How many essential beliefs are there in Iman-e-Mufassal?

The correct answer to this question is 7. 
Iman-e-Mufassal, which translates from Arabic as the "Faith in Detail," represents the comprehensive declaration of a Muslim's creed. While many are familiar with the Five Pillars of Islam (the outward physical actions), the seven beliefs of Iman-e-Mufassal constitute the internal, spiritual foundation. These seven articles of faith are derived directly from the Quran and the Sunnah, forming a cohesive worldview that addresses both the physical and the metaphysical realms.

The Seven Core Articles of Faith

The structure of Iman-e-Mufassal is meticulously organized, beginning with the source of existence and ending with the final destination of humanity. These seven pillars include:

Belief in Allah: The absolute oneness (Tawhid) of God, acknowledging Him as the sole Creator and Sustainer without any partners.

Belief in His Angels: Recognizing the existence of celestial beings, such as Jibrail and Mikaeel, who perform specific duties assigned by Allah and are made of light.

Belief in His Books: Acceptance of the original divine revelations, including the Torah (Taurat), the Psalms (Zabur), the Gospel (Injeel), and the final, preserved revelation, the Holy Quran.

Belief in His Messengers: Following the lineage of prophets from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH), acknowledging them as chosen human beings sent to guide humanity.

Belief in the Day of Judgment: The conviction that there will be a day of accountability where the world ends and every soul is judged for its worldly deeds.

Belief in Destiny (Taqdeer): The understanding that both good and evil proceed according to the infinite knowledge and will of Allah.

Belief in Resurrection after Death: The final stage, where the dead are raised to life for their eternal recompense in the hereafter.

Historical and Scriptural Origins

The formalization of these beliefs into a concise format was essential for the preservation of orthodox Islamic theology (Aqidah). The primary scriptural source for this specific list is the famous "Hadith of Jibrail." In this narration, the Angel Jibrail appeared in human form to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the presence of his companions. When Jibrail asked, "Tell me about Faith (Iman)," the Prophet responded by listing these specific points.

Theological Significance in Islamic History

Unlike "Iman-e-Mujmal" (the brief declaration of faith), the "Mufassal" version requires a believer to engage with the complexities of the unseen world. For instance, the belief in Taqdeer addresses the deep philosophical balance between divine decree and human free will. This framework has guided Islamic thought for over fourteen centuries, influencing everything from legal rulings to personal spirituality. It remains the standard curriculum for anyone seeking a deep understanding of Islamic metaphysics and the nature of existence.Historically, scholars of the classical age, such as those from the Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of thought, used Iman-e-Mufassal to distinguish true belief from various philosophical deviations. It serves as a boundary; a person cannot be considered a believer if they reject even one of these seven points.