Islam is a faith that believes in a single God. Muslims believe in only one God Allah Almighty, and His messengers, Angels, the Quran and the Day of Judgement. Quran says in Surah Al-Nisa:
“O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger. and the Scripture which He sent down before. Anyone who rejects belief in Allah, His angels, His scriptures, His prophets, and the Day of Judgment has undoubtedly strayed far off the path”
[Surah An-Nisa; 4:136]
So, for being a Muslim, it is essential to believe in following things:
i. One God-Allah Almighty
ii. His Messengers
iii. His Scriptures
iv. His Angels
v. The Day of Judgement
vi. Qadr or Destiny
Who is Allah Almighty?
Allah Almighty is the creator and sustainer of this universe. He is unlike any creature in the universe. On His command everything works in a proper order.
Surah Al-Ikhlas mentions it.
In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
1. Declare, ‘He is Allah, the Singular.
2. ‘Allah, the Independent and Besought of all.
3. ‘He neither procreates, nor was He created.
4. ‘And there is none like unto Him.’ [Surah Al-Ikhlas-112]
This Surah explains that Oneness is not ambiguous. Islam does not allow calling God a humanlike character. Quran also clarifies the position of Jesus A.S. in Chapter 4:
“O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes regarding your faith; say nothing about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah. And the fulfilment of His Word through Mary and a spirit created by a command from Him.
So, believe in Allah and His messengers. Don’t say “Trinity.” Stop! for your own good.
Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son!
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs”.
[Surah An-Nisa; 4:171]
The text clearly states that Jesus Christ is only a messenger of Allah SWT. Jesus Christ held a special position and had many miracles from Allah SWT.
(What is the concept of Tawhid?Is Oneness logical or not? Learn with best muslim scholars here)
Prophets in Islam:
Prophethood is a gift of Allah that does not come with effort. A prophet is Allah’s chosen person who is infallible.
He is worthy of obedience, exegete of Allah’s Book, Master and Guide. Messenger of God is always a leader and a role model for humanity. He is legislator, interpreter, arbiter and judge on Allah Almighty’s command.
Allah Almighty sent messengers to rectify the people. As in Surah Al-Nahl Quran says:
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship Allāh and avoid ṭāghūt.”1 And among them were those whom Allāh guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So, proceed [i.e., travel] through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers”
[Surah An-Nahl; 16:36]
Allah’s apostle told that Allah sent 1 lac 24 thousand messengers. Quran mentions 25 prophets by name.
Quran mentions Ibrahim a.s Moses a.s Jesus a.s and Noah a.s and many other prophets.
This chain of prophethood continued till the appearance of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the seal of prophets and the last messenger of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. In Surah Ahzab Allah Almighty says:
“Muḥammad is not the father of any of your men,1 but is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. And Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things”
[Surah Al-Ahzab; 33:40]
(Are you interested in knowing about Prophets of Islam? Click here)