How Does Iman Grow?

The Role of Actions in the Growth of Iman (Continued)

As we continue exploring the connection between actions and the growth of Iman, it’s essential to understand that Islam places great importance on deeds as a manifestation of true faith. This is reflected in various Quranic verses and authentic Hadiths that demonstrate how actions directly influence the strength and development of one’s Iman. Let’s continue looking at key insights from the Quran regarding the role of deeds in the growth of Iman.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177)

لَيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَنْ تُوَلُّوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالرُّسُلِ وَأَتَىٰ الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلاةَ وَآتَىٰ الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا۟ وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ أُو۟لَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا۟ وَأُو۟لَٰئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُتَّقُونَ
Translation:
“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces to the East or the West, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets; and gives his wealth, despite his love for it, to relatives, orphans, the poor, travelers, those who ask [for help], and to free those in bondage;

who establishes prayer and gives zakah; those who fulfill their promises when they make them; and those who are patient in poverty and hardship and in the time of battle. It is those who have been truthful, and it is those who are the God-fearing.”

This verse establishes the connection between Iman and righteous actions, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through actions like charity, prayer, patience, and fulfilling promises. These actions not only reflect Iman but also lead to its growth. When we practice these acts with sincerity, our relationship with Allah strengthens, which in turn increases our Iman.

Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11)

يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا۟ مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ
Translation:
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.”

In this verse, Allah reassures believers that Iman, coupled with knowledge and righteous deeds, results in higher status and honor in the sight of Allah. Knowledge of the deen (religion) and putting that knowledge into practice allows for the growth of Iman, which strengthens the believer’s connection with Allah and increases their spiritual stature.

The Role of Sins in the Decrease of Iman

Just as good deeds can cause Iman to grow, sins have the opposite effect. Committing sinful acts without repentance weakens one’s faith and can lead to a decrease in Iman. Allah warns against negligence in worship, disobedience, and moral failings, as these actions diminish the spiritual vitality of a believer.

Surah At-Tawbah (9:24)

قُلْ إِن كَانَتْ أَبَاؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَاؤُكُمْ وَإِخْوَانُكُمْ وَأَزْوَاجُكُمْ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمْ وَأَمْوَالٌ اقْتَرَفْتُمُوهَا وَتِجَارَةٌ تَخْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَاكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَا أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُمْ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَجِهَادٍ فِي سَبِيلِهِ فَتَرَبَّصُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ اللَّهُ بِأَمْرِهِۚ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ
Translation:
“Say, ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, the wealth you have acquired, the trade you fear may slacken, and the dwellings you are pleased with are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.'”

This verse reminds us that prioritizing worldly attachments over Allah, His Messenger, and His commands can lead to a decline in Iman. The attachment to wealth, family, and material possessions can cause spiritual complacency, leading to a weakening of one’s Iman. A believer should guard against becoming indifferent to the remembrance of Allah or neglecting acts of worship.

How to Cultivate and Strengthen Iman

Given the understanding that Iman can grow and be nurtured through specific actions, the question arises: How can we actively cultivate and strengthen our faith? Here are a few steps, supported by Quranic teachings and Hadith, that Muslims can take to ensure that their Iman continues to grow and flourish.

Regular Prayer (Salah)

The foundation of a Muslim’s spiritual life is prayer. It is the most direct form of communication with Allah and serves as a constant reminder of the Oneness of Allah. Regular and sincere prayer increases the remembrance of Allah and strengthens Iman.

Hadith (Sahih Muslim 1:349)

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ لَيَفْرَحُ بِالْإِيمَانِ، وَإِنَّ حُبَّ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ”
Translation:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The believer rejoices in his faith, and love for Allah and His Messenger is better than all things.”

Prayer nurtures love for Allah and strengthens Iman, serving as an essential component of the believer’s spiritual journey.

The Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)

Dhikr, or the remembrance of Allah, plays a vital role in strengthening Iman. Regular recitation of Allah’s names, seeking His forgiveness, and reflecting on His greatness are actions that increase Iman. This can be done at any time of the day, whether through simple recitation or contemplation.

Hadith (Sahih Muslim 4:759)

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “مَنْ قَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ مِئَةَ مَرَّةٍ غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا سَبَقَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ”
Translation:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever says ‘Subhanallah wa bihamdi’ (Glory is to Allah and praise be to Him) one hundred times, his past sins will be forgiven.”

Dhikr helps keep the heart and mind focused on Allah, cultivating mindfulness and a stronger connection to Him.

Seeking Knowledge

Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge, particularly religious knowledge. When one learns more about the teachings of Islam, the Quran, and the Hadith, their understanding and connection to Allah deepen, which increases Iman.

Hadith (Sahih Bukhari 1:2)

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ وَمُسْلِمَةٍ”
Translation:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim, male and female.”

Avoiding Sin and Seeking Repentance

A Muslim should strive to avoid sin and continually seek forgiveness for any shortcomings. Repentance is a way to purify the heart and restore Iman. It serves as a means of returning to Allah after mistakes.

Hadith (Sunan Ibn Majah 2:410)

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَقْبَلُ تَوْبَةَ عَبْدِهِ مَا لَمْ يُغَرْغِرْ”
Translation:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah accepts the repentance of His servant as long as the soul has not reached the throat.”

Repentance cleanses the heart, allowing Iman to grow and flourish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iman is a vital part of every Muslim’s life, serving as the foundation of their relationship with Allah. It is not a static entity but a dynamic force that can grow and strengthen through righteous actions, knowledge, and constant remembrance of Allah.

The Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on how Iman can increase, showing that acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, and seeking knowledge, are essential for nurturing faith. Additionally, the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and repentance play crucial roles in keeping the heart alive and spiritually connected.

A key takeaway is the importance of sincerity in all actions and the constant effort to avoid sin and rectify any shortcomings. A Muslim must actively work on enhancing their faith, striving to fulfill the commands of Allah and seeking His forgiveness when they fall short.

Ultimately, Iman is not just a belief in the heart but a lived experience that should shape every aspect of a Muslim’s life. By remaining steadfast in faith and committed to the worship of Allah, a believer ensures that their Iman continues to grow, bringing them closer to Allah and achieving success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah strengthen our Iman and guide us to live righteous lives. Ameen.