Question
I want to know the difference between ‘Articles of Faith’ and ‘Fundamental Pillars of Islam’.
There are 5 Pillars of Islam, but how many Articles of Faith are their? Let me know that is it compulsory upon Muslims to believe both of them?
Also I want to know that is it compulsory upon Muslims to believe all the Companions of Holy Prophet (pbuh) especially the 4 rightly guided Caliphs? If it is compulsory, than on what basis since they are not mentioned either in fundamental pillars of Islam, Articles of Faith Or in the Qur’an?
Please clarify this issue.
Answer
The term ‘Articles of Faith’ is generally used for the essential elements of faith propounded by Islam. These ‘Articles of Faith’ are essential for a person to be considered a Muslim. These Articles of Faith include:
- the belief in One God, Who is clear of all equals and associates;
- the belief in the Day of Judgment, on which every soul shall meet the consequences of its good and bad deeds;
- the belief in prophethood, as a means of God’s guidance to the humankind;
- the belief in Angels, as servants and messengers of God; and
- the belief in revealed Books, as a source of God’s guidance to man.
As for ‘Pillars of Islam’, the term has been used for five observable features that distinguish Islam from all other religions of the world. These ‘Pillars of Islam’ include:
- to declare that there is only One God and that Muhammad (pbuh) is a true prophet of God;
- to offer five prayers during the day;
- to pay Zaka’h according to the directives of the Shari`ah;
- to fast during the month of Ramadan; and
- to undertake Hajj of the Ka`bah, if one has the ability to do so.
I could not understand what exactly do you imply by ‘belief in the companions’. Belief in any one or other of the companions is not an essential part of Islam and, therefore, is neither included in its ‘Articles of Faith’ nor in the ‘Pillars of Islam’.
I hope this helps.
Moiz Amjad
September 12, 2003