The Importance of Iman (Faith) in a Muslim’s Life

Iman (faith) is the foundation of a Muslim’s life. It is the deep-rooted belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. Without Iman, the practice of Islam becomes empty, leaving us insincere and purposeless.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Iman has over seventy branches, the best of which is saying ‘La ilaha illallah’ (There is no deity but Allah), and the least of which is removing a harmful object from the road. And modesty is a branch of Iman.” (Sahih Muslim, 35).

In this blog, we will explore the significance of Iman, its components, and how to nurture and protect it.

1. The meaning and pillars of Iman

Iman is more than just belief; it is conviction that manifests in actions and behaviour.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Bukhari, 13; Sahih Muslim, 45).

This hadith highlights that Iman is not just about belief but also about conduct and character.

The six pillars of Iman are:

1. Belief in Allah – Acknowledging the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and submitting to His will.
2. Belief in the Angels – Accepting the existence of angels as servants of Allah carrying out His commands.
3. Belief in the Divine Books – Affirming that Allah has sent guidance through the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Qur’an, which is the final revelation.
4. Belief in the Messengers – Recogniing that Allah has sent prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them), to guide humanity.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment – Understanding that everyone will be held accountable for their deeds.
6. Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree) – Accepting that everything happens by Allah’s will and wisdom.

These pillars form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and guide their perspective on life.

2. The role of Iman in daily life

Strong Iman influences actions choices, and outlook of a Muslim.

It provides:

• Inner peace and contentment – Trusting in Allah’s plan helps in overcoming anxiety and fear.
• Moral and ethical guidance – A strong faith promotes honesty, patience, and kindness.
• Resilience in hardships – Iman gives believers the strength to endure life’s trials with patience and gratitude.
• Purpose and direction – Faith instils a sense of responsibility to worship Allah and serve humanity.

3. Strengthening and protecting Iman

Iman is not static; it can increase or decrease based on a person’s actions and environment.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised: “Renew your faith.” When asked how, he replied: “Say often ‘La ilaha illallah.'” (Musnad Ahmad, 8493).

To nurture and protect Iman, we as Muslims should:

• Engage in regular prayer (Salah) – Salah reinforces the connection with Allah and provides spiritual nourishment.

• Read and reflect on the Qur’an – The Qur’an is a source of guidance, comfort, and wisdom.
• Surround themselves with righteous company – Good companionship strengthens faith and prevents distractions.
• Engage in acts of charity (Sadaqah) – Helping others increases gratitude and spiritual fulfillment.
• Seek knowledge – Learning about Islam strengthens conviction and deepens understanding.
• Make constant du’a (supplication) – Asking Allah for steadfastness in faith is crucial for maintaining Iman.

4. Challenges to Iman in modern society

The modern world presents several challenges that can weaken faith.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned: “A time will come when holding onto one’s religion will be like holding onto a burning coal.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2260).

This hadith illustrates the difficulty of maintaining faith amidst modern distractions and trials.

Some challenges include:

• Materialism and worldly distractions – Excessive focus on wealth and entertainment can lead to spiritual neglect.

• Doubts and misconceptions – Exposure to misinformation about Islam can cause confusion.
• Peer pressure and societal norms – Certain environments may discourage religious practices.
• Neglecting religious obligations – Inconsistent worship can lead to a weakened connection with Allah.

Recognising these challenges and actively working against them is essential to preserving Iman.

Renewing our faith:

Iman is the core in the life of a Muslim, one that shapes beliefs, actions, and purpose.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Faith wears out in your heart just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew the faith in your hearts.” (Musnad Ahmad, 15827).

Understanding its significance, we must rejuvenate our faith through worship and knowledge, and and make sure our Iman remains strong.

Faith is a journey, and with sincerity and dedication, it can continue to grow, bringing peace and fulfillment in both this life and the Hereafter.