Fundamental Principles of Religion

Question

What are the fundamental principles of religion?

The fundamental principles of Islam (Usūl ad-Dīn) comprise at-Tawhīd (Divine Unity), an-Nubuwwat (Prophethood), and al-Ma'ād (Resurrection). These three principles are considered the foundation and pillars of the religion. Shia scholars have added al-'Adl (Divine Justice) and al-Imāmat (Imamate), thus establishing five fundamental principles in Shia Islam. A person's lack of knowledge or belief in these fundamental principles places them outside the fold of Islam.

The term "Usūl ad-Dīn" is not found in the Qur'an or the hadiths; rather, it is a term developed by theologians. The exact origin and time of this term's widespread adoption remain unclear. Those who introduced this term designated these beliefs as the foundations of religion because they considered religious sciences such as hadith, jurisprudence, and Qur'anic exegesis to be based upon these principles.

History of the Term

The term Usūl ad-Dīn (fundamental principles of religion) has been widely recognized and has significantly influenced Islamic religious thought throughout history. However, neither the Qur'an nor the hadiths of the Shia and Sunni schools explicitly categorize religious sciences into Usūl (principles) and Furū' (branches). This indicates that these terms were later introduced by theologians.

Some Muslim scholars, notably Ibn Taymiyya (d. 728 AH), who view theological, rational, and philosophical sciences as contrary to religion and piety, take a particularly strict position on this matter. They contend that using terminology not found in the Qur'an or hadiths, such as Usūl ad-Dīn, contradicts the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) teachings.

However, the precise origin and popularization of this term remain unclear. Ibn an-Nadīm's attribution of a treatise titled Usūl al-Dīn to Abū Mūsā Murdār suggests that this term was already familiar and established by the early third century AH.

Position of the Fundamental Principles of Religion

Islam's fundamental principles are grounded in faith and belief in at-Tawhīd (Divine Unity), an-Nubuwwat (Prophethood), and al-Ma'ād (Resurrection). These three principles form the foundation of Islamic faith, from which all other religious concepts derive their meaning. Thus, while Muslims may hold significantly different, even contradictory views regarding the details and interpretations of these beliefs, they maintain unanimous agreement on these fundamental principles.

Among Shia Imamite theologians, there are varying perspectives on the number and content of religion's fundamental principles. The predominant view holds that these principles comprise three: at-Tawhīd, an-Nubuwwat, and al-Ma'ād. However, al-'Adl (Divine Justice) and al-Imāmat (Imamate) are additionally recognized as distinct fundamental principles of Shiism. Lack of knowledge or belief in these fundamental principles places one outside the fold of Islam, while lack of knowledge or belief in the fundamentals of Shiism places one outside this school.

Many Islamic scholars maintain that blind imitation (at-Taqlīd) is impermissible regarding religious fundamentals, asserting that conviction in these principles must be founded on rational evidence. Some consider this position a scholarly consensus. However, others, including Abū Hanīfa, Sufyān ath-Thūrī, al-Awzā'ī, Mālik, Shāfi'ī, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and the traditionists (Ahl al-Hadith), hold that while reasoning about doctrinal principles is obligatory and its neglect constitutes sin, faith based on imitation remains valid.

According to numerous religious scholars, adherence to Islam necessitates belief in its fundamentals, and rejection of any single principle constitutes disbelief and warrants divine punishment. The originators of this term designated these beliefs as religion's foundations because they viewed religious sciences such as hadith, jurisprudence, and Qur'anic exegesis as dependent upon these principles. They likened religion to a tree, with the fundamental principles serving as its roots, without which the tree cannot survive.

Examples of the Foundations of Religion

Tawhīd (Divine Unity)

At-Tawhīd represents Islam's foundational doctrinal principle, encompassing both theoretical and practical dimensions. This principle affirms that God is unique, possessing all perfection, without equal, immutable, the sole Creator of the universe, and without associate. The governance of the world rests upon His will, and His knowledge and power encompass all existence. All beings must worship Him directly, without intermediaries. According to the Qur'an, belief in Divine Unity is inherent in human nature, and any polytheistic beliefs or practices represent deviations arising from psychological, environmental, geographical, or historical factors. All prophets (peace be upon them) were champions of at-Tawhīd, dedicating themselves to eliminating polytheism and idolatrous practices.

Nubuwwat (Prophethood)

Belief in prophethood affirms that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is God's messenger and emissary, chosen by Him as the final prophet in the prophetic succession (peace be upon them). The Qur'an comprises divine revelations transmitted to him.

Ma'ād (Resurrection)

The term al-Ma'ād signifies "Return". In theological and philosophical discourse, it denotes the afterlife, when humanity will be resurrected. Al-Ma'ād marks the day of human accountability, where the righteous receive rewards for their virtuous deeds while the wicked face consequences for their misdeeds. This concept of afterlife and resurrection has historically been central to religious, theological, and philosophical discourse. Adherents of various faiths consider the afterlife a fundamental tenet of their belief system.

'Adl (Divine Justice)

While divine justice represents one of God's active attributes, its prominence has grown through vigorous theological debates among the Ash'arites, Shia, and Mu'tazilites. These discussions led to the designation of Shia and Mu'tazilites as proponents of divine justice (al-'Adlīyya). Subsequently, justice became established among the distinctive doctrinal principles of Shiism. Many other divine attributes are intrinsically connected to justice, which encompasses doctrinal, ethical, and social dimensions. Hence, this principle merits recognition as one of Islam's foundational pillars.

Imāmat

Imāmat constitutes a divinely ordained function, wherein the imams (peace be upon them) bear all prophetic responsibilities except receiving revelation. Consequently, infallibility, which is essential for prophethood, is equally requisite for the imamate. This distinctive attribute establishes imāmat as one of religion's foundational principles.

The imamate holds an unquestionably central position within Shia Islamic theological thought. The doctrine of divine designation (nass) and infallibility, coupled with the imams' unique status as spiritual and religious authorities, demonstrates the profound significance of this institution.