Abdullah ibn Amr reported The Messenger of Allah ﷺ, said:
“Verily, the faith of one of you will wear out within him, just as a shirt becomes worn out, so ask Allah to renew faith in your hearts.”
Al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr lil-Ṭabarānī 14668 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Sheikh Al-Albani.
An example of this is during the blessed month of Ramadan, where we increase our acts of worship, seeking Allah’s acceptance, through prayer, charity, and other devotions. Through these endeavours, we draw nearer to Allah, experiencing an increase in our Imaan.
Then, after Ramadan, people start to decrease their acts of worship and over time they feel the repercussions within themselves, a decreased level of Imaan and start to question themselves “Where am I now compared to where I was during the month of Ramadan?”
It’s crucial to acknowledge the fluctuating nature of our Imaan, and when we notice a decline, proactive measures are necessary to regain the previous state of closeness to Allah.
The greatest thing that wears out Imaan in the heart is the sins that we do. The initial step is turning back to Allah in sincere repentance.
It was narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, said:
“Every son of Adam sins and the best of those who sin are those who repent.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2499; classed as hasan by Sheikh Al-Albaani.
None of us are infallible, we all make mistakes and fall into sin. Every day that goes by we accumulate sins and this has a negative effect on our hearts. As weeks pass, individuals find themselves contemplating how they reached their current state. They may reflect, saying, “Just a few weeks ago, I was in the masjid for every prayer, diligently reading my portion of the Qur’an, and standing up to pray every night.” However, post-Ramadan, they might assess themselves and realize that none of those practices are evident in their current routine.
The very first thing we need to do is have the habit of constant istagfaar and turning back to Allah, and asking Allah to accept our repentance. When we do this Allah (SWT) cleans our hearts.
🤲 The first step is to cultivate the habit of constant Istighfaar, and turning back to Allah, earnestly asking Him to accept our repentance. When we do this, Allah (SWT) purifies our hearts.
🌟 The second step involves continuous dua, consistently asking Allah for guidance and pleading with Him to renew the faith in our hearts, bringing us back to where we were or even better.
🕌📖 The third step is to reflect on the actions we engaged in during Ramadan – the connection to the masjid, daily Qur’an recitation, charitable acts, night prayers, and other voluntary worship. Revisit and reintegrate these practices into our lives.
Put your religion first and give more time to it, just as you did during Ramadan, and you will see a noticeable impact on yourselves as you navigate through the remaining days of the year.’an 13:28]
Powerful Actions to Strengthen Your Imaan
❤️ Develop a strong relationship with the Quran. Be a person who commits to daily recitation and dedicates time to memorization. Invest some time in studying to understand and implement what you learn from the Qur’an.
Undoubtedly, this will deeply impact your heart, bringing about transformative effects and happiness.
⚔️ Strive against your nafs. By actively fighting to combat negative habits and traits within yourself. i.e, striving to wake up for fajr, getting to the Masjid on time – whatever it might be, striving to overcome these personal obstacles, whether you succeed the first time, the second time or the third time, this persistence and dedication to fighting your nafs brings about a significant positive change in your heart.
📚 Seeking beneficial knowledge. This is something that changes a person completely, on the inside and the outside and has a huge effect on renewing the Imaan in the heart.
وَكُلًّۭا نَّقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ ٱلرُّسُلِ مَا نُثَبِّتُ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ ۚ وَجَآءَكَ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلْحَقُّ وَمَوْعِظَةٌۭ وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad) of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby. And in this (chapter of the Quran) has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers”
[Translation of the meaning of Qur’an 11:120]
Invest time in learning more about your religion. Every hadith, every ayah, and Islamic teaching that you sincerely learn on this continual pursuit can significantly contribute to the renewal of faith in your heart.
🤝 Of the things that can make a huge difference to your Imaan is to help and support others. Sharing beneficial knowledge, supporting them and making the journey a collective journey where we look out for and help each other.
Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah, ﷺ, said,
“Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection.
Whoever helps ease one in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and the Hereafter.
Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter.
Allah helps the servant as long as he helps his brother.
Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.
People do not gather in the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it together, but that tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, angels will surround them, and Allah will mention them to those near Him.
Whoever is slow to good deeds will not be hastened by his lineage.”
Sahih Muslim 2699
As you extend your support to others Allah’s help will come to you. You’ll witness a positive transformation within yourself and your heart, experiencing the rejuvenation of your Imaan renewed within your heart.
Summary
Our Imaan wears out, just like if you wear the same clothing every day it would not be long before that clothing is worn and old.
To keep your Imaan high, continually return to Allah in repentance, ask Allah to renew your Imaan, be mindful of the actions you do and the effects it can have on your heart.
Strive against your nafs, never give up on repentance, seek beneficial knowledge and build a strong relationship with the Qur’an and extend a helping hand to others.
What has been provided in this post are just some examples. The more dedicate ourselves to acquiring beneficial knowledge about our deen, the more we will equip ourselves with the tools to effectively navigate the fluctuations in our Imaan throughout the year.
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ
“verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest”
[Translation of the meaning of Qur’an 13:28]
