ABSTRACT

All too often Islamic doctrine is thought of as a relatively simple collection of beliefs, moral principles, social rules and rituals which sufficed to give the corresponding civilisation the unity so often highlighted. In fact, adherence to the Muslim religion is expressed by pronouncing a short formula, the 'profession of faith' which on the one hand affirms divine uniqueness and on the other recognises Muhammad's mission. This basic faith is nevertheless accompanied by a number of other ideas, developed in the course of the centuries along varied lines of reflection. Indeed, the first important point is to connect the different aspects of the doctrine with the very nature of the Koranic message which supports them, beginning with data at once religious and juridical. Indeed, the first important point is to connect the different aspects of the doctrine with the very nature of the Koranic message which supports them, beginning with data at once religious and juridical.