Do you ever experience those times when your faith seems to be on a low? You are still performing your Salah and other obligatory acts, but you are not feeling that ‘Iman high’ that comes from fulfilling them.
These times happen to many of us because faith is like a pendulum that sometimes swings high and low. Sometimes, you are emotional just listening to a recitation of the Quran, and other times, your mind is not concentrated enough to feel the impact of the recitation.
As Muslims, even though we find ourselves in these low Iman situations, it does not mean that we have to stay there. When you feel yourself performing acts of worship just out of routine or habit, know that it is time to step up the actions that can help you renew your faith.
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Seek the help of Allah
“It is Allah Who gives guidance towards truth, is then He Who gives guidance to truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided?” (Quran 10:35)
Our guidance on the path of Islam comes from none other than Allah (ta’ala), and when we seek to renew our faith and improve it, it is only Him that we call upon. If you do not feel as spiritual as you would like, ask Allah (ta’ala) for guidance.
“Verily, the hearts of all the sons of Adam are between the two fingers out of the fingers of the Compassionate Lord as one heart. He turns that to any (direction) He likes. Then Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: 0 Allah, the Turner of the hearts, turn our hearts to Thine obedience.” (Sahih Muslim)
Recite the Quran
When you feel yourself performing actions by routine and you do not feel a connection towards your acts of worship, it will be helpful to read the Quran a lot and ponder over the words of Allah (ta’ala).
In fact, the times when you are not really feeling the imaan high are the times to recite the Quran the most. Because not only will your continuous recitation help you keep the connection with Allah (ta’ala), it will also remind you of motivating verses of the Quran that can renew your faith.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “One who was devoted to the Quran will be told to recite, ascend and recite carefully as he recited carefully when he was in the world, for he will reach his abode when he comes to the last verse he recites.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
Seek Knowledge
One of the duties that a Muslim has to themselves is to seek knowledge. We are encouraged to never stop learning about our Deen, and when you feel that your Iman is on a low, that is a good time to increase your search for knowledge. Read authentic Islamic books that teach you about the Deen and read motivational books from Muslim scholars from the earlier centuries.
Beyond books, many of us benefit from listening to others talk about Islam. When you listen to someone who is knowledgeable and emotionally intelligent, it can make a world of difference to your faith. During the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), he would regularly hold sessions in the masjid to educate his companions about Islam, answer their questions, and motivate them on the path of worshipping Allah (ta’ala).
