Sometimes we all need the little push and little kicks in our life , to remind ourselves about what we are ought to fulfil as Mukmin.
Most of us, especially those who are working, studying, who have families to look after, etc; are often carried away with the busy lifestyle here. Hence getting in the way of us getting closer to Allah s.w.t.
The mind is occupied on focusing and fulfilling the needs of worldly matters where we hardly spend quality time to strengthen our relationship with our beloved Creator.
Our Iman is either like this:
or
It goes up and down; sometimes it accelerates to the highest point and then goes straight down after a while.
The ideal pattern of our Iman should be like:
It may not be consistent at the beginning, but once it starts to elevate, it should be maintained and not allowed to slip.
The question to as is, “Are we really doing something to get closer to Allah (azza wa jal)? or are we just doing something for the sake of it ?”
Iman lies within the self and no one knows what’s inside our hearts except for the creator. The Qu’ran says:
“Say, “Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it. And He knows that which is in the heavens and that which is on the earth. And Allah is over all things competent.’ (Surah Ali Imran: 29)
Before we strengthen our Iman, we ought to understand the meaning of Iman. In a simplified terms, it means; ‘Faith’. And in this article in particular, it is referred to as, believing in Allah (s.w.t).
Iman is not just about having faith in Allah s.w.t, there’s more to it. Iman is the manifestation of our amanah, Ibaadah, fulfilling the commands of Allah (s.w.t). Once we understand this, we can focus on strengthening it. To maintain Iman at its peak can be challenging for some of us. Nevertheless, it is possible to achieve.
Ways to Boost our Iman
1. Never miss our prayers.
Do all the 5 daily prayers and never miss them. Do it consistently until it becomes part of your daily routine. Whatever happens, even if you pray it with wavering concentration, do not stop praying; especially salatul Fajr and Isha. Abu Hurairah (r.a) reported that the Messenger of Allah (s.w.t) said:
“No prayer is more burdensome to the hypocrites than the Fajr prayer and the ‘Isha’ prayer; and if they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
2. Recite the Al Quran & it’s meaning
Try to read the Quran daily; minimum of one verse per day. (e.g. before sleeping, while having a short break at work, travelling to work etc.)
Do refer to the meaning after reciting, so that you can understand the verse. Make Dua after reciting the Quran because it is one of the best time, when Dua will be accepted.
” Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.” ( Surah Al Isra: 9)
3. Listen or Watch Islamic Videos
YouTube is so accessible nowadays where you can simply watch short series of Islamic sharing from well known preachers which are indeed inspirational.
4. Share something about Islam daily to someone
Be it a one-liner information or anything, share it with a friend or someone who might benefit from it.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “God, His angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge.” – Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 422
The Prophet also said: “Acquire knowledge and impart it to the people.” – Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 107
5. Perform the Sunnah
Even smiling is Sunnah, however it is something we do not do so often. There are so many other acts of Sunnah, do it because it increases the love for our beloved Rasul (S.a.w) which also allow us to connect with our Creator.
“None can attain faith, until I am more beloved to him than his child, his father, and all of mankind!” (Sahih Muslim )
6. Dhikr & Supplication
Remembrance of Allah (s.w.t); do it daily, while walking, doing something, before eating, before sleeping, travelling etc. Show gratitude to HIM with your constant remembrance.
” The remembrance of Allah (swt) is the greatest (deed)” (Surah Al Ankabut: Verse 45)
“Those men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise. for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a Great Reward” (Surah Al Ahzab: Verse 35)
When we make du’a, we are indeed turning to HIM. This manifests the Iman we have towards our creator.
” And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” (Surah Al Baqarah: 186)
7. Think about the Akhirah
” Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return.” (Surah Al Baqarah:156)
We need to prepare ourselves to face Allah( s.w.t) on the day of resurrection. Remember, all our deeds will be shown to us and we will be questioned. Therefore, being conscious of our acts in this dunya, it safeguards us in the Akhirah.
” The Day when neither wealth nor children shall profit, [and when] only he [will be saved] who comes before God with a sound heart [free of evil] ” (Surah Al-Shu’ara : 88-9)
8. A daily reflection
We need the constant push in order for us to improve ourselves to be a better servant of Allah (s.w.t).
Nobody is perfect and humans do commit mistakes, knowingly or unknowingly. By reflecting on ourselves for all the deeds (good and bad) that we do every day it is indeed a reminder for us, on eliminating the evil acts and replacing it with a good one.
” Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds.” (Surah Al Hud: 114)
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam , remember that our ultimate goal is to get closer to Allah (s.w.t). As we embark on this temporary world, let’s endeavour to enter Jannah in the hereafter, (God’s Willing).
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Nasrin Shah
Currently pursuing a Degree in Counselling @ UniSIM and waiting to get a full-time job. I love cooking, sports, and photography. I started exploring more about Islam in my early 20s and am still continuing to seek knowledge. I am also currently teaching at Masjid Alkhair for tweens aLIVE 2 and it’s been a blessing in disguise. Alhamdulilah.
