Core Islamic Beliefs: A Guide to What Muslims BelieveSometimes, when we watch the news or scroll social media, questions arise: “What is Islam?” or “What do Muslims truly believe in?” If you’re seeking clarity, here is a respectful, clear guide — drawn from Islamic sources — to the core beliefs that shape the lives of over a billion people.Islam: Key Facts at a GlanceReligion: Islam, meaning “submission to the will of God.”Origin: 7th century CE, Mecca (modern Saudi Arabia).Followers: Muslims — meaning “one who submits” — about 1.9 billion worldwide.Concept of God: Allah — the One, Unique God.Final Prophet: Muhammad (peace be upon him).Holy Scripture: The Quran — believed to be the literal, unchanged word of God.Core Theology: The Six Articles of Faith.Core Practices: The Five Pillars of Islam.This guide walks you through the fundamental beliefs of Islam, referencing the Qur’an and authentic hadith, to answer basic questions about belief and worldview.Core Islamic Beliefs: The Six Articles of FaithBelief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid)At the heart of Islam is the belief that there is only one God, Allah. Everything that exists is His creation and is subject to His dominion. There is no one equal to Him. As the Quran states (in Chapter 112):“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent.’”This Surah powerfully encapsulates the concept of divine unity, with no parallel or partner.Belief in Angels (Mala’ika)Muslims believe angels are created by Allah from light. They are pure, obedient beings who carry out Allah’s commands faithfully. Among them is Jibreel (Gabriel), who delivered revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Other angels, such as Mika’il, Israfeel, and more, each have roles described in scripture.Belief in the Revealed Books (Kutub)Throughout history, Allah revealed scriptures to guide humanity. The four commonly named ones are:The Torah (Tawrat) given to Moses (Musa)The Psalms (Zabur) given to David (Dawud)The Gospel (Injeel) given to Jesus (Isa)The Quran to Muhammad (peace be upon him)Muslims believe earlier scriptures held truth but underwent changes or losses over time. The Quran is seen as the final, preserved, and universal guidance.Belief in the Prophets and Messengers (Rusul)Allah sent many prophets — some traditions cite 124,000 — to guide humanity across eras. These include prophets shared with Jewish and Christian traditions, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is considered the final prophet. The message across all prophets was consistent: worship one God, reject polytheism, and live righteously.Belief in the Day of Judgment (Akhirah)Muslims believe that after death, everyone will be resurrected and held accountable before Allah. Every word, intention, and action will be weighed. The righteous will be rewarded in Paradise (Jannah), while wrongdoers face consequence in Hell (Jahannam). This belief shapes one’s moral compass, encouraging mindfulness, compassion, and accountability.Belief in Divine Decree (Al-Qadr)Muslims believe Allah’s knowledge and will encompass all that happens. Though humans make choices, the ultimate outcome lies in Allah’s wisdom. This belief brings humility in times of ease and patience in trials — trusting that there is wisdom even in what we don’t fully understand.In summary: everything unfolds by God’s will and supreme wisdom — yet each human is responsible for their choices. These six core beliefs — Tawhid, angels, revealed books, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree — form a coherent framework that speaks to purpose, morality, and destiny.