In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most
Merciful
By Dr. Ja`far Sheikh Idris
The pillars of Faith, Iman, enumerated in many verses of
the Qur'an and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, are belief
in God, in God's Angels, His Books, His Messengers, in the Hereafter and in
Qadar (Destiny). These are familiar terms; but the non-Muslim reader would be
mistaken if he thought that the Islamic concepts designated by them are the
same as those of other religions and philosophies. It is hoped that the
following exposition, which is itself made in the light of the Qur'an and the
sayings of the Prophet, will make this point clear. It will also make clear the
fact that the Islamic concept of faith itself is, in many ways, different from
the popular Western one. In the West faith is usually contrasted to reason and
knowledge. But according to the Qur'an true faith is that which is based on
knowledge and supported by argument. Any belief which is not so based and
supported is considered by the Qur'an to be mere caprice and whim which a
thinking person must avoid. True faith can therefore be gained through
reflection and the acquisition of knowledge, and not by blind and irrational
commitment. A person armed with such an enlightened faith can enter with great
confidence into rational discussion with people who do not share his beliefs
with the hope of showing them their mistakes and weaknesses and winning them
over to truth. If this paper helps to take the reader a step in that direction
it will have achieved its purpose, and all praise is due to God.
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