Key beliefs in IslamFive roots of Usul ad-Din (Shi’a Islam)

There are five key principles of faith in Shi’a Islam, known as the five roots of Usul ad-Din. The image of a tree with five roots is often used to show that these principles are the foundations of the faith.

Tawhid

Tawhid is the belief that God is one and that he is almighty and worthy of worship. The Qur’an states that God cannot be thought of as having separate parts:

Adalat (divine justice)

Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah is always right and fair (Adalat). Sometimes Allah may act in ways that are beyond human understanding, but ultimately the world has been designed to be fair. The Qur’an teaches that God will not burden anyone with more than they can bear because he is fair to everyone (Surah 23:62).

Muslims believe that there will be a Day of Judgement, where they will prove their faith and take responsibility for their actions on Earth. The Qur’an explains that all good deeds benefit the soul, but each person is also responsible for the things that they have done wrong. Allah will always judge people with justice and fairness (Surah 41:46).

Nubuwwah (the prophets)

The prophets, known as nubuwwah, provide guidance from God and should be respected. The Prophet Muhammad was God’s final prophet and communicated the Qur’an to human beings.

The Qur’an says the following about the messengers who were sent by God:

• They were sent to stop humankind from straying from Islam and to bring good tidings and warnings (Surah 2:213).
• They were sent into all communities to tell people “to worship Allah and shun false gods” (Surah 16:36).
• They were sent to educate people who couldn’t read or write (Surah 62:2).
• They were sent with proof, scripture, the ‘scales of justice’ and the ‘might of iron’ to see who would stand up for Allah and his messengers without ever having actually seen Allah for themselves (Surah 57:25).

Imamate (authority of the imams)

The Imamate were the Twelve Imams who Shi’a Muslims believe were chosen by God to lead Islam after Muhammad. Shi’a Muslims believe that leaders such as imams protect the religion and help to guide Muslims along the right path. They also believe that the Qur’an is referring to imams when it says:

The prophet Muhammad is recorded by some Hadith authors as saying that he leaves behind ‘two weighty things': the Qur’an and his household. This is often referred to as the Hadith al-Thaqalayn. Shi’a Muslims see this as evidence that authority should be passed to the imams, the Prophet’s descendants.

Al-Ma’ad (Day of Resurrection)

Al-Ma’ad is the belief that Muslims will be resurrected and judged by God: As We began the first creation, We will repeat it. [That is] a promise binding upon Us. Indeed, We will do it (Surah 21:104).

The Qur’an tells Muslims that people who have lived good lives will receive a record of their life in their right hand as a token of their faith. They will go to Heaven. Those who have not offered prayers or helped the poor, and people who have told lies, will be condemned to Hell.