One of the greatest advantages of Islam is the accessibility of our faith and religious knowledge. If you feel an unending desire to know more, you can spend decades diving into the intricacies of theology, philosophy, law, and the nature of the Truth of Islam.
On the other hand, if you are content with knowing the basics of belief and practice you can learn all of Islam’s tenants in an afternoon and go out into the world as a confident – and entirely legitimate – believer. No extra rituals or advanced degrees required.
This is why Islam has been able to reach every corner of the world and satisfy the mental desires of persons from every intellectual background.
In faith, we believe in six simple concepts. This article takes each of these “pillars” and gives a brief look into how the Quran can be the gateway to deepening our understanding and belief.
1- Belief in God as a Healthy Step
Disbelief is not just about choosing the wrong path. In the Quran we are told that it is much more.
In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie. (2:10)
Actively denying Islam when you know it is the Truth is a disease of heart that affects every aspect of your life. Conversely, believing in God treats that disease, improving your spiritual health.
2- Belief in the (Human) Prophets
The chain of Prophets from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH), our inspirations and guides, those we look to for examples of how to act. Their paths are never easy, however, and they are always subject to temptation.
In chapter Yusuf we are told the story of Prophet Yusuf and his encounter with the wife of an Egyptian trader, Al-‘Aziz. She wishes to seduce him and, according to the Quran, he almost fell.
And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from evil and immortality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants. (12:24)
Even Prophets are still human, and this verse teaches us to respect not only their role in religion, but their humanity and that they, just like us, need God to show them the way.
3- Corruption and Belief in the Previous Revelations
Along with the chain of Prophets are the messages that they delivered, two of which are the Torah and Gospels. Our tradition tells us that these messages were each subsequently corrupted, necessitating further revelation. Where we can learn more, however, is in how those earlier messages became corrupted. The Quran states:
Do you covet [the hope, O believers], that they would believe for you while a party of them used to hear the words of Allah and then distort the Torah after they had understood it while they were knowing? (2:75)
In texts explaining the Quran, the “party” is the clergy.
We know that the Quran is protected. But we as Muslims, however, are not. We can be subject to corruption and loose our way, letting our personal desires guide us. We must therefore learn from the Quran and the warnings given to those that came before us to be steadfast and critical when approaching ourselves and those we place in positions of leadership.
4- The Hardest Temptations and Belief in the Unseen
To believe in the unseen is to understand that there is an entire universe around us that we can’t always perceive. Chief among the residents of this realm are Satan (Iblis) who refused to obey the commands of God and show reverence to humanity. We all know that Iblis is about temptation, but if we look at the Quran we find that temptation comes at the most unexpected times.
[Satan] said, ‘Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].’ (7:16-17)
It is when we are doing our best that Iblis comes in, right when we are walking on the Straight Path. Therefore, we always need to keep aware of temptation, not just when we know clearly we are doing something wrong.
5- God’s Power and Belief in the Day of Judgment
The Day of Judgment is a warning for humanity. Don’t think that you are just living for today, for what you do will have consequences. In the Quran, however, God provides the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – and us – with a rhetorical question about the Resurrection that adds another level.
Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?” He asks. “Say, ‘He will give them life who produced them the first time; and He is, of all creation, Knowing.’” (36:78-9)
The Resurrection, and the subsequent Day of Judgment, is therefore not ONLY a warning for us, but it is also a sign of God’s power and knowledge. It reinforces our belief in God, and further confirms that it is He who is in control of all things.
6- Duality and Belief in Fate
Lastly, as Muslims, we are commanded to believe in the power of fate. It is a mysterious concept that has divided theologians and philosophers for centuries: are you in control of your own destiny or not? The Quran gives us the answer:
… you are in control of your faith, but that control does not escape the perpetual knowledge of God. The first element of this is expressed when the Quran says, “Allah never changes the condition of people until they strive to change themselves.” (13:11)
For the second:
And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it… (6:59)