Definition of Iman
Iman (<Arabic: إِيمَان, Turkish: İman>) refers to faith or belief in Islam, encapsulating the security believers derive from adherence to Islamic tenets and protection against error and divine reproach in the afterlife. Iman is primarily centered on the belief in the oneness of God (Tawhid), the existence of angels, the legitimacy of prophets, the revealed scriptures, and the veracity of the hereafter.
Etymology and Terms
Etymology: The Arabic term “إِيمَان” (Iman) derives from the root word “أ م ن” (ʾ-m-n), which connotes notions of trust, peace, and sincerity. It underscores the encompassing trust and conviction a believer has in the fundamental truths of Islam.
Fundamental Aspects of Iman
Six Pillars of Iman:
- Belief in Allah (God): Affirmation of the oneness and supremacy of God.
- Belief in Angels: Acknowledgment of the existence and roles of angelic beings.
- Belief in the Prophets: Recognition of the prophets sent by Allah as bearers of divine messages.
- Belief in the Revealed Books: Acceptance of the scriptures revealed by Allah, including the Quran, Torah, Psalms, and Gospel.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: Assurance of a day when every soul will be held accountable for their deeds.
- Belief in Qadar (Divine Predestination): Acknowledgment of divine decree, which constitutes all aspects of existence.
Connection between Faith and Action
In Islam, faith is evidenced through conduct:
- Obedience to God and His Messenger: Fulfillment of God’s commandments as delivered through the Prophet Muhammad.
- Commitment and Truthfulness: Maintaining one’s promises and being truthful in all dealings.
- Ritual Prayer and Almsgiving: Performing Salat (prayer) and giving Zakat (charitable alms).
- Behavioral Conduct: Abstaining from prohibited practices like alcohol consumption, gambling, and unethical business operations, and avoiding arrogance and disdain in interactions with others.
- Steadfastness in Faith: Exhibiting steadfastness and patience in upholding Islamic ideals and morals even in adversity.
Books for Further Studies
- “Faith and Belief: The Revival of the Religious Sciences (Kitab al-imān)” by Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
- “The Creed of Imam al-Tahawi” by Imam Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi
- “Belief and Islam” by Hüseyin Hilmi Işık
- “The Book of Faith” by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali
- “Creedal Foundations: Understanding Islamic Creed and Theology” by Muhammad al-Ghazali
Takeaways and Conclusion
Iman (Faith) in Islam provides a deeper existential foundation, connecting belief systems with corresponding ethical and moral practices. It forms an integrated pathway guiding both personal spirituality and societal interactions.
The pivotal principle behind Iman is its innate nature as a free choice and a divine blessing, with no coercion permitted. It embodies an all-encompassing trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty, encouraging believers to live out their beliefs through actions, thereby manifesting a holistic commitment to the Islamic creed both internally and externally.
