Faith in the Six Pillars of Iman: The Foundation of Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah
Faith (Iman) in Islam is a comprehensive belief system that shapes a Muslim’s worldview, behavior, and relationship with Allah. This article, based on a detailed educational video, explores the six pillars of Iman, with a special focus on the first and most essential: faith in Allah, particularly His Oneness in Lordship (Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah).
1. The Six Pillars of Iman
The six pillars of Iman are:
- Belief in Allah
- His angels
- His revealed books
- His messengers
- The Day of Judgment
- Divine predestination (Qadar)
True faith is not mere acknowledgment—it is certainty without doubt, followed by righteous deeds and truthful speech.
“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.”
— Surah Al-Anfal (8:2)
2. Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah: The Oneness of Allah’s Lordship
🔑 Keyword Highlight: Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah
Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah affirms that:
- Allah alone governs, sustains, and directs the universe.
- No partner shares His authority.
- This truth is embedded in the nature of all creation.
“Say, ‘Who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Or who controls hearing and sight and brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living, and who arranges [every] matter?’ They will say, ‘Allah.’ So say, ‘Then will you not fear Him?’”
— Surah Yunus (10:31)
3. Effects of Belief in Allah’s Lordship
Belief in Allah’s Lordship leads to:
- Tawakkul (trust in Allah)
- Rida (contentment with His decree)
“And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.”
— Surah At-Talaq (65:3)
A believer understands that all outcomes—success, failure, health, provision—are from Allah. His mercy is boundless:
“Whatever Allah grants to people of mercy – none can withhold it; and whatever He withholds – none can release it thereafter.”
— Surah Fatir (35:2)
4. Cause and Effect in Faith
Islam encourages taking practical steps (asbab)—seeking treatment, working, planning. Yet, the believer’s heart remains attached to Allah, the ultimate cause.
“And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.”
— Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:80)
5. True Reliance vs. Dependence on Means
🔑 Keyword Highlight: Tawakkul
True faith involves:
- Using worldly means responsibly
- Placing ultimate trust in Allah
“And rely upon the Ever-Living who does not die.”
— Surah Al-Furqan (25:58)
This dual approach is a hallmark of sincere belief in Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah.
6. Allah’s Sovereignty Over Mercy and Affliction
🔑 Keyword Highlight: Divine Mercy
Allah alone decides who receives mercy and who faces hardship:
“If Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty.”
— Surah Yunus (10:107)
7. Inner Peace Through Faith in Allah’s Lordship
Belief in Allah’s Lordship brings comfort and strength, even in adversity.
“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast – the angels will descend upon them, [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’”
— Surah Fussilat (41:30)
Key Insights for Muslim Academy Learners
- Faith in the six pillars is a comprehensive worldview.
- Belief in Allah’s Lordship is the foundation of all other beliefs.
- This faith cultivates trust, reliance, and contentment.
- A believer balances worldly effort with spiritual surrender.
- Understanding Allah’s power over mercy and harm equips the believer to face life’s challenges with strength and serenity.
Core Concepts to Remember
- Iman: Firm belief expressed through action and speech.
- Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah: Allah’s exclusive governance over all creation.
- Tawakkul: Trust in Allah while taking responsible action.
- Asbab: Means and causes used in life, subordinate to Allah’s will.
- Divine Mercy and Power: Allah alone controls blessings and trials.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ksmz9-7s8JQ
