI AW
INTISAR DIN
BIRASULIHI ATTAKAASUL AN
RASUL WA
AW ASSALAH
ALFARHU BI
BILQURAN
INKHIFAADHI

 NIFAAQ AL I’TIQAADIY (Major Nifaaq) – It is the manifestation of Islam and the

concealment of disbelief.
 17

a) Takdhibu Rasul ‫ ﷺ‬they make lies in the message and teachings of Prophet Muhammad
‫ﷺ‬
b) Bugdhu Rasul ‫ ﷺ‬- they hate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬
c) Bughdhu Maa Ja’a Bihi Rasul ‫ ﷺ‬they hate the law and order of Allah and His Messenger
Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬
d) Al Karaahiyatu li Intisar din Rasul ‫ ﷺ‬wa Alfarhu bi Inkhifaadhi -they don’t want a
victory to Islam. They are happy if the Islam religion gets weak.
e) Al Istihzaa’I billahi aw bi rasulihi aw bil Quran – Mocking/insulting Islam as religion of
Allah, teachings of His messenger Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬and the Noble Quran.
 NIFAAQ AL AMALIY (Minor Nifaaq) – it is doing some of the actions of the hypocrites,
which does not reach the level of major nifaaq, while faith remains in the heart.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
NIFAAQ AL I’TIQAADIY NIFAAQ AL AMALIY
He can leave Islam He cannot leave Islam but he is doing great
disobedience
Nifaaq Al I’tiqaadiy cannot combine with Al Nifaaq Al I’tiqaadiy can combine with Al
Iman Iman
It can damage all the deeds It cannot damage all the deeds

LESSON III. Six Articles of Faith: Belief in His Angels and Books

Introduction/Overview
Allah created His creations from many types of matter. Some were created out of fire, water, air, and clay.
Some were created out of nothing. This only shows God’s ability in creating, with or without matter, for He
is powerful over all things and if He intends the creation of a thing, He wills it to “Be” and it becomes.
Angels are from the world of the unseen. They were created to obey the commands of Allah and they never
transgress His laws or commands.
Also, in Islam it is a part of faith to believe in the noble books that were revealed to the messengers. There
have been many scriptures revealed throughout the history of mankind. Allah tells us about a few of the
names of the scriptures in the Qur’an.

Belief in Allah’s Angels

This firms belief that they exist, that they belong to the unseen world, not our world and that they are
honored and pious servants who worship Allah as He deserves to be worshipped, execute His commands
and never disobey Him. The Quran says about them (angels) “ They are honored servants. They do not
precede Him in speech and they act on His command.” [Surah Anbiyaa 21:26-27]

The Messenger ˹firmly˺ believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers.
They ˹all˺ believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His messengers. ˹They proclaim,˺ “We make no
 18

distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and obey. ˹We seek˺ Your forgiveness,
our Lord! And to You ˹alone˺ is the final return.”[Surah Al Baqarah 2: 285]

Belief in those angels

whose names have
been mentioned : to us Belief in their
such as Jibril. and we attributes: that have
also generally believe been mentioned us
whose names have not
been mentioned.

Belief in their existence

: we believe that Allah Belief in their duties:
made them from light which have been
and created them with mentioned to us and
a natural predisposition
to worship and obey
What does which they carry out
with Allah's command
Him. belief in
Angels
include?

Belief in their attributes:

 They belong to the unseen world whom Allah created solely for His worship.
They don’t have divine attributes whatsoever and are naturally disposed to show complete obedience
to Allah, as the Quran states:
O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, overseen by
formidable and severe angels, who never disobey whatever Allah orders—always doing as commanded. [Surah
Tahrim 66: 6]

 Allah created them from light as evidence by the hadith: “The angels were created from light.” [Sahih
Muslim 2996]

 They have wings as the Quran states :

All praise is for Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who made angels ˹as His˺ messengers
with wings—two, three, or four. He increases in creation whatever He wills. Surely Allah is Most Capable of
everything. [Surah Fatir 35:1]

