Iman in Islam
Iman in Islamic theology denotes a believers recognition of faith and deeds in the religious aspects of Islam. Its most simple definition is the belief in the six articles of faith, known as arkān al-īmān. The term iman has been delineated in both the Quran and hadith. According to the Quran, iman must be accompanied by righteous deeds and the two together are necessary for entry into Paradise). The root of the word “Iman” is a-m-n which means: to be calm and quiet (in one’s heart); to be protected from fear; trustworthiness, and truthfulness. Iman means to accept truthfully, to be convinced, and to verify something, to rely upon or have confidence in something. Iman is not a static or unchanging state, but it is something that Muslims must continuously strive to strengthen and deepen throughout their lives. In a hadith, Muhammad defined iman as "a knowledge in the heart, a voicing with the tongue, and an activity with the limbs." Faith is confidence in a truth which is real. When people have confidence, they submit themselves to that truth. It is not sufficient just to know the truth, but the recognition of the heart should be expressed by the tongue which is the manifestation of the intelligence and at last to reflect this confidence in their activities. The next level of faith, Iḥsān, involves achieving excellence in all characteristics of the faith: worshipping Allah sincerely and correctly.
