2- What is Iman?
Iman (faith) in Arabic means belief which is committed to submission. In Islamic terminology its meaning varies according to usage and it may mean one of two things:
(1) When the word is used on its own and is not accompanied by the word Islam, it refers to the religion as a whole, as in the verse where Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light.”
(Qur’an, Al-Baqarah 2:257).
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No one will enter Paradise except the believers.”
(Muslim, 114).
(2) When used in conjunction with the word Islam. In this case, it refers to inward beliefs-which are actions of the heart, such as belief in Allah, may He be exalted, loving Him, fearing Him, putting one’s hope in Him, may He be glorified and exalted, and being sincere to Him alone. It also includes the belief in His angels, His Books, His Messengers and the Last Day.
10 Rabi’ul Thani, 1443 AH.
