Islamic beliefs and teachings Revision Notes

The Nature and Role of Angels

Angels are spiritual beings, often without physical bodies, created by God. Their primary function across many religions is to serve God and carry out divine commands. They are believed to be pure, obedient, and without sin, acting as messengers between God and humans. In some traditions, they have specific roles such as guarding individuals, recording deeds, or delivering divine revelations. Unlike humans, they are often portrayed as having no free will, instead perpetually devoted to fulfilling God's will.

Key Characteristics of Malaikah in Islam

In Islam, angels, known as Malaikah, are fundamental to faith. They are created from light (nur) and are incapable of sinning, existing solely to obey Allah. They do not eat, sleep, or have free will, performing their duties perfectly. Jibreel (Gabriel) is a prominent angel, famous for delivering revelations to prophets, including the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. Mika'il (Michael) provides sustenance, and Israfil blows the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment. Every person has guardian angels (Kiraman Katibin) who record their good and bad deeds. Belief in angels reinforces Allah's omnipotence and omnipresence.

Angels in Christianity and other traditions

In Christianity, angels are spiritual beings created by God, serving various purposes. Gabriel delivered messages to Mary and Zechariah, and Michael is an archangel who leads God's armies against evil. Angels are seen as messengers, protectors, and worshippers of God. They are involved in salvation history, from the annunciation of Christ's birth to the events of the end times. While they have free will, some, like Satan (a fallen angel), chose to rebel against God. They are often depicted with wings and halos, symbolising their heavenly origin and purity. Other traditions also feature similar spiritual intermediaries.

Tawhid: The Oneness of God

Tawhid is the most fundamental concept in Islam, asserting the absolute oneness of Allah. It means there is no god but Allah, and He is unique, without partners, children, or equal. Allah is the sole creator, sustainer, and arbiter of the universe. This belief rejects polytheism and idolatry, emphasizing sincere worship directed only to Him. Understanding Tawhid is essential for grasping the entirety of Islamic faith and practice. Its implications lead to humility, gratitude, and a rejection of any form of worship other than to Allah.

Belief in Angels (Mala'ikah)

Muslims believe in the existence of angels, who are spiritual beings created by Allah from light. They are incapable of sinning and carry out Allah's commands without question. Angels have various roles, including delivering messages from Allah to prophets (like Jibril/Gabriel), recording human deeds (Kiraman Katibin), and taking souls at death (Malak al-Mawt/Angel of Death). They are invisible to human eyes but are constantly present, fulfilling their duties as commanded by Allah. This belief highlights Allah's active involvement in the world and His communication with His creation.

Belief in Holy Books (Kutubullah) and Prophets (Rusul)

Islam teaches belief in divine revelations sent by Allah to humanity through various prophets. These include the Torah (given to Moses), the Psalms (to David), the Gospels (to Jesus), and the Qur'an (to Muhammad). Muslims believe the Qur'an is the final, uncorrupted word of Allah, confirming and superseding previous revelations. Prophets are individuals chosen by Allah to guide humanity to the right path. They include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets, meaning no prophet will come after him. All prophets conveyed the same essential message of Tawhid.

Belief in the Day of Judgement (Yawm al-Qiyamah) and Divine Pre-ordainment (Al-Qadar)

Muslims believe in a final Day of Judgement when all humanity will be resurrected and held accountable for their actions in this life. Deeds will be weighed, and people will be assigned to either paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam). This belief promotes moral responsibility and acts as a deterrent from wrongdoing. Al-Qadar refers to divine pre-ordainment, meaning Allah knows and has decreed everything that will happen. However, this does not negate human free will or responsibility. Muslims believe humans have the choice to act, and Allah's knowledge encompasses these choices, but He does not force them. This belief fosters trust in Allah's plan while encouraging effort and good deeds.

General Beliefs about the Afterlife

In Islam, the afterlife is a core belief, comprising several stages. It begins with death, followed by a period in the grave called Barzakh. This is a transitional state where souls await the Day of Judgment. On a divinely appointed day, known as Yawm al-Qiyamah, all human beings will be resurrected, their bodies reassembled, and their souls reunited. This day marks the end of worldly existence and the beginning of eternal life. The purpose of this stage is for every individual to account for their actions during their earthly life. Belief in the afterlife profoundly impacts Muslim life, encouraging righteous conduct, prayer, and adherence to Islamic law, knowing that every action contributes to their eternal fate. The Quran and Hadith describe these events in detail, emphasizing divine justice and mercy.

Key Stages of Judgment

The process of judgment involves several crucial steps. After resurrection, everyone will gather before Allah. Their 'Book of Deeds', containing a record of all their actions, will be presented. These deeds will then be weighed on the Mizan, a cosmic scale, to determine their spiritual balance. Good deeds will be set against bad deeds. Subsequently, individuals must cross the Sirat, a bridge said to be finer than hair and sharper than a sword, spanning over Jahannam. The righteous will cross it safely and swiftly, while the wicked will fall into Hell. These stages underscore the emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability in Islam. The final outcome is either Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell), eternal dwellings determined by divine judgment.

Jannah (Paradise)

Jannah is depicted as a beautiful garden, a place of eternal bliss and reward for those who lived righteously, showed sincere faith, and followed Allah's commands. Descriptions in the Quran and Hadith include flowing rivers, lush greenery, delicious fruits, and noble companions. The greatest reward in Jannah is the vision of Allah, a spiritual pleasure surpassing any physical delight. It is a place free from pain, sorrow, and suffering, where believers will dwell forever in peace and happiness. Entry into Jannah is ultimately by Allah's mercy, though good deeds are a prerequisite. It serves as the ultimate aspiration for all Muslims, motivating them to strive for piety and virtue.

Jahannam (Hell)

Jahannam is the counterpart to Jannah, a place of eternal punishment for those who rejected Allah, committed severe sins without repentance, and lived a life of wickedness. It is often described as a scorching fire, causing immense suffering. Descriptions include intense heat, boiling water, thorny food, and chains. The severity and duration of punishment are believed to vary depending on the gravity of the sins committed. For some Muslims, especially those who committed great sins but still believed in Allah, the punishment may be temporary, after which they may eventually enter Jannah. However, for disbelievers, Jahannam is an eternal dwelling. The concept of Jahannam serves as a powerful deterrent against sin and a reminder of divine justice.