Five Roots of Usul

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The Five Roots of Usul al-Din in Shi’a Islam

For Shi'a Muslims, the following five roots support the faith and keep them connected to Allah at all times:

1) Tawhid

Absolute oneness. God is not made up of parts.

2) Belief in divine justice (Adalat)

Allah is Just and can do no wrong. Humans are accountable to God.

3) Prophethood

Accepting the truth of Muhammad's prophecies.

4) The Imamate

Accepting the doctrine and authority of 12 official leaders (Imams) who alone have the right to lead Muslims after the death of Muhammad.

5) Belief in the Day of Resurrection

All will be resurrected after death to be judged by God.
The good, will enter paradise and the bad, will be sent to hell.

Sunni and Shi'a Beliefs

Here are some key similarities and differences between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

Key similarities

Both believe in the absolute unity of Allah.
Both believe that Muhammad is Allah’s prophet.
Both believe that a day will come where all are judged and the righteous go to heaven and the bad to hell.

Key differences

Sunni Muslims believe that Muhammad alone was given knowledge from Allah, so Muslims must emulate the life of the Prophet (sunnah).
Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah gave knowledge to the first Imam, ‘Ali, and that this knowledge has been passed down from imam to imam.
- There are many different branches of Shi’a Muslims. Each believes in a different line of succession of the imamate.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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