The Most Basic Principles in Islam

The Meaning of Basic Principles

In this article we will talk about what is the basic principles in Islam? Before going any further we have to equate an understanding of what is principles means.

Well, principles is a value that will guide our behavior or evaluation. It means in Islamic religion principles is value and rule that guide mankind for fulfilling their duty and existence as the creation of Allah SWT.

The Fundamental of Islam

The very fundamental of Islam is summarize in the 6 pillars of Islam. Those are the basic acts in Islam that muslims should do in order to practice the true teachings of Islam. To remind us the pillars of Islam consisted as follows:

• Faith (Shahada). It is a declaration from a person of their faith and trust that there is no other God than Allah SWT. That Allah is the only one, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Him.
• Prayer (Salah). It is a form of worship that consited of five daily prayers muslims should perform each day, and it is mandatory for them.
• Charity (Zakat). It is a practice of giving to the need or charitable give according to an accumulated wealth.
• Fasting (Shawm). It is a ritual of abstain from eating food and drink from  dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadhan. It is an obligatory acct for every muslims especially to those who reached their puberty unless they are not able to perform it from the medical condition.
• Pilgrimate (Hajj). It is a practice of pilgrimate for all across the world to travel to the holy city of Mecca. It occurs during the Islamic month of Dhulhijjah, and whoever able both phisically or financially must perform pilgrimate at least once in their life. Read also about How to Perform Hajj Step by Step.

The Basic Principles in Islam

According to the fundamental of Islam mentioned above, we can conclude the basic principles of Islam as follows:

1. Faith and believe to Allah SWT 

Allah is the Creator of all the creation in the world and in the entire universe. Islam teach us that every single things belong to Him. Since He made from nothing into something. As mentioned in the following verse :

“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of (all) existence. Neither downsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is (presently) before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” (QS. Al-Baqarah : 255)

This means that we as muslims recognize Allah as the ultimate entity and reality, He is the Lord of all creation, and that to Him alone we will be back. So, it is our duty to learn how to increase our faith in Islam to Allah SWT. [AdSense-B]

2. Only worship to Allah SWT

Since Allah SWT is the only God and the only protector and saviors of mankind, muslim’s life is nothing but a commitment to Allah. His teaching is our guidance to get closer to Him by following His path.

Allah sent Prophets and His Messenger is to guide mankind, in order to avoid them from calamity. Therefore muslims should only worship Allah SWT. As mentioned in the following verse :

“And you Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age (while) with you, say not to them (so much as0, “uff”, and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (QS. Al-Isra : 23)

Beside worshipping Allah SWT, the above verse encourage muslims to love and care of their parents.

[AdSense-A] As a child we must respect them and kind to them sincerely, since devotion to parents is second most important commitment for muslims.

“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up (when i was) small.'” (QS. Al-Isra : 24)

3. Be good to others and respect any form of life

Islam is a religion of peace, they respect any form of life since that is also the creation from Allah.

Therefore another principles of islam for muslims is that Islam encourage muslims to bring peace towards other, we must keep our heart even though we got insults, and we must care to other both to fellow muslims or non-muslims.

“O you who believed, enter into Islam completely (and perfectly) and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (QS. Al-Baqarah : 208)

Muslims must live according to the social rules without ignoring the rules of Islam.

We must blend to any society, live with harmony and be responsible of what we are doing. Including to family, relatives or friends. As mentioned in the following verse :

“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly – We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in (the matter of) taking life. Indeed, he has been supported (by the law).” (QS. Al-Isra : 33)

The verse means that muslims should respect the sanctity of all life and should not comitting an act that can result in the dead of devine being.

It also means that Islam avoid violance, aggression, and conflicts that may lead to murder. Islam suggest dialogue and negotiations to resolve a problems. Read also about Ways to Earn Good Deeds in Islam.

4. Knowledge is the base of all acts in Islam

“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart about all those (one) will be questioned.” (QS. Al-Isra : 36)

From the above verse we can concluded that muslims and all mankind should act according to knowledge.

Muslims without knowledge will resulting chaos and astray. Knowledge is source of guidance and protection.

Knowledge will protect mankind from difficulties, harm, and even Islam consider seeking knowledge as an obligation and give whoever seek of knowledge with a reward.

“When a man dies all his deeds come to an end except for three: an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Al-Bukhari)

 

“Whoever treads a path in seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.” (At-Tirmidhi)

5. Honesty is valuable in Islam

The next basic principles in Islam is honesty. Muslims must act in an honest way, justice and fairness in every aspect of our life.

It is our commitment to be a muslims which also bring justice and fairness trought honesty in this world.

“And give full measure when you measure, and weight with an even balance. That is the best (way) and best in result.” (QS. Al-Isra : 35)

In Islam being honest will keep other person right, to keep the truth is our obligation as muslims. Read also about Benefits of Honesty in Islam in Daily Life.