Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

The word iman, generally is translated as faith or belief, is derived from amana (ordinarily rendered, he believed) which means when used transitively, he granted (him) peace or security, and when used intransitively, he came into peace or security; while amal signifies a deed or action. (The two words are most often used together in the Koran to indicate a believer, and those who believe and do good is the oft- recurring description of true believers). Hence, God is called al-Mu'min (59:23) meaning the Granter of security, while the believer is also called al-mu'min meaning one who has come into peace or security, because he has accepted the principles which bring about peace of mind or security from fear. The word iman occurs 17 times and with a'amanu (they believed) for 8 times in the Koran.