What you'll learn
This topic examines the fundamental beliefs that define Sunni and Shi'a Islam. The six articles of faith (Sunni) and five roots of Usul ad-Din (Shi'a) form the theological foundation that every Muslim must accept. Understanding the similarities and differences between these two major branches is essential for WJEC GCSE Religious Education exam success, particularly for questions asking you to compare beliefs or explain why certain teachings matter to Muslim life.
Key terms and definitions
Tawhid — The oneness and unity of Allah; the fundamental principle that God is one, indivisible and unique. This is the most important belief in Islam.
Akhirah — Life after death; the belief that human existence continues beyond physical death, involving resurrection, judgement and either paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam).
Al-Qadr — Predestination or divine decree; the belief that Allah knows everything that will happen and has already determined all events, though humans still have free will.
Risalah — Prophethood; the belief that Allah communicates with humanity through chosen messengers (prophets) who deliver divine guidance.
Usul ad-Din — The 'roots of religion'; the five fundamental beliefs in Shi'a Islam that form the foundation of faith.
Adalat — Divine justice; the Shi'a belief that Allah is perfectly just and fair, never acting tyrannically or unjustly.
Imamah — Leadership of the faith; the Shi'a belief in divinely appointed leaders (Imams) who succeeded Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to guide the Muslim community.
Kutub — The holy books revealed by Allah to guide humanity, including the Qur'an, Torah, Psalms and Gospel.
Core concepts
The Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam
Sunni Muslims, who comprise approximately 85-90% of the global Muslim population, organise their core beliefs into six articles. These are found in various hadith collections, particularly a hadith where Angel Jibril questions Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) about faith.
Article 1: Belief in Allah (Tawhid)
The belief in one God is central to Islam. Muslims believe Allah is:
- Transcendent (beyond human understanding) yet immanent (close to creation)
- Omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (present everywhere)
- Eternal and uncreated
- Without partners, children or equals
This belief shapes daily life through the Shahadah declaration: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Muslims reject the Christian concept of the Trinity as shirk (associating partners with God), which is the greatest sin in Islam.
Article 2: Belief in Angels (Malaikah)
Angels are spiritual beings created from light who obey Allah perfectly and have no free will. Key angels include:
- Jibril (Gabriel) — brought revelations to prophets, including the Qur'an to Muhammad
- Mika'il (Michael) — provides nourishment to bodies and souls
- Izra'il — the Angel of Death who takes souls at the appointed time
- Israfil — will blow the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgement
Two recording angels (Kiraman Katibin) sit on each person's shoulders recording good and bad deeds for judgement day.
Article 3: Belief in Holy Books (Kutub)
Muslims believe Allah revealed guidance through several books:
- Sahifah — scrolls revealed to Prophet Ibrahim
- Tawrat (Torah) — revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses)
- Zabur (Psalms) — revealed to Prophet Dawud (David)
- Injil (Gospel) — revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus)
- Qur'an — the final, perfect revelation to Prophet Muhammad
Muslims believe previous scriptures have been corrupted over time, but the Qur'an remains unchanged. The Qur'an is considered the literal word of Allah, not inspired or interpreted by humans.
Article 4: Belief in Prophets (Risalah)
Prophets are human messengers chosen by Allah to guide humanity. Muslims recognise 25 prophets named in the Qur'an, including:
- Adam — the first human and prophet
- Ibrahim (Abraham) — father of monotheism
- Musa (Moses) — led Israelites from slavery
- Isa (Jesus) — performed miracles, will return before judgement
- Muhammad — the 'Seal of the Prophets', final messenger
Muslims believe Muhammad received the complete and final revelation, making Islam the culmination of all previous messages. Prophets were sinless in delivering their message and serve as role models.
Article 5: Belief in the Day of Judgement (Akhirah)
Muslims believe in bodily resurrection after death. The Day of Judgement involves:
- The trumpet blast ending the world
- Resurrection of all humans who ever lived
- Opening of the books recording every deed
- Weighing of good and bad actions on scales
- Crossing the Sirat bridge (finer than hair, sharper than a sword)
- Final destination: Jannah (paradise) or Jahannam (hell)
This belief motivates moral behaviour and obedience to Allah's commands. Muslims recite funeral prayers asking for mercy on the deceased.
Article 6: Belief in Predestination (Al-Qadr)
This complex belief holds that Allah knows and has determined everything, yet humans possess free will to choose right from wrong. Muslims believe:
- Allah's knowledge is complete and timeless
- Nothing occurs without Allah's permission
- Humans are accountable for their choices
- Suffering and hardship are tests from Allah
The Qur'an states: "No calamity befalls except by Allah's permission" (64:11). This brings comfort during difficulties while maintaining human responsibility for sin.
The Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam
Shi'a Muslims (10-15% of Muslims globally) structure their beliefs into five roots. While overlapping significantly with Sunni beliefs, there are crucial differences in emphasis and additional doctrines.
Root 1: Tawhid (Oneness of God)
Identical to Sunni belief in Allah's unity and uniqueness. Shi'a Muslims emphasise Allah's unity through theological study and reject anthropomorphic descriptions of God even more strictly than Sunnis.
Root 2: Adalat (Divine Justice)
This is a distinctive emphasis in Shi'a theology. Muslims believe Allah is perfectly just and:
- Never acts tyrannically or unjustly
- Does not burden souls beyond their capacity
- Will judge every person fairly on the Day of Judgement
- Has given humans free will to choose (Shi'a emphasise this more than predestination)
This belief means Shi'a theology gives more weight to human free will than Sunni interpretations of al-Qadr. It also means Allah cannot commit evil or command evil actions.
Root 3: Nubuwwah (Prophethood)
Similar to the Sunni belief in risalah, but with particular emphasis on Muhammad (pbuh) as the final prophet who appointed his successor. Shi'a Muslims believe prophets are ma'sum (infallible and sinless throughout their lives), not just in delivering the message.
Root 4: Imamah (Leadership)
This is the most significant difference between Sunni and Shi'a Islam. Shi'a Muslims believe:
- Muhammad (pbuh) appointed his cousin and son-in-law Ali as his successor
- Twelve divinely appointed Imams followed, all descendants of Muhammad
- Imams are ma'sum (infallible) and possess special spiritual knowledge
- The Twelfth Imam went into hiding (occultation) and will return as the Mahdi to establish justice
The Twelve Imams are: Ali, Hasan, Husayn, Ali Zayn al-Abidin, Muhammad al-Baqir, Ja'far al-Sadiq, Musa al-Kazim, Ali al-Rida, Muhammad al-Taqi, Ali al-Naqi, Hasan al-Askari, and Muhammad al-Mahdi.
Sunnis reject this belief, holding that the first four caliphs (including Ali as fourth) were rightly guided but not divinely appointed or infallible.
Root 5: Mi'ad (Resurrection and Judgement)
Equivalent to the Sunni belief in Akhirah. Shi'a Muslims believe in:
- Physical resurrection after death
- The Day of Judgement when all will be held accountable
- Paradise for the righteous, hell for the wicked
- The return of the hidden Imam before the final Day of Judgement
Similarities and Differences for Exam Questions
Similarities:
- Both branches believe in one God (Tawhid)
- Both accept prophets and Muhammad as the final prophet
- Both believe in resurrection and the Day of Judgement
- Both use the Qur'an as the primary source of authority
- Both believe in angels and divine revelation
Key Differences:
- Shi'a add Adalat (divine justice) and Imamah (leadership) as fundamental beliefs
- Shi'a emphasise free will more; Sunnis emphasise predestination (al-Qadr)
- Shi'a believe in divinely appointed, infallible Imams; Sunnis accept elected leaders without infallibility
- Shi'a believe the hidden Imam will return; Sunnis await the Mahdi but not as the Twelfth Imam
Worked examples
Example 1: AO1 Knowledge Question (4 marks)
"Describe Muslim beliefs about angels." (4 marks)
Model Answer:
Muslims believe angels are spiritual beings created by Allah from light who have no free will and obey Allah perfectly. Angel Jibril brought revelations from Allah to the prophets, including delivering the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad. Two recording angels (Kiraman Katibin) sit on each person's shoulders and write down all their good and bad actions to be used on the Day of Judgement. Izra'il is the Angel of Death who takes people's souls when they die at the time appointed by Allah.
Examiner comment: This answer provides four distinct developed points about angels, earning full marks. Each sentence adds specific detail (names, roles, functions).
Example 2: AO1 Knowledge Question (5 marks)
"Explain the importance of Tawhid in Islam." (5 marks)
Model Answer:
Tawhid is the belief in the oneness of God and is the most important belief in Islam. It is expressed in the Shahadah, "There is no God but Allah," which every Muslim must declare as part of their faith. Tawhid means Muslims worship only Allah and reject shirk (associating partners with God), which is the greatest sin. This belief shapes the entire Muslim worldview because it means Allah alone deserves worship, prayer and obedience. For both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, Tawhid is the foundation of all other beliefs, as accepting one God leads to accepting His prophets, books and commands.
Examiner comment: Five marks awarded for detailed explanation showing understanding of the concept, its practical expression, and its central importance to Muslim faith.
Example 3: AO2 Analysis Question (15 marks including SPaG)
"Imamah is the most important difference between Sunni and Shi'a Islam." Discuss. (15 marks)
Model Answer Structure:
Arguments in support: Imamah represents a fundamental theological disagreement about religious authority after Muhammad's death. Shi'a Muslims believe Ali was divinely appointed as the first Imam, making leadership a matter of divine will rather than human choice. This belief affects daily religious practice, as Shi'a Muslims follow the teachings and interpretations of the Imams as infallible guides. The schism between Sunni and Shi'a originated from this disagreement, making it historically the most significant difference.
