Learning About Iman

Iman — faith — is the foundation of everything in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked by the Angel Jibril: "What is iman?" His answer defines the six pillars of belief that every Muslim is required to understand and hold with certainty: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree — both its good and its evil. (Sahih Muslim 8)

Learning About Iman is a concise explanation of complete iman — what it is, what it requires, and what it means for the believer's life. Composed in 1305 AH (1888 CE), it opens with a summarized explanation of the famous Hadith of Jibril and then covers the definition and virtues of iman alongside key matters of aqeedah in a concise format designed to be accessible and teachable.

What This Book Covers

The Hadith of Jibril — The Foundation

The Hadith of Jibril is one of the most important narrations in all of Islam — in it, the Angel Jibril came to the Prophet in human form and asked him about Islam, Iman, and Ihsan, covering the three levels of the religion in one encounter. This hadith is the organizing framework for the entire text, grounding the discussion of iman in its most authoritative prophetic source.

The Six Pillars of Iman

Each of the six articles of faith is covered — what it means to believe in Allah, in His angels, in His revealed books, in His messengers and prophets, in the Day of Judgment and the events of the akhirah, and in divine decree. For each pillar, the text establishes what correct belief requires and what falls short of it.

The Virtues of the Testimony of Tawheed

The book includes a summary of the virtues of La ilaha illallah — the first pillar of Islam and the foundation of iman — drawing on authentic narrations to show why this testimony, when genuinely held and acted upon, is the most important statement a person can carry.

About the Author

As-Sayyid al-Allamah Siddiq Hasan Khan al-Qanuji (1248–1307 AH) was a scholar of India known for his works on hadith, tafsir and aqeedah upon the way of the Salaf, and for his efforts in reviving the study of the primary sources in the subcontinent. This treatise was composed in 1305 AH (1888 CE). Published by Dar Al-Arqam.

Who This Book Is For

New Muslims building their foundational understanding of iman, students in Islamic education programs, and any Muslim who wants a concise and authoritative reference on the six pillars of belief.

Continue Reading

For iman treated at greater length, see as-Sa'di's The Tree of Faith and Ibn Uthaymin's The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. On the testimony of tawheed specifically, Ibn Rajab's The Key to Paradise covers its conditions in full. See also our guide to the best aqeedah books for beginners.