Islam has five fundamental articles of faith, which must be professed by everyone who desires to become a Muslim. Although Islam is already divided into many sects — like all other religions — on this issue there are no two opinions. By whatever title the sects are recognised, be they Sunnis or Shi’ites, all believe in these five fundamental articles.
First Article
The first of these is to firmly believe in the absolute oneness of God. It is a Unity which is unsplittable and indivisible, and one which cannot be multiplied or compromised in any form.
Second Article
The second article relates to the belief in angels. Although there are varying opinions among Muslims about the concept of angels, nonetheless all Muslims believe in the existence of angels.
Third Article
The third article relates to belief in the books. The books in religious terms refer to such divine scriptures as contain a new teachings and bring a new religious law. They are mentioned after the angels because most often revelation is transmitted to man through the agency of angels, who play a central role in carrying the divine message to the messengers. Angels have many other tasks to perform, but of that we will discuss later.
Fourth Article
The fourth article relates to the messengers or prophets, who sometimes bring a new code of life and a new law for a specific people in a specific age, and who sometimes are sent only for the purpose of reform.
Fifth Article
The fifth and last article of faith relates to the Day of Judgement. It also implies that every human being will be raised after death in some form, and will be held answerable to God with regards to the life he had led here on earth.
These are the five fundamentals of Islam. However, according to some there is a sixth constituent of Muslim belief included in the fundamentals by the Holy Founder of Islam, and that is belief in divine decree.