How to Strengthen Iman During Hard Times

How to Strengthen Iman During Hard Times

Life is full of challenges and trials, and every believer will, at some point, face hardships that test their faith. These difficult times may include personal struggles, financial problems, loss of loved ones, health issues, or any number of unexpected circumstances that cause emotional and mental distress.

During such trials, it is easy for one’s Iman (faith) to waver or be shaken. However, Islam provides numerous ways for a believer to strengthen their Iman during difficult times, ensuring that they remain steadfast in their faith, seek comfort in Allah, and emerge from these trials with a stronger relationship with their Creator.

In this blog post, we will explore how to strengthen Iman during hard times, drawing guidance from the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). We will look at practical steps that believers can take to bolster their faith, even when facing the greatest of hardships. Through seeking patience, prayer, remembrance of Allah, and understanding the purpose behind trials, a Muslim can maintain their Iman and even see it grow stronger as a result of their trials.

The Role of Patience (Sabr) in Strengthening Iman

One of the primary tools for dealing with hardship in Islam is sabr (patience). Allah commands us to be patient during times of difficulty, as patience is not only a sign of strength but also a means to develop greater faith.

Sabr in the Quran

Allah emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in the Quran:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَبِرُوا وَصَابِرُوا وَرَابِطُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ﴾
“O you who have believed, be patient and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.”
(Surah Aal-E-Imran, 3:200)

In this verse, Allah calls on the believers to exercise patience, endure hardship, and remain committed to their faith. Through sabr, the believer not only grows stronger in faith but also earns Allah’s pleasure and reward.

Sabr in the Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlighted the importance of patience during times of hardship. He said:

“مَا يُصِيبُ المُؤْمِنَ مِنْ حَمٍ وَلَا حَزَنٍ وَلَا أَذًى وَلَا غَمٍّ حَتَّى الشَّوْكَةُ يُشَاكُهَا إِلَّا كَفَّرَ اللَّـهُ بِهَا مِنْ خَطَايَاهُ”
“No harm or distress afflicts the believer, whether it be anxiety, sadness, or even the prick of a thorn, except that Allah expiates some of his sins through it.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith teaches us that every difficulty a believer faces is an opportunity for spiritual growth and cleansing of sins. Sabr during hard times, therefore, becomes a way to purify the soul and strengthen Iman.

Turning to Allah Through Prayer (Salah)

Salah (prayer) is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam, and it holds great significance during hard times. The act of performing Salah regularly, especially during moments of difficulty, has the power to strengthen Iman and provide solace to the believer’s heart.

Salah in the Quran

Allah says in the Quran:

﴿وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ﴾
“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:45)

In this verse, Allah instructs believers to seek help from salah and patience when facing adversity. Salah is a source of comfort and strength during hardship, as it helps the believer to maintain their focus on Allah and seek His guidance and mercy.

Salah in the Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of Salah during difficult times. He said:

“إِنَّ أَفْضَلَ مَا تَعَمَّدْتَ إِلَى اللَّـهِ مِنْ عَمَلٍ عَبْدٍ فِي فَجْرِهِ وَهُوَ فِي السَّاعَةِ”
“The best deeds are those done in the early part of the morning (i.e., the Tahajjud prayer) during the hour of darkness, and this is especially effective for those seeking Allah’s mercy during times of hardship.”
(Sahih Muslim)

When facing difficulties, the Tahajjud prayer—offering extra prayers in the night—can be particularly beneficial in bringing one closer to Allah and seeking His help in times of distress.

Remembering Allah (Dhikr)

In times of hardship, dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is a powerful tool to soothe the heart and mind. Repeating words of praise and glorification of Allah keeps the believer connected to their Lord and strengthens their Iman.

Dhikr in the Quran

Allah says in the Quran:

﴿أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّـهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ﴾
“Indeed, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)

This verse affirms that true peace and tranquility can only be found in the remembrance of Allah. When a believer’s heart is anxious or troubled, engaging in dhikr brings reassurance and comfort.

Dhikr in the Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“مَنْ لَزِمَ الذِّكْرَ وَالْصَّلَاةَ فِي فَجْرِهِ فِي لَيْلِهِ لَمْ يَحْلِفْ بِهِ مِنْ حَدَّةٍ أَحَدٌ”
“Whoever remains constant in dhikr and salah during their night and morning, Allah will ease their difficulties and grant them peace.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Engaging in dhikr not only brings peace to the heart but also strengthens one’s reliance on Allah, reinforcing their Iman during difficult times.

Reflecting on the Purpose of Trials

One of the most effective ways to strengthen Iman during hardship is by reflecting on the purpose behind the trials. Islam teaches that all tests, whether easy or difficult, serve as a means of purification, growth, and closeness to Allah.

Trials as a Test of Faith

Allah says in the Quran:

﴿لِيَكْفُرَ اللَّـهُ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَيُحَسِّنَ أَحْوَالَهُمْ وَيَرْفَعُ عَنْهُمْ الْمَقَامَ﴾
“So that Allah may expiate their sins and improve their condition.”
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:117)

In this verse, Allah reveals that trials and tribulations serve to purify a believer’s soul, remove their sins, and elevate their status in His sight.

Patience as Rewarded by Allah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explained the reward for patience in times of trial:

“إِنَّ اللَّهَ إِذَا حَبَّ بَعْدَ عَبْدٍ بَحْبَ النَّعْمِ يَحْتَسِبُ”
“When Allah loves a servant, He tests them with hardship, knowing that this test will bring them closer to Him and purify their soul.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Understanding that every trial is an opportunity for spiritual growth and reward can help a believer to maintain a positive mindset, even in the most difficult times. This perspective reinforces Iman, as it helps the believer realize that their struggles are part of Allah’s divine plan.

Making Dua (Supplication)

Turning to Allah in dua (supplication) is another powerful way to strengthen Iman during times of difficulty. Dua allows the believer to express their hopes, fears, and needs directly to Allah, seeking His guidance, mercy, and help.

Dua in the Quran

Allah encourages the believers to call upon Him during times of distress:

﴿وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِ يَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ﴾
“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you. Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell in disgrace.’”
(Surah Ghafir, 40:60)

Allah promises to respond to the supplications of His believers, especially when they seek His help in times of hardship.

Dua in the Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“إِذَا أَصَابَ أَحَدَكُمْ ضَيْقٌ فَلْيَقُلْ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ أَنْ تُحِبُّ لِي قُدْرَ”
“If any of you faces difficulty, let him call out to Allah, saying, ‘O Allah, I ask You for Your mercy and to grant me relief from my distress.’”
(Sahih Muslim)

In dua, the believer is reminded that Allah is the ultimate source of comfort and relief. Through heartfelt supplication, a believer can strengthen their Iman and trust that Allah will provide assistance.

Conclusion

In moments of hardship, a believer has the opportunity to transform challenges into a means of strengthening their Iman and deepening their relationship with Allah. Through patience (sabr), consistent prayer (salah), remembrance of Allah (dhikr), understanding the purpose of trials, and making sincere supplication (dua), a believer can find peace and fortitude, even in the most difficult circumstances. These practices are not merely rituals; they are powerful tools that connect the believer to their Creator and provide spiritual nourishment during times of distress.

The Quran and Hadith make it clear that hardship is not without purpose, and every trial serves as an opportunity for purification and reward. By turning to Allah with humility and trust, believers can navigate through their difficulties with a heart full of faith and hope. Iman is not only tested in times of ease but is reinforced during moments of adversity.

Through the trials of life, a believer’s Iman can grow stronger as they turn to Allah, trust in His wisdom, and rely on His mercy. May Allah guide us to remain steadfast in faith, grant us patience in times of trial, and grant us the strength to emerge from hardship with an even deeper connection to Him. Ameen.