The Foundations and Branches of Religion

Question

What are the foundations and branches of religion, and what is the difference between them?

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. The foundations of Islamic religion are five: 1. Tawhid (Oneness of God) 2. Justice 3. Prophethood 4. Imamate 5. Resurrection. The branches of religion are ten: 1. Prayer 2. Fasting 3. Pilgrimage 4. Jihad 5. Almsgiving (Zakat) 6. Khums (a form of tax) 7. Enjoining good 8. Forbidding evil 9. Loyalty to the friends of God 10. Disavowal of the enemies of God. The difference between them is that the foundations are what a person's Islam and faith, or disbelief, revolve around. Whoever believes in God, His Oneness, Prophethood, Imamate, Justice, and Resurrection is a true believer. Denying any of these leads one out of faith or Islam. In other words, the foundations are the components of an individual's belief and worldview. The branches, on the other hand, are the obligations placed upon a Muslim in terms of conduct and interaction, both in relation to God and to other beings. Adhering to these branches follows the belief in Islam, which considers the aforementioned matters as its foundations and doctrines. It is important to note that while Shia Muslims view Imamate as a fundamental principle of true religion and believe they are the rightful and saved sect, they also consider anyone who utters the two testimonies of faith to be a Muslim, even if they do not believe in the Imamate of Ali and his infallible descendants. Additionally, there are several other differences between the foundations and branches: First, the foundations of religion cannot be followed through imitation; every individual must understand them through their evidence, unlike the branches, which can be followed through imitation. Second, the foundations can be supported by rational proofs, while the branches are primarily established through transmission. May you be successful in all good.