 Their beauty Allah said, describing Jibreel, upon whom be peace : "He [the Prophet] has been taught
by one Mighty in Power, Dhoo Mirrah (free from any defect in body and mind), then he rose and
became stable." [53:5-6]

 Their differences in size and status He said: "Jibreel came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allah be upon Him) and asked, How do you rate the people among you who were present at Badr?
 19

He said: They are the best of the Muslims,’ or something similar. [Jibreel] said: So it is with the
angels who were present at Badr.’" [al-Bukhaari].
 They do not eat or drink
 They do not get bored or tired of remembering and worshipping Allah Allah says: "They celebrate
His praises night and day, nor do they ever slacken." [21:20]
 Their Powers The angels have great powers given to them by Allah, including the following: The
ability to take on different forms. Allah has given the angels the ability to take on forms other than
their own.
 Their numbers : The angels are many, and their number is known only to Allah.
NAMES OF ANGEL DESCRIPTION
"Say: Whoever is an enemy to Jibreel - for he brings
down the (revelation) to your heart by Allah’s will, a
confirmation of what went before, and guidance and
glad tidings to those who believe -
JIBRIL
Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and
prophets, to Jibreel and Mikail - Lo! Allah is an enemy
to those who reject faith." [2:97-98]. He is appointed to
convey revelations to the prophets by Allah
Another is responsible for rain, directing it wherever
Allah wishes. This is Mikail, upon whom be peace. He
has helpers, who do what he tells them, by the command
of his Lord; they direct the winds and clouds, as Allah
MIKAIL
wills. Mikail is the angel that manages the divine work
of arts that are planted on the field of earth with the
power of Allah and His order

Another is responsible for blowing the Trumpet, which

will be blown by Israfil at the onset of the Hour (the
Day of Judgement). Israfel will blow two times, in the
first one, the Doomsday will occur and in the second
ISROFIL
blowing, the resurrection will occur. Because of this
duty of him, He is called the angel of Soor (the
Trumpet).

MALIK He is the Keeper of Hell, as Allah says (interpretation of

the meaning): "They [the people in Hell] will cry: ‘O
Malik! Would that your Lord put an end to us!’" [43:77]
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They are the angels that question man after he dies in

the grave. The words of “Munkar” and “Nakir” means
unknown, unrecognized and unaccustomed. They are
called by this way because they come to the dead in a
way that he/she has not seen before. These two angels
MUNKAR AND
question the dead by questions as follows and treat them
NAKEER
according to the answers that they receive. To question
the dead on issues relating to his/her God, Prophet
‫ﷺ‬, religion, belief, deeds, etc. Questioning in the
grave.

It is the names of the angels who are attendant on the

right and left of humans. The angel(Raqib) on the right
is responsible for recording the good deeds and
THE ANGELS OF
manners; the angel(Atid) on the left is responsible for
KIRAMAN
recording the bad deeds and manners. “The angels who
KATIBINLIK(RAQIB
are also called Hafaza will attend as witnesses of the
AND ATID)
deeds of humans in the Day of Judgment during
reckoning.

His duty is to grasp the souls of people whose death

times have come. He is called as “Malak-ul Mawt”, that
is, the angel of death.
ANGEL OF DEATH
Say: "The Angel of Death, put in charge of you, will
(IZRAEL)
(duly) take your souls: then shall ye be brought back to
your Lord." (Surah as-Sajda)

The angels responsible for glorifying Allah, are very

close to Him and have an exalted place before Allah.
“Those who sustain the Throne (of Allah) and those
THE ANGELS OF
around it sing Glory and Praise to their Lord; believe in
MUQARRABUN
Him; and implore forgiveness for those who believe.”
(Surah Ghafir, 7)

RIDWAN Guardian of Paradise, who welcomes the Prophets

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(alayhum salam) and the righteous who have been

blessed by Allah

As regards thunder and lightning, the Prophet pbuh was

RAAD ANGELS asked about thunder and replied, ‘Thunder is one of the
(THUNDER AND angels of Allah who is entrusted with the clouds. He has
LIGHTNING) entwined shreds of fire with which he drives the clouds
wherever Allah wills.’ (At-Tirmithi)

Belief in Allah’s Noble Books

This means firm belief that Allah has sent down some divine books to some of His messengers and that they
contain the speech of Allah which must be thought of in a manner that suits His majesty. These books also
contain the truth, light, and guidance for people in both this world and in the hereafter.

