6 Pillars of Iman (Faith) Explained - Complete Guide [2026]

What are the 6 Pillars of Iman? While 5 Pillars are actions, 6 Pillars of Faith are beliefs in the heart. The Prophet ﷺ said in Hadith Jibril: Iman is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Qadar. If one pillar is missing, faith is incomplete.

Table of Contents

• What is Iman? Difference Between Islam and Iman
• 1. Belief in Allah
• 2. Belief in Angels
• 3. Belief in Books
• 4. Belief in Prophets
• 5. Belief in Last Day
• 6. Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree)
• FAQ

What is Iman? Difference Between Islam and Iman

Islam = outward actions (5 Pillars). Iman = inward beliefs (6 Pillars). Allah says: "The bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts'" [Quran 49:14]. Iman increases with good deeds and decreases with sins.

1. Belief in Allah - Tawheed

To believe Allah is One, Lord, Creator, only One worthy of worship, with Most Beautiful Names and Attributes. No partners. Allah says: "Say, He is Allah, [who is] One" [Quran 112:1]. This is foundation of Aqeedah. Divided into Tawheed Rububiyyah, Uluhiyyah, Asma wa Sifat.

2. Belief in Angels - Malaikah

Angels are created from light, obey Allah, no free will to disobey. We know Jibril, Mikail, Israfil, Malik, Munkar and Nakir. Allah says: "Whoever is an enemy to Jibril - it is [none but] he who has brought the Quran down upon your heart" [Quran 2:97]. Believing in them means believing in their existence, names we know, attributes, and duties.

3. Belief in Books - Kutub

Allah sent books to guide mankind: Suhuf Ibrahim, Tawrah to Musa, Zabur to Dawud, Injeel to Isa, and final Quran to Muhammad ﷺ. Allah says: "Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian" [Quran 15:9]. Quran abrogates all before it and is preserved.

4. Belief in Prophets - Rusul

Believe all Prophets from Adam to Muhammad ﷺ were sent by Allah, they conveyed message, and Muhammad ﷺ is final. Allah says: "Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets" [Quran 33:40]. We love them all and follow final Prophet.

5. Belief in Last Day - Yawm al-Qiyamah

Belief in life after death: Barzakh, blowing in Trumpet, resurrection, accounting, Sirat, Paradise and Hell. Allah says: "And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth" [Quran 7:8]. This belief makes you prepare for Akhirah.

6. Belief in Qadar - Divine Decree

Allah knows everything, wrote everything in Lawh al-Mahfuz, everything happens by His Will, and He created everything. 4 levels of Qadar. Prophet ﷺ said: "No servant truly believes until he believes in Qadar, its good and bad" [Tirmidhi]. Good and bad both from Allah's Wisdom, but Allah loves good.

FAQ for Muslims in USA & UK

What is difference between 5 Pillars and 6 Pillars?

5 Pillars of Islam are actions you do: Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj. 6 Pillars of Iman are beliefs you have in heart: Allah, Angels, Books, Prophets, Last Day, Qadar. Both needed, mentioned in Hadith Jibril.

Are 6 Pillars mentioned in Quran?

Yes, all mentioned: Allah in 112:1, Angels in 2:97, Books in 15:9, Prophets in 33:40, Last Day in 7:8, Qadar implied in many verses like 54:49 "Indeed, all things We created with predestination".