Arguments against: However, both Sunni and Shi'a share fundamental beliefs in Tawhid, prophethood, and Akhirah, which are arguably more important than leadership structures. The practical differences in the Five Pillars are relatively minor. Additionally, beliefs about free will versus predestination represent a deeper theological difference, as Shi'a emphasis on Adalat (divine justice) requires greater human free will, while Sunni emphasis on Al-Qadr stresses divine control. This affects how Muslims understand their relationship with Allah on a more personal level.
Conclusion with justified evaluation: While Imamah caused the historical division and continues to separate the communities institutionally, the shared beliefs in one God, the Qur'an, and Prophet Muhammad unite both branches far more than leadership questions divide them. Therefore, Imamah is the most visible difference but not necessarily the most important theologically.
Examiner comment: This demonstrates Level 5/6 analysis with balanced arguments, specific religious knowledge, and a justified conclusion.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake: Confusing Sunni and Shi'a beliefs by claiming Sunnis believe in Imamah or that Shi'a have six articles of faith. Correction: Learn the structure clearly: Sunnis have six articles (including al-Qadr); Shi'a have five roots (including Adalat and Imamah).
Mistake: Stating that Shi'a Muslims don't believe in predestination at all. Correction: Shi'a Muslims do believe Allah knows the future, but they emphasise human free will and divine justice (Adalat) more than Sunni emphasis on al-Qadr. Both branches balance divine knowledge with human responsibility.
Mistake: Writing that the Qur'an was "written by Muhammad" or "inspired by God." Correction: Muslims believe the Qur'an is the literal word of Allah, revealed to Muhammad through Angel Jibril. Muhammad recited it; he did not compose it.
Mistake: Claiming all Muslims believe the same things about angels or prophets without recognising minor differences. Correction: While beliefs about angels are virtually identical, Shi'a Muslims believe prophets and Imams are ma'sum (completely infallible and sinless), whereas Sunnis believe prophets could commit minor sins unrelated to their message.
Mistake: Describing Jannah and Jahannam in vague terms as "good place" and "bad place." Correction: Use precise terminology: Jannah (paradise/garden) is described with rivers, luxury and closeness to Allah; Jahannam (hell/fire) involves physical and spiritual torment separated from Allah.
Mistake: Writing long answers for low-mark questions or failing to develop points for higher-mark questions. Correction: For 2-mark questions, give two simple points. For 5-mark questions, develop each point with explanation or examples. Match your answer length to the marks available.
Exam technique for Beliefs and teachings in Islam
Command words and what they require:
- "Describe" (2-4 marks): List key features or characteristics without explanation. Stick to factual information about what Muslims believe.
- "Explain" (5 marks): Go beyond description to show why something is important or how it affects Muslim life. Use phrases like "This is important because..." or "This means that..."
- "Discuss" (15 marks): Present different viewpoints, analyse arguments for and against, and reach a justified conclusion. Use religious teachings and reasoning from both perspectives.
Structuring longer answers:
For 15-mark evaluation questions on this topic, effective responses include:
- Arguments supporting the statement with specific references to Sunni or Shi'a beliefs
- Counter-arguments with equally specific references
- Qur'anic quotations or examples from Muslim practice
- A conclusion that weighs the arguments rather than simply restating them
Comparison questions:
When asked to compare Sunni and Shi'a beliefs, create a clear structure: state a similarity or difference, explain it for Sunnis, then explain it for Shi'a. For example: "Both Sunni and Shi'a believe in Tawhid. However, Shi'a include Adalat (divine justice) as a separate root, emphasising..."
Using specialist terminology:
Examiners reward accurate use of Arabic terms. Always use Tawhid, Akhirah, Risalah, Adalat, Imamah, Jannah, Jahannam, and other key terms naturally in your answers. This demonstrates precise knowledge and can gain you marks.
Quick revision summary
Sunni Muslims follow six articles of faith: Tawhid (one God), angels, holy books, prophets, Day of Judgement, and al-Qadr (predestination). Shi'a Muslims follow five roots of Usul ad-Din: Tawhid, Adalat (divine justice), Nubuwwah (prophethood), Imamah (divinely appointed leaders), and Mi'ad (resurrection). Both branches share core beliefs in Allah's oneness, prophethood of Muhammad, the Qur'an, resurrection and judgement. The main differences are Shi'a beliefs in infallible Imams descended from Ali and greater emphasis on free will through Adalat, versus Sunni emphasis on predestination through al-Qadr and acceptance of the first four caliphs.