Distinctive Characteristics of the Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is the speech of Allah, which He revealed to our Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬. Therefore, we
ought to venerate it, read it, ponder its verses and strive hard to abide by its instructions. The Quran has

To believe in the divine

To believe that they
contain the speech of
Allah.
books which Allah has
named such as Quran to
Prophet Muhammad,
Torah to Prophet Musa,
Injil to Prophet Isa,
Zabur to Prophet Dawud

To believe that they

To believe the authentic
were truly revealed by
stories mention in them.
Allah
What does
belief in
Divine Books
include?

numerous unique features which distinguish it from the other revealed books. These include the following:
 Provides summary of divine rulings. It also came to support and confirm the command to worship
Allah alone contained in the previous divine books.
We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous
Scriptures and a supreme authority on them. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and
do not follow their desires over the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have ordained a
code of law and a way of life. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His
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Will is to test you with what He has given ˹each of˺ you. So compete with one another in doing good.
To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you ˹of the truth˺ regarding your differences. [Surah
Maidah 5:48

 All people regardless of their language or race, must adhere to the Quran and act according to its
dictates, no matter how far removed they may be from the time the Quran was revealed, as opposed
to the previous scriptures which were revealed for particular people and specific times.
Ask ˹them, O Prophet˺, “Who is the best witness?” Say, “Allah is! He is a Witness between me and
you. And this Quran has been revealed to me so that, with it, I may warn you and whoever it reaches.
Do you ˹pagans˺ testify that there are other gods besides Allah?” ˹Then˺ say, “I will never testify ˹to
this˺!” ˹And˺ say, “There is only One God. And I totally reject whatever ˹idols˺ you associate with
Him.” [Surah Al An’aam 6:19]
 While many addition and deletion have crept into the other divine books, the Quran has remained
intact because Allah has taken it upon Himself to protect it, as the Quran satates: “We have sent
down the Reminder, and We will surely guard it (from corruption).” [Surah Al Hijr 15:9]
What is our duty towards the Noble Qur’an?
 We must love and venerate the Qur’an. We must also value its importance because it is the
speech of Allah which is unquestionably the best and must truthful speech.
 We must read it, recite it and ponder its verses. We must also reflect on its spiritual guidance,
statements and stories and take it as criterion in our lives whereby we distinguish between truth
and falsehood.
 We must act on its states, obey its commands and make them our way of life. When Aisha
(radiyallahu anha) one of the Prophet’s wives, was asked about the character of the Prophet
‫ﷺ‬, she replied, “His character was the Qur’an.” [Musnad Ahmad 24601,Sahih Muslim:746

What is our stance regarding the contents of the Previously Revealed Books?
 A Muslim believes that the Torah, which was revealed to Moses, and Gospel, which was
revealed to Jesus and Zabur which was revealed to David were the truth from Allah. He also
believes that they comprised rulings, guidance and lessons and news which had guidance and
light for people in their worldy life and the life to come. However, Allah informs us in the Holy
Quran that the People of the Book (jews and Christians), has distorted their divine books through
alteration, omission or addition to the original text, and are thus not us authentic as Allah first
revealed them.
Benefits of Belief in the Angels and Divine Books?
 Being aware of Allah’s absolute strength and power
 Observing righteousness
 Observing patience while carrying out our duties towards Allah
 Showing Gratitude to Allah
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 Awareness of Allah’s great care and immense mercy for His slaves.
 Awareness of Allah’s absolute wisdom contained in His laws, for legislating for every people what
perfectly suits their general circumstances and personalities.