How to Build Strong Faith?
Before addressing this question, it's essential to understand what faith is in Islam. Faith is called "Al-Iman." It comprises six pillars: Belief in Allah Belief in His angels Belief in His books Belief in His messengers Belief in the Last Day Belief in destiny, whether good or bad Therefore, one must practice these pillars in their daily life to build their Iman. Furthermore, if it isn't practiced daily, there's a significant risk that it will weaken. Faith is beneficial on the Day of Judgment. Indeed, on that day, your deeds will be weighed. If your sins outweigh your good deeds, your life will be spent in eternal fire. Faith isn't confined to the heart; it also extends to the actions of the tongue and the external organs, including the limbs. For example, dhikr (remembrance of God) strengthens our faith at the level of the tongue, just as charity and fasting help us strengthen our faith at the level of the limbs. The intention before actions concerns our heart. But after faith has increased, it must be preserved. Indeed, Ali ibn Abi Talib said, “Faith is like a white light; the more good deeds a servant performs, the more it expands and intensifies until the heart becomes completely white. Hypocrisy is like a black spot; once sacred things are transgressed, this spot expands and intensifies until the heart becomes completely black.” This means that we must always practice our faith, otherwise we lose it. Moreover, the most difficult thing is to preserve it. For example, most people lose the habits they practiced during the month of Ramadan, such as reading the Quran and praying at the mosque. So, it's better to gradually increase your faith (Iman) at your own pace than to lose it right after the blessed month. So far, we've discussed the different types of faith and how to increase and preserve it. But first, we need to know which actions can improve it. First of all, we must perform Salat regularly and be generous, as mentioned in the Five Pillars of Islam. Indeed, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The first thing for which a servant will be judged on the Day of Resurrection is prayer. If it is good, then his other deeds will be good, and if it is not good, then his other deeds will not be good." This illustrates its importance. Furthermore, giving to the poor or to your mosque is beloved to Allah. The Sunnah of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also allows us to strengthen our faith. He was a role model for the entire world, so why not follow his recommendations and emulate his daily life? To draw closer to the Creator of the heavens and the earth, it is best to read His word, the Quran. This divine book explains stories and shows us fundamental teachings, such as what is permissible and forbidden. Reading this revelation will allow you to learn new knowledge about religious science and the history of the civilizations that preceded us. Faith also extends to our physical well-being. We have a duty to keep our bodies healthy with wholesome habits and to avoid negative thoughts. Moreover, our life is very short compared to the afterlife. Therefore, we must use our time wisely, asking Allah for His mercy and forgiveness for our sins. We must avoid bad company to prevent their negative influence. Furthermore, it is better to be alone than with such people. Loyalty remains an important value in Islam, even in our words and deeds. Honesty allows us to strengthen our faith (Iman), and truthfulness can benefit those around us. Imagine the trust your loved ones will place in you if you are honest. Even our Prophet was nicknamed "Sadiq Al Amin," which means truthful and trustworthy.
Reference
Islam Oumma. Comment augmenter sa foi . Écrit le 6 mai 2020. https://www.islam-oumma.fr/comment-augmenter-la-foi/ Consulté le 3 mars 2025. Islam web. Comment le musulman préserve-t-il sa foi? . Écrit le 28 avril 2016.https://islamweb.net/fr/article/175499/Comment-le-musulman-pr%C3%A9serve-t-il-sa-foi . Consulté le 3 mars 2025.