Islamic Principles
 The starting point of Islam is the testimony (Shahada): There is no god but Allah (La Ilaha Ill-Allah). This wondrous phrase indicates the pinnacle of human intellect and will power, because Islam is not the paying of mere lip service out of fear of superstition, but a firm conviction in the Omnipotence of the Creator. It means that man is responsible to the Creator alone for his acts and deeds, and how he passes the transitionary lifespan. It means that everything in this universe is subordinate to the power of the Creator, who fashioned the universe out of naught and made the human race as the finest form of life. It also means that the human kind and human mind is far superior to all man-made objects or other creatures, and even the powers of nature, whom retarded minds had worshipped as deities. Lastly it means that one who professes this testimony realizing its deep meanings is in firm control of his own will power, which if not properly harnessed by intellect and ration, destroys the human itself.
Thus the Almighty is One, Single, Unique, Eternal, Omniscient and Self-Subsistent. He has no likeness or form, nor resemblance to any of His creatures. His power encompasses everything, and He is All-knowing, All-Wise, Merciful and Just. It is Allah alone, Who creates, sustains, gives life, brings death, resurrects the dead, and to Him all the creatures will return. He has no partner, and He alone is worthy of worship, submission and obedience.
But to be a Muslim, the first testimony (Shahada) is not complete, unless immediately followed by the second one, which is Muhammad: is the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad-ur-Rasool-Allah). If the first indicates the Greatness and Majesty of the Creator, the second proves His Justice and Mercy for mankind. Because, since He is the Perfect, it would be injustice to leave the creatures without a perfect practical example. A model, who expounds the truth, leads them on the right path and warns them of the pitfalls of the mortal world.
The Messenger in charge of the divine mission should not only promulgate the laws, but practically enact them. He should not be a hermit or a recluse, taking to the caves or jungles, engrossed in his human nature itself, for the Creator fashioned man in a different mould. Man is a social animal and a society has its familial, economic, political and various other needs. Hence the messenger should offer the perfect example in every sphere of social life. And as facts testify, except for the Messenger of Allah, there was no other messenger who lived a full and perfect life.
Thus this testimony (Shahada) is a coordination of will and intellect and proves that Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the last Messenger of Allah (Khatme Nabuwwat). "And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds." Holy Qur'an (21:107)
A Muslim also believes in the prophets who preceded Prophet Muhammad (saw), who was given the most comprehensive message. It was revealed to him as it was revealed to the previous prophets through the archangel Gabriel. The Almighty sent him the eternal Holy Qur'an as He sent down the divine scriptures to Noah, Abraham, David, Jacob, Job, John, Joseph, Moses, Jesus and others (peace be upon them).
Among the pillars of Islamic doctrine is to believe that Allah is Just and He never charges His creatures more than their ability. To them He gave a free will and the right to choose their path. Allah, the Most High, declares: "Allah does not charge a soul save to His ability..." Holy Qur'an (2:286) "...and your Lord shall not wrong anyone." Holy Qur'an (18:49) It is also essential for a Muslim to believe in the Day of Judgement, when Allah will resurrect the entire mankind. Every soul that was ever born, will be brought back to life and meted out just retribution. In Islam, physical death is not the final end, because there is another world called the Hereafter, where our deeds bear their fruits. In short, the pillars of doctrine are called Usool-e-Deen (The main principles of religion) and these are as follows: