The Views of Islamic Theological Schools on the Relationship between Amal and Iman

The Views of Islamic Theological Schools on the Relationship between Amal and Iman
The relationship between amal (action) and iman (belief) is a topic of great significance within Islamic theological discourse. This issue has been debated and analyzed by various schools of thought within Islam, each offering their own perspectives and interpretations. In this essay, we will critically examine the views of Islamic theological schools on whether amal is considered an integral part of iman or not.

The Traditionalist Perspective:
One school of thought that holds a traditionalist perspective believes that amal is an essential part of iman. They argue that iman is not only a matter of belief in the heart, but it also encompasses actions that are in accordance with Islamic teachings. According to this view, true belief is demonstrated through righteous deeds and adherence to the moral and ethical principles outlined in the Quran and Hadith.

Proponents of this perspective often cite numerous verses from the Quran that emphasize the importance of combining belief with action. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), it is stated, “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.” This verse exemplifies how iman is intricately linked to acts of charity and kindness.

The Separationist Perspective:
On the other hand, some Islamic theological schools uphold a separationist perspective, which argues that amal is not an integral part of iman. According to this view, iman solely rests on the belief in the heart and does not rely on external actions. They contend that iman is a personal matter between an individual and Allah, and one’s actions should not be used as a measure of their faith.

Supporters of this perspective often refer to a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “Iman (faith) has sixty-odd or seventy-odd branches. The highest among them is to bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and the lowest among them is to remove something harmful from the road. And modesty is a branch of iman.” This Hadith is interpreted by separationists as evidence that while good actions are commendable and encouraged, they are not a prerequisite for iman.

The Middle Ground Perspective:
A third perspective adopts a middle ground approach that seeks to reconcile both views. Advocates of this perspective argue that while amal is not an intrinsic part of iman, it is an inevitable consequence and manifestation of true faith. They believe that genuine belief in Allah naturally leads to righteous actions as a reflection of one’s faith.

This middle ground perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of iman and amal, positing that they are two sides of the same coin. Faith without action is considered incomplete and lacking, just as actions without sincere belief lack spiritual significance.

Conclusion:
The debate surrounding whether amal is part of iman remains a complex and nuanced topic within Islamic theological schools. Traditionalists argue that amal is an essential component of iman, emphasizing the need for righteous actions alongside sincere belief. Separationists maintain that amal is not an integral part of iman, asserting that true faith resides solely in the heart. Meanwhile, proponents of the middle ground perspective suggest that while amal is not a prerequisite for iman, it is an inevitable outcome of genuine faith.

Ultimately, understanding the relationship between amal and iman requires a balanced approach that acknowledges the importance of both belief and action in Islamic theology. By combining sincere faith with righteous deeds, Muslims strive to achieve a holistic expression of their devotion to Allah and their fellow human beings.