Don't Let Faith Fade! This is How to Increase Its Strength that Muslims Must Know

Dream - Faith is to affirm or believe in Allah SWT and all His words. However, faith is not only enough with belief in the heart. But it also needs to be proven by words and statements, namely by uttering the shahada.

Meanwhile, in the book Lum'at al-I'tiqad, explained by Imam Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi that the essence of faith is the verbal utterance, physical actions, and conviction in the heart. Faith will become stronger with obedience to Allah SWT and will decrease with sinful acts.

A person's faith should be continuously strengthened. This is because faith is a guide for every human being's life. Without faith, a person will go astray or deviate from the right path. Faith is what will make a person have a clear purpose. So, how to strengthen faith?

Here are some ways that can be done to increase faith as summarized by Dream from various sources.

Studying Religious Knowledge

One way to strengthen faith is by studying religious knowledge. Of course, the source should be from the Quran and hadith. Here are ways to study them:

Read the Quran and Reflect on its Meanings

Every verse of the Quran has a deep meaning. Someone who is seeking the glory of Allah SWT from the verses of the Quran will surely feel their hearts tremble when delving into each verse of the Quran. Not only that, reciting each verse of the Quran can bring peace to the soul.

This is explained in His words in Surah Sad, verse 29:

كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

Meaning: "A blessed Book (the Quran) which We have revealed to you, in order that they may reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded." (Surah Sad: 29)

Study the Beautiful Names of Allah

The beautiful names of Allah SWT are the 99 names. It is important for every Muslim to understand all of Allah SWT's attributes. With that, there will be a strong motivation within oneself to meet Him in the afterlife.

Of course, this must also be done by following every command of Allah and staying away from His prohibitions while in this world. For example, by performing many acts of worship and righteous deeds and avoiding various sins.

When a person understands Allah's attributes of being Most Gentle, Most Subtle, and Most Patient, then that person will feel ashamed when angry. If understood properly, we will live our lives calmly knowing that Allah SWT protects us with His patience and gentleness.

Studying the Prophet's Biography

The Prophet's biography is a collection of stories about the life journey of Prophet Muhammad from his childhood to his death. Studying the Prophet's biography is one way to increase faith.

From it, we can understand the behavior, greatness, and struggles of Prophet Muhammad. With that, love for him will grow within us and we will be more eager to emulate his every action and implement his teachings.

Studying the Values of Islam

As a Muslim, it is necessary to study and contemplate on Islamic Sharia, its laws, the morals taught, the commands, and the prohibitions. Through this way, we can realize and be amazed by the perfection of Allah SWT's teachings.

Studying the Lives of the Companions, Tabi'in, and Tabi'ut Tabi'in

The companions, tabi'in, and tabi'ut tabi'in are the best people of Islam. Even their level of faith is likened to Mount Uhud. Meanwhile, people in the present time are no more than a speck of dust compared to Mount Uhud.

Therefore, the current generation is important to study about their lives in order to increase faith and prevent it from fading away.

Performing Good and Sincere Deeds

In addition to studying religious knowledge, Dream friends should also not forget to perform good and sincere deeds. This can also increase faith. Here are some types of deeds that Dream friends can do:

Deeds of the Heart

Deeds of the heart are done by purifying the heart from bad traits and always maintaining its purity. Cultivate the traits of patience and reliance on Allah SWT, as well as fear and hope in Him. Avoid bad traits such as greed, stinginess, and evil suspicions.

Deeds of the Tongue

Deeds of the tongue are done by reading the Quran, engaging in remembrance of Allah, glorification, reciting the declaration of faith, seeking forgiveness, sending blessings upon the Prophet, inviting others to do good, and preventing them from doing evil.

Deeds of the Body

Deeds of the body are done by obediently performing worship, such as praying, giving charity, performing Hajj, and regularly performing congregational prayers in the mosque, especially for men.