The Effects of Sound Doctrine

Impacts of Proper Belief

Effects of Correct Belief on the Individual

A sound belief system has multiple effects on the Muslim individual, including the following:

• Effect One: Inner Stability and Fearlessness regarding Life: A Muslim understands that death is inevitable, whether near or far, and trusts that lifespans are determined by God – the Exalted – as stated in the Holy Quran: (God does not delay a soul when its appointed time comes, and God is All-Aware of what you do). The realization that one’s lifespan cannot be changed grants individuals a sense of calmness and unwavering resolve in the face of life’s challenges. They embrace whatever comes from God – the Exalted – with an open heart.
• Effect Two: Freedom from the Fear of Livelihood Disruptions: A Muslim knows that sustenance is solely in the hands of God – the Exalted – and that their provision is protected and no one can withhold it from them. As stated in the Holy Quran: (There is no creature on earth but that its provision is upon God), and (In the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised). Hence, a believer should not hesitate to do good and speak the truth, feeling reassured by God’s protection.
• Effect Three: Cultivation of Altruism and Disinterest in Greed: Islamic belief fosters the notion that the rewards of the Hereafter are superior to worldly gains. Consequently, believers seek to prioritize the needs of others above their own. If individuals allow themselves to be consumed by worldly pursuits, they may become overly focused on wealth. Correct belief refines such traits, elevating individuals to embrace altruism and generosity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remarked on human greed, stating, “If the son of Adam had two valleys of wealth, he would seek a third. Nothing fills the belly of the son of Adam except dust.”

Conversely, the Prophet praised the actions of an Ansar companion who hosted a guest in his home, despite having only enough food for his children. He and his wife pretended to eat in order to ensure the guest was fed. This noble act led to the revelation of the verse: (And they give preference to others over themselves, even when there is a need for themselves; and whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those who will be the successful).

• Effect Four: Encouragement of Self-Monitoring: A Muslim is aware that God – the Exalted – sees and knows their actions, even in their private moments. This consciousness serves as a reminder to maintain integrity and avoid disobedience to God – the Glorious One – as there is nothing more disgraceful than a believer who knowingly chooses to sin without regard for the consequences.
• Effect Five: Adoption of Justice as a Guideline in Life: Islam represents a faith centered on justice and equality. God – the Exalted – has prohibited injustice, as conveyed in a sacred narration, where He stated: (O My servants, I have forbidden injustice upon Myself, and I have made it forbidden among you; so do not wrong one another). Thus, a Muslim surrenders to God’s decree in the face of injustice, trusting that divine retribution is assured while fearing the injustice they may inflict upon others, leading them to avoid wrongful behavior.
• Effect Six: Assurance of Peace and Contentment: Correct Islamic belief guarantees its followers joy and tranquility. God – the Exalted – promises believers a variety of blessings in the Hereafter, along with assurances of goodness in this life, as mentioned in Surah An-Nur: (God has promised those among you who have believed and done righteous deeds that He will surely make them successors upon the earth, as He made successors from those before them, and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has preferred for them.)
• Effect Seven: Strength and Dignity of the Believer: The righteous believer embodies strength, knowing with certainty that (God is with the righteous). This assurance of faith and the presence of God suffices to empower them.
• Effect Eight: Willingness to Submit to Divine Judgment: A believer recognizes that submitting to lawful authority is part of faith, as highlighted in the Quran: (But no, by your Lord, they will not truly believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission).
• Effect Nine: Awareness of Life’s Purpose: While many search for meaning in their existence, a Muslim confidently understands they were not created in vain but to worship God – the Exalted – and perform righteous deeds in expectation of the Day of Reckoning, resulting in either paradise with rivers flowing beneath it or eternal damnation. This belief is supported by divine verses: (Did you think that We created you in jest and that you would not be returned to Us?) and (And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me).
• Effect Ten: A Principle of Divine Allegiance: For a believer, their love is for God alone, and their aversion is also for God’s sake. They cherish God’s allies and resent His enemies, even if those adversaries are their closest relatives, reinforcing that faith bonds are more potent than blood ties. As stated in Surah At-Tawbah: (O you who believe! Do not take your fathers and brothers as allies if they have preferred disbelief over faith, and whoever of you does that – then it is those who are the wrongdoers).

Effects of Correct Belief on Society

A correct belief system also has significant influences on the Muslim community, as outlined below:

• Effect One: The Community of Correct Belief is Safe: Individuals who possess sound beliefs refrain from engaging in forbidden behaviors that could harm society, such as adultery, murder, sodomy, theft, and other severe vices.
• Effect Two: A Cohesive Community: In a society defined by correct beliefs, individuals genuinely desire good for one another. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) illustrated the bond among believers, stating: “The believers in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion are like a single body; if any part of it feels pain, the rest of the body responds with wakefulness and fever.”
• Effect Three: A Just and Open-Minded Society: A community steeped in correct beliefs often practices open-mindedness and fairness. Islam does not promote hostility toward those with differing opinions but encourages peaceful outreach and discussion. Historically, scholars have shared knowledge and opinions without disparaging one another.
• Effect Four: Compliance with Authority: In a community characterized by correct beliefs, individuals respect and follow the guidance of their leadership, acknowledging the dangers of rebellion against authority and prioritizing patience and obedience.
• Effect Five: Unity in Following Divine Commands: Members of a community grounded in solid belief promptly act upon divine commands, recognizing that the implementation of God’s law is fundamental to a thriving Islamic society.
• Effect Six: Advocacy for the Faith: This community takes on the responsibility of conveying the message of Islam to other societies, demonstrating a commitment to spreading the call to faith. As noted in the Quran: (And thus We have made you a medium nation that you will be witnesses over the people).
• Effect Seven: Freedom from Prejudice: Individuals within a society based on correct beliefs reject racism and hatred, establishing that faith and piety are the true measures of value among people, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or appearance.

Sources of Islamic Belief

The key sources of Islamic belief can be summarized as follows:

• First: The Holy Quran: The Holy Quran is the foundation of Islam and its guiding light, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) alongside clarifications regarding the essentials of faith. It addresses fundamental questions about human existence, narrates the histories of previous nations, and highlights the critical importance of faith for salvation and the dangers of polytheism and hypocrisy. The first revelation to the Prophet was: (Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clinging substance).
• Second: The Noble Sunnah: The Sunnah is integral to the Quran and accompanies it. It elaborates on rulings or provides context for those found in the Quran. Consequently, it serves as a crucial source of Islamic doctrine, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not speak from desire; rather, his words were divinely inspired: (Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed). The Prophet also taught the companions how to understand God’s signs through reason and clarified the meanings of God’s names and attributes essential for building sound belief.
• Third: Consensus of Scholars: The companions and righteous scholars throughout history have unanimously concurred on many theological matters related to the pillars of faith. This consensus is binding, as it is impossible for it to occur around a false or erroneous religious issue.
• Fourth: Sound Reason Supported by Revelation: The intellect is a valid source of faith when aligned with revelation. Islamic teachings are rational and compatible with human reason. Contemplating the signs of creation leads one to discern the impossibility of it all occurring by mere chance. The Quran encourages rational thought with verses such as: (Were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]?) and (If there had been within the heavens and earth other gods besides God, they would have been ruined).
• Fifth: Innate Disposition: Humans are created with an innate awareness of God. Disbelief arises due to external influences experienced during one’s upbringing. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expressed this, stating: “Every newborn is born in a state of natural disposition (fitrah), and it is their parents who make them Jewish, Christian, or Magian.”

Characteristics of Islamic Belief

The characteristics of Islamic belief are numerous, including:

• Completeness and Comprehensiveness: Islamic belief, being divinely inspired, is applicable across time and space and remains relevant through ages. Its spread is only hindered by the weakness and negligence of Muslims in conveying the message.
• Strong Foundations: The sources of Islamic belief are the Holy Quran, the authentic Sunnah, and the consensus of scholars. These serve as the primary sources of religious authority, established, secure, and accessible for all Muslims.
• Endurance Through Time: The sources of Islamic belief, namely the Quran and Sunnah, have been preserved by God – the Exalted – until the Day of Judgment, as stated: (Indeed, We sent down the message, and indeed, We will preserve it).
• Comprehensive Coverage: Islamic belief outlines the nature of the servant’s relationship with their Lord, with others, and provides guidance regarding life in this world, in the grave, and in the Hereafter.
• No Room for Personal Judgment: Elements of Islamic belief that pertain to the unseen must be accepted as conveyed. Descriptions of paradise, hell, angels, and the names and attributes of God are not subjects of human speculation but are definitive revelations to be accepted as such.