Pillars of Islam are those essentials and fundamentals of Islam which are absolutely necessary to be accepted and followed by a person to called a Muslim. The most important obligation upon a Muslim is to learn about those things in which he has to believe and those which he has to practice.
These tenets or pillars of Islam are fundamental in order for a person to qualify as a Muslim. They are commonly shared by Muslims throughout the world and are as follows:
1. Imaan (Faith)
2. Salah or Namaz (Prayer)
3. Sawm (Fasting)
4. Zakat (Poor Due)
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Related: What are the basic values of Islamic culture?
Value of Faith in Islam
Islam places supreme importance on correctness of faith.
If a person’s faith is incorrect, his deeds and even his worship are not acceptable to Allah. But if his faith is correct, even a small number of good deeds may suffice for his eternal salvation.
If one denies the obligatoriness of any of these pillars, he ceases to be a Muslim.
If a person forsakes them permanently, he too is considered as one dissociating himself from the group of Muslims.
In this post we are going to learn about the first pillar of Islam which is known as Tauheed or Belief in Oneness of Allah.
Related: What great non-Muslims said about Islam and Prophet Muhammad
First Pillar of Islam – Tawheed
Belief in Oneness of Allah is the first and foremost tenet of the Islamic faith. It does not leave any space for an intermediary between the worshipper and his Lord in matters of worship and supplication.
Islam totally prohibits beliefs such as the diversity of gods, or in the existence of a person as God’s reflection, or in God merging with any of His creatures to become one with him.
Instead, in Islam a believer clearly confesses that there is no god but Allah, the Almighty, the Independent.
He has no father, no son, and no associate of any kind.
He alone is the Creator of the universe, exercises complete administration of the world, and holds full control of the land and the sky. He does not need help from anybody.
Allah has always existed and shall exist for ever. His attributes are perfect, worthy of praise and glory. He is above all limitations and weaknesses, whatsoever. His knowledge encompasses all and everything.
He alone deserves worship, the highest manifestation of reverence.
There are many important componenets of Faith in Islam such as Belief in Oneness of Allah, Prophets Of Allah, The Judgement Day, Books of Allah, Angels etc. which are required to be believed with conviction by a Muslim.
Here is a quick list of articles about various Islamic beliefs: