Refresher & Advanced · Aqeedah Refresher

Foundational Beliefs in Islam

Explore core Islamic beliefs including 'Islam', 'iman', and Allah's attributes.

3 questions · Hard · about 4 minutes

Test yourself properly, with scoring and instant feedback.

3 questions, about 4 minutes.

Take the quiz
Show questions and answers Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 3 questions.

1. What does iman encompass when used on its own?

  • Affirming in the heart, saying with the tongue, and acting with the limbs. (correct answer)
  • Only believing in Allah without any speech or action.
  • Only outward deeds without inward belief.
  • Only inherited identity from one’s family.

Why

When iman is used on its own, it refers to the religion as a whole. The Salaf agreed that iman includes affirmation in the heart, speech with the tongue, and actions of the physical faculties. It increases through obedience and decreases through sin. When iman is mentioned together with Islam, iman may refer specifically to inward beliefs and actions of the heart, while Islam refers to outward words and actions.

View source on IslamQA →

2. What does Islam teach about the original fitrah of human beings?

  • People are created with a natural inclination toward pure Tawheed. (correct answer)
  • People are born naturally inclined to worship idols.
  • People are born with no connection to belief in one God.
  • People are created with shirk as their original nature.

Why

Allah created human beings upon the sound fitrah, which is the natural inclination toward pure Tawheed and recognition of the Creator. If people were left upon this original nature, they would not associate partners with Allah. However, devils among humans and jinn, false teachings, and surrounding influences may divert people from that straight path. The Prophet ﷺ said that every child is born upon the fitrah, then his parents may make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian.

View source on IslamQA →

3. How should a Muslim understand differences in people’s provision and blessings?

  • Allah does not wrong anyone, and He grants blessings and provision according to His wisdom and choice. (correct answer)
  • Allah must give everyone identical wealth, beauty, health, and knowledge.
  • Provision is based on human effort alone.
  • Whoever has less provision must be less valuable to Allah.

Why

Allah is far above injustice. Justice means that Allah does not wrong anyone, waste their deeds, punish them without sin, or deprive them of what is truly theirs. Blessings and bounty are different: Allah grants them to whomever He wills according to His wisdom. Wealth, poverty, ease, and restriction are tests; abundance is not proof of honour, and restriction is not proof of humiliation. A believer should thank Allah for blessings, be patient with trials, and know that Allah’s distribution is wise and just.

View source on IslamQA →

A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

More in Aqeedah Refresher

Browse all 281 quizzes or explore guidance topics.