In brief, a Muslim has the following seven fundamental beliefs:
1) Belief in Allah – One God
The central belief in Islam is that there is only one God. The Muslim name for God is “Allah”
2) Belief in Angels
3) Belief in Heavenly Books
4) Belief in Prophets
5) Belief in Day of Judgement
6) Belief in Divine Destiny
7) Belief in Life After Death
In the famous Ihya by Imam Ghazali belief is said to be founded upon four pillars; each pillar having ten basic principles.
FIRST PILLAR: Regarding the Essence of Allah
SECOND PILLAR: Regarding the Attributes of Allah
THIRD PILLAR: Regarding knowledge and faith in His works
FOURTH PILLAR: Regarding the acceptance of Authority Muslims believe in:
FIRST PILLAR: Regarding the Essence of Allah:
Allah is
1) Existing,
2) Eternal,
3) Ancient,
4) Without form,
5) Without body,
6) Without length and breadth,
7) Without any special direction,
8) Occupying no space,
9) the object of vision of the next world
10) ONE without any partner.
SECOND PILLAR: Regarding the Attributes of Allah
Allah is
1) All Powerful,
2) All Knowing.
3) Eternal – living for ever,
4) Willing,
5) Hearing,
6) Seeing,
7) Speaking,
8) Eternal in words, knowledge and will
9) Free from defect or change
(3) THIRD PILLAR: Regarding knowledge and faith in His works
1) Actions of man are created, willed and fixed by Allah,
2) He is kind to his creation
3) He is free from imposing works beyond the power of man,
4) He punishes man,
5) He does what He wills,
6) There is nothing obligatory on Him,
7) He sent apostles
8) Our Prophet was helped by miracles
9) His prophethood will last till the day of Resurrection.
(4) FOURTH PILLAR: Regarding the acceptance of Authority Muslims believe in:
1) The truth of Resurrection,
2) Questions by Munkar and Nakir,
3) Punishment of grave,
4) The Balance,
5) The Bridge,
6) Paradise,
7) Hell,
8) The true Imams,
9) Excellence of the companions in accordance with chronological order and
10) Qualifications of being an Imam.