The Basic Concepts Of Iman (Faith)
Our highest spiritual aspiration should be the hope of meeting Allah and attaining His Pleasure. To uphold such a hope, we have to have strong faith and submit our wills to Allah. Only those are faithful who have believed in Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) and have never since doubted. This is indicated in Allah’s words: “Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are truthful.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 15)
Faith, which should stem from our hearts and minds, requires absolute obedience to Allah and entire submission of our being to Him. This is what we have to prove if Faith has any meaning to us. The Qur’an has informed us about the Bedouins (the desert Arabs), who were somewhat shaky in their faith. Faith has not entered their hearts, and they only said it with their tongues. This is signified in the words of Allah:
“The Bedouins say, ‘We believe.'” Say: “You believe not, but you only say, ‘We have surrendered (in Islam),’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts. (Surah Al-Hujurat: 14)
This clearly emphasizes that “faith” is not only a word uttered by the mouth or a simple word in Islam, but “faith” is also a comprehensive term, and it covers a large number of divine concepts, which are to be taken together. Faith is not merely a matter of words. Allah knows the innermost motives and secrets of our hearts, and none can deceive Him by assigning a certain label to himself. Allah the Most High said:
“And of mankind, there are some who say, ‘We believe in Allah and the Last Day,’ while in fact they believe not. They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe while they only deceive themselves, and they perceive (it) not’. (Surah Al-Baqarah: 8-9)
We must realize the presence and goodness of Allah. When we do so, the scales fall from our eyes: all the falseness and transitory nature of the present could not enslave us, for we see the Last Day as if it were today. We also see Allah’s influence in His world and in us. His Angels, His Messengers, and His Message are no longer far from us but come within our knowledge and experience.
The term “faith,” which gives you potential spirit and energy, includes vast meanings, which comprise confirmation by the heart, admission by the tongue, and actions by all parts of the body. It increases by obedience and decreases by sin. Whenever the believers see one Sign of Allah after another, with each, their faith is strengthened and confirmed. This is indicated in Allah’s words:
‘The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts, and when His Ayats (this Qur’an) are recited unto them, they (i.e., the Ayats) increase their faith, and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone).’ (Sural An-Anfal: 2)
To the believers, every new aspect of Allah’s truth as revealed increases their faith, thereby turning in gratitude to their Lord. Having faith is having principles and having a strong belief that our faith in Allah remains strong and unshakeable. Righteousness comes from a secure faith and from sincere devotion to Allah and from unselfish service to mankind. Allah said:
And whenever a Surah (chapter from the Qur’an) comes down, some of them (hypocrites) say, “Which of you has had his faith increased by it?” As for those who believe, it has increased their faith, and they rejoice. (Surah At-Taubah: 124)
The man of faith who backs his belief by righteous conduct is like the man of clear vision, who sees things in their true perception and walks with firm steps in the Way of Allah. Arising from that is Allah’s help and protection. He, Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, will bring people of faith out from the depths of darkness into light. This is signified in Allah’s words:
‘Allah is the Wall (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghut [false deities and false leaders, etc.], they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever. (Surah Al-Baqarah: 257)
Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified the true concept of Iman (Faith). He has informed us that Iman has more than seventy branches. This is signified in the Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu); the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Al Iman (Faith) consists of more than seventy branches (i.e., parts), the most excellent of which is the declaration of La Ilaha ilia Allah (None has the right to be worshipped except Allah), and the humblest of which is the removal of what is harmful from the road, and Al-Hayha (modesty, self-respect, honor, etc.) is a part of Faith” (Al Bukhari).
I contemplated the meaning of this hadith for a long time, and I realized the valuable and concise potential concepts it includes. The above Hadith covers useful information related to the Muslims’ faith and includes what the seeker of knowledge and every Muslim needs. Understanding the various branches of faith and acting upon them can be considered as the means of achieving ultimate happiness in this life and the Hereafter for the individual as well as the society. ’That is shown in the words of Allah, the Most High:
‘Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he or she is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism), verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment, and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do.’ (Surah An-Nahl 97)
The above Ayat evidently illustrates the significance of performing righteous deeds that are based mainly on true Iman (faith). Faith, if truthful and straight, means appropriate conduct. When the two corroborate each other, the grace of Allah renovates our lives. Instead of being worried and distressed, we have peace and contentment; instead of being devastated by evil, we enjoy tranquillity and achieve purity and cleanliness. May Allah guide us and grant us the correct understanding and application of faith.