Islamic Studies (4IS1)
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Beliefs & Practices

Core Islamic beliefs and Five Pillars

Six Articles of Faith (Arkan al-Iman):

  • Tawhid — Oneness of Allah
  • Angels (Mala'ika) — created from light
  • Holy Books (Kutub) — Torah, Zabur, Injeel, Quran (final)
  • Prophets (Anbiya) — Adam to Muhammad ﷺ (last prophet)
  • Day of Judgement (Yawm al-Qiyamah) — accountability, Jannah/Jahannam
  • Divine Decree (Qadar) — Allah's knowledge of all things

  • Five Pillars (Arkan al-Islam):

  • Shahada — declaration of faith
  • Salah — five daily prayers facing Qibla
  • Zakat — 2.5% of wealth to those in need
  • Sawm — fasting during Ramadan
  • Hajj — pilgrimage to Makkah if able

  • Sources: **Quran** — direct word of Allah. **Sunnah/Hadith** — Prophet's ﷺ actions and sayings.


    Islamic ethics (Akhlaq): Justice, honesty, compassion, **Amanah** (trustworthiness).

    Key Points to Remember

    • 1Six Articles of Faith
    • 2Five Pillars of Islam
    • 3Sources of authority
    • 4Islamic ethics

    Pakistan Example

    Zakat in Pakistan — The Third Pillar in Daily Life

    Pakistan's government deducts Zakat from bank accounts during Ramadan via the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance 1980. Millions also pay privately. At 2.5% of qualifying wealth, Zakat functions as a social safety net, shaping national institutions.

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