THE SEVENTY SEVEN BARANCHES OF FAITH

The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“There are over 70 branches of faith. The highest is to bear witness that “Laa ilaaha illAllahu Muhammadur Rasoolullah” (There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). The lowest is the removal of any harmful object from the road. Modesty is also of faith.”

The 77 branches of faith is a collection compiled by Imam al-Bayhaqi. In it, he explains the essential virtues that reflect true faith (Iman) through related Quraanic Aayaat (Verses) and Ahaadeeth (Prophetic sayings).

These 77 branches are some of the essential actions that a true believer should have or strive towards having.

Complete Iman in reality consists of three components:
Firstly, confirmation by heart of all the essentials of Iman

Secondly, confirmation by word of mouth

Thirdly, confirmation by our physical actions

Thus, the Seventy seven (77) branches of Iman are divided into three categories:
The first of which concern the intention, belief and action of the heart.

The second concern the use of the tongue,

The third concern all the remaining parts of the body. All the things of Iman are included in these three categories.

Three categories of Iman

30 Qualities are Connected to the Heart

1. Belief in Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa)
2. To believe that everything other than Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa) was non-existent. Thereafter, Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa) created these things and subsequently they came into existence.
3. To believe in the existence of angels.
4. To believe that all the heavenly books that were sent to the different prophets are true. However, apart from the Quraan, all other books are not valid anymore.
5. To believe that all the prophets are true. However, we are commanded to follow the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihe WaSallam) alone.
6. To believe that Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa) has knowledge of everything from before-hand and that only that which He sanctions or wishes will occur.
7. To believe that Resurrection will definitely occur.
8. To believe in the existence of Heaven.
9. To believe in the existence of Hell.
10. To have love for Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa).
11. To have love for Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa)’s Messenger (SallAllaho Alaihe WaSallam).
12. To love or hate someone solely because of Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa).
13. To execute all actions with the intention of religion alone.
14. To regret and express remorse when a sin is committed.
15. To fear Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa).
16. To hope for the mercy of Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa).
17. To be modest.
18. express gratitude over a bounty or favour.
19. To fulfil promises.
20. To exercise patience.
21. To consider yourself lower than others.
22. To have mercy on the creation.
23. To be pleased with whatever you experience from Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa).
24. To place your trust in Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa).
25. Not to boast or brag over any quality that you posses.
26. Not to have malice or hatred towards anybody.
27. Not to be envious of anyone.
28. Not to become angry.
29. Not to wish harm for anyone.
30. Not to have love for the world.

7 Qualities are Connected to the Tongue

31. To recite the testimony of faith (Kalimah) with the tongue.
32. To recite the Quraan.
33. To acquire Knowledge.
34. To pass on Knowledge.
35. To make Du’aa.
36. To make the Zikr of Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa).
37. To abstain from the following: lies, backbiting, vulgar words, cursing, singing that is contrary to the Shari’ah.

40 Qualities are Connected to the Entire Body

38. To make Wudhu, Ghusl, and keep one’s clothing clean.
39. To be steadfast in offering Salaah (Prayers).
40. To pay Zakaah (Charity) and Sadaqat ul Fitr.
41. To Observe Sawm (Fast).
42. To perform the Hajj (Pilgrimage). 
43. To make I’tikaaf.
44. To move away or migrate from that place which is harmful for one’s Deen (Religion).
45. To fulfil the vows that have been made to Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa).
46. To fulfil the oaths that are not sinful.
47. To pay the Kaffaarah for unfulfilled oaths.
48. To cover those parts of the body that are Fardh (Obligatory) to cover.
49. To perform the ritual slaughter.
50. To enshroud and bury the deceased.
51. To fulfil your debts.
52. To abstain from prohibited things when undertaking monetary transactions.
53. Not to conceal something true which you may have witnessed.
54. To get married when the Nafs desires to do so.
55. To fulfil the rights of those who are under you.
56. To provide comfort to one’s parents.
57. To rear children in the proper manner.
58. Not to sever relations with one’s friends and relatives.
59. To obey one’s master.
60. To be just.
61. Not to initiate any way that is contrary to that of the generality of the Muslims.
62. To obey the ruler, provided what he orders is not contrary to the Shari’ah.
63. To make peace between two warring groups or individuals.
64. To assist in noble tasks.
65. To command the good and prohibit the evil.
66. If it is the government, it should mete out punishments according to the Shari’ah.
67. To fight the enemies of Deen whenever such an occasion presents itself.
68. To fulfil one’s trusts (Amaanah).
69. To give loans to those who are in need.
70. To see to the needs of one’s neighbour. 
71. To ensure that one’s income is pure.
72. To spend according to the Shariah.
73. To reply to one who has greeted you.
74. To say Yarhamukallah (May Allah, Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa, have mercy on you) when anyone says Alhamdulillah (All praise is for Allah, Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa) after sneezing.
75. Not to cause harm to anyone unjustly.
76. To abstain from games and amusements contrary to the Shari’ah.
77. To remove pebbles, stones, thorns, sticks, and the like from the road.