Chapter 1: The Foundations of Faith: Belief in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Understanding the Core Tenets of Belief (Tawhid, Risalah, Akhirah) and How They Shape a Muslim’s Life
Introduction
The foundation of Islamic belief is encapsulated in three core tenets: Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah), Risalah (the Prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him), and Akhirah (the belief in the Hereafter). These beliefs not only shape the worldview of a Muslim but also form the ethical and spiritual framework within which a devout Muslim lives their life. These core principles govern not just the intellectual understanding of Islam, but also the practices and attitudes that reflect a true submission to Allah (God) in all aspects of life.
Understanding these three principles is not merely an academic exercise but a transformative process that guides a Muslim towards moral excellence, piety, and spiritual fulfillment. In this chapter, we will explore how Tawhid, Risalah, and Akhirah come together to form a holistic way of life for a devout Muslim, offering practical and spiritual guidance that shapes everyday existence.
Tawhid: The Oneness of Allah
Tawhid is the central concept of Islam, the absolute belief in the Oneness of Allah. It is the most fundamental principle and the essence of Islamic monotheism. To comprehend Tawhid is to understand that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. The Quran explicitly states:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
(Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4)
This short surah encapsulates the definition of Tawhid in its purest form. Tawhid is often broken down into three categories to help Muslims understand its full scope:
- Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship):
This aspect affirms that Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of the universe. Everything in existence is a result of His will, and He governs all aspects of the world. Recognizing this instills a sense of humility in a Muslim and a realization that everything in life, from the vast cosmos to the smallest detail, is part of Allah’s divine plan. - Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship):
This emphasizes that all acts of worship, whether in prayer, charity, or any other form of devotion, should be directed exclusively to Allah. The believer dedicates all acts of worship to Him alone, avoiding any form of shirk (associating others with Allah). Worship here is not limited to formal religious rituals but includes all actions that are done with the intention of pleasing Allah, such as earning a living, helping others, and seeking knowledge. - Tawhid al-Asma wa al-Sifat (Oneness of Names and Attributes):
This teaches that Allah’s attributes are unique and incomparable. Allah possesses perfect and sublime qualities that are beyond human understanding, and His names and attributes should be known, understood, and reflected upon with reverence. The believer is encouraged to develop a close connection with Allah by invoking His names and attributes in their prayers and daily life.
Practical Implications of Tawhid
Belief in Tawhid radically changes the way a Muslim perceives their life and the world around them. If Allah is the sole Creator and Sustainer, then all matters of provision, protection, and success are ultimately in His hands. This brings comfort, as a devout Muslim relies on Allah for sustenance and guidance. It also fosters a deep sense of responsibility, as each action is a means of fulfilling Allah’s command and worshiping Him in all aspects of life.
A Muslim’s relationship with Allah becomes personal and all-encompassing. Every prayer, every moment of reflection, and every decision made is guided by the belief in Allah’s absolute power and mercy. Tawhid is not simply a theological idea but a practical tool that influences a Muslim’s actions, relationships, and priorities.
Risalah: The Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH)
The second pillar of belief is Risalah, the belief in the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). Risalah underscores that Allah has sent messengers to guide humanity towards righteousness. Muhammad (PBUH) is considered the final and seal of all the prophets, and his life and teachings (the Sunnah) are a source of guidance for all Muslims.
The Quran confirms this:
“Say, ‘Obey Allah and the Messenger. But if they turn away, then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers.'”
(Surah Al-Imran, 3:32)
Through Risalah, Muslims believe that Muhammad (PBUH) is the final messenger, and the Quran is the final revealed scripture, perfect and complete. The Prophet’s life serves as a role model for Muslims, as his character, actions, and words embody the divine message.
The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a Model
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not only a religious figure but also a leader, husband, father, and community builder. His life is the epitome of humility, patience, kindness, and justice. Muslims are urged to emulate his example in their interactions with others, their conduct in business, their worship, and their family life.
In particular, the Prophet’s teachings about prayer, charity, patience in adversity, and compassion for the poor and marginalized are cornerstones of the Islamic ethical system. His Sunnah provides practical guidelines for handling the challenges of life, both spiritually and socially.
Practical Implications of Risalah
The belief in Risalah urges a Muslim to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as closely as possible. The Sunnah serves as a practical guide for daily living, and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet) provides further context to the teachings of the Quran. Whether in social interactions, in seeking justice, in dealing with family members, or in practicing worship, a Muslim’s life is shaped by the example set by the Prophet.
Living in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) ensures that a Muslim leads a life that is harmonious with divine guidance, grounded in ethical principles, and directed towards achieving Allah’s pleasure.
Akhirah: Belief in the Hereafter
The third essential pillar of faith in Islam is belief in the Akhirah, or the Hereafter. Islam teaches that this life is a temporary trial, and the ultimate goal of a believer is to earn Allah’s favor and secure a place in Jannah (Paradise). The Quran speaks about the reality of the Hereafter in numerous verses, highlighting the transient nature of this worldly life and the permanence of the life to come.
“Indeed, the Hereafter is better and more enduring.”
(Surah Al-A’la, 87:17)
The belief in Akhirah instills within Muslims a sense of accountability. Every action, no matter how small, is recorded and will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment. This day is described as a moment of profound significance, when every soul will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds.
The Concepts of Heaven and Hell
The Quran and Hadith offer detailed descriptions of the eternal abode of the believers in Jannah and the disbelievers in Hell (Jahannam). These descriptions serve as both a source of motivation and a warning. For the believer, the idea of eternal bliss in Paradise is a source of hope and encouragement, while the idea of punishment in Hell is a deterrent against sinful actions.
The Quran tells us:
“And those who believe and do righteous deeds are the best of creatures. Their reward with their Lord is Paradise of Eternity, beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever.”
(Surah Al-Bayyina, 98:7-8)
Practical Implications of Akhirah
Belief in the Hereafter affects every decision a devout Muslim makes. It drives them to be mindful of their actions, as they understand that the consequences of their deeds extend beyond this world. Every act of charity, every prayer, every moment of patience, and every effort to avoid sin is seen as an investment in the eternal life to come. This belief in the Hereafter provides Muslims with a sense of purpose, a reason to endure hardship, and a framework for evaluating the choices they make.
Conclusion
Tawhid, Risalah, and Akhirah are the foundational principles that guide a devout Muslim’s life. Tawhid shapes their relationship with Allah, making Him the center of all worship and action. Risalah provides a practical model for how to live, while Akhirah offers both hope and accountability. Together, these beliefs form the framework within which a Muslim lives, works, interacts, and strives for spiritual and moral excellence. By internalizing these principles, a Muslim is not only able to fulfill their religious duties but also cultivate a life of peace, purpose, and piety
