Usul al-din, the roots of religion

The faith is often presented through fundamental principles such as tawhid, adl, nubuwwah, imamah, and maad.

84%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: In many Shi'i formulations, especially Twelver ones, religion is synthesized by roots or fundamental principles called usul al-din.

How the religion understands it: These principles usually include the oneness of God, divine justice, prophecy, the imamate, and the final return. They organize the doctrinal map of the faith and help distinguish what is foundational from what is derivative.

Textual basis and context: This formulation matured in catechesis, theology, and legal teaching. It is not a merely abstract list, but an attempt to systematize convictions regarded as central.

Debates and variations: Terminology and emphasis may vary among Shi'i branches, and not all communities present the same list in exactly the same way.

Supportive

Qur'an 112:1-4

quran,tawhid,monotheism,shia-islam

A brief surah central to divine oneness.

Reference: Qur'an, surah 112, verses 1-4.
Content: It affirms that God is one, absolute, does not beget and was not begotten, and that nothing is comparable to him.
Use in debate: It is one of the most cited passages for summarizing tawhid in all Islamic currents, including Shi'i theology.

Qur'an 33:40

quran,muhammad,prophecy,shia-islam

A classic text on Muhammad as the seal of the prophets.

Reference: Qur'an, surah 33, verse 40.
Content: The text describes Muhammad as the Messenger of God and the seal of the prophets.
Use in debate: It is the main textual basis for the belief that normative prophecy has come to an end.

Qur'an 4:40

quran,divine-justice,adl,theology

A verse about the absence of injustice on God's part.

Reference: Qur'an, surah 4, verse 40.
Content: The text affirms that God does not commit injustice, not even the weight of an atom.
Use in debate: It is an important reference for the doctrine of divine justice in Shi'i theology.

Qur'an 75:3-4

quran,resurrection,eschatology,judgment

A passage about the possibility of bodily resurrection.

Reference: Qur'an, surah 75, verses 3-4.
Content: The text rejects the idea that God will not reassemble human bones and affirms that he can restore even the fingertips.
Use in debate: It is a strong passage for bodily resurrection and Islamic eschatology.