Sunni Articles of Faith and Shi'a Roots

Sunni and Shi'a Islam share fundamental beliefs about Allah, his guidance and human accountability. However, they organise their foundations of faith differently. Sunni Islam identifies six articles of faith, while Shi'a Islam identifies five roots of Usul ad-Din, meaning 'foundations of religion'.

These are beliefs about what is true, rather than a list of religious duties. Calling them foundations or roots shows how they support the rest of religious life: beliefs about Allah and judgement help explain why Muslims worship, seek guidance and try to act rightly.

The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam

Tawhid — the oneness of Allah. Allah is one, unique and without partners. Muslims believe that Allah creates and sustains life and is not subject to human limitations such as birth and death. Qur'an 112:1–4 describes Allah as 'the One' and states that 'There is none like unto Him'. This belief directs worship towards Allah alone.

Malaikah — angels. Angels obey Allah's commands and carry out his purposes. Jibril delivered revelation to Muhammad; other angels record human actions or receive souls at death. Belief in angels connects Allah's guidance with human life and reminds believers that their conduct matters even when other people cannot see it.

Kutub — revealed books. Allah has given guidance through holy scriptures, including the Qur'an. Muslims believe that the Qur'an is Allah's unchanged word, revealed to Muhammad through Jibril. This gives believers an authoritative guide for belief and behaviour.

Nubuwwah — prophethood. Allah chooses prophets and messengers to communicate his guidance. Muhammad is the final prophet, described in Qur'an 33:40 as the 'Seal of the Prophets'. His teachings and example therefore remain important guides for Muslim life; Muslims do not expect another prophet after him.

Akhirah — life after death. Human life does not end at death. People will be resurrected and judged by Allah, with consequences for their earthly lives. This encourages Muslims to take responsibility for their actions rather than treating this life as their only concern.

Al-Qadr — divine decree or predestination. Allah knows everything and has supreme control over what happens. This does not remove human responsibility: people still make choices, although those choices are already known to Allah. Belief in Al-Qadr can encourage trust in Allah while leaving believers accountable for their conduct.

The five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam

Tawhid and Nubuwwah are also roots of Shi'a belief. Shi'a Muslims affirm Allah's oneness and believe that he sends prophets to guide humanity, with Muhammad as the final prophet.

Adalat — divine justice. Allah is always just and wise and cannot do wrong. Humans are accountable for their actions, and Allah's judgement is fair. Justice may not always be obvious in events, but Shi'a Muslims believe Allah acts with wisdom and purpose. This belief supports trust in Allah and encourages believers to act justly themselves.

Imamah — the authority of the Imams. Shi'a Muslims believe that Allah chose Ali to succeed Muhammad as the community's guide, and that Muhammad announced this choice. The Imams continue to protect and explain the faith after the end of prophethood: they are guides, not new prophets.

In Twelver Shi'a Islam, this means a succession of twelve Imams, beginning with Ali, from the Prophet's household. They are regarded as infallible in their religious guidance, so their authority helps believers understand and follow Islam. This is more than the role of an ordinary mosque prayer leader.

Ma'ad — resurrection and return to Allah. People will be raised after death to face Allah's judgement and account for their lives. Like Sunni belief in Akhirah, this gives present actions lasting significance and encourages preparation for the afterlife through good conduct.

Comparing the two sets of foundations

The clearest shared beliefs are Tawhid, Nubuwwah and belief in resurrection and judgement, expressed through Akhirah in the Sunni articles and Ma'ad in the Shi'a roots. Both traditions therefore connect worship of one God, divine guidance and moral responsibility.

The distinctive emphasis of the Shi'a roots is on Adalat and Imamah: Allah's justice and the authority of divinely chosen guides after Muhammad. The Sunni articles separately name angels, revealed books and Al-Qadr.

These differences are not simply opposing beliefs. Shi'a Muslims also believe in angels and revealed books, while Sunni Muslims also believe that Allah is just. The lists identify particular foundations and emphases; they do not contain everything each tradition believes. The difference over the authority of the Imams is more substantial, because Shi'a belief gives these leaders a distinctive divinely appointed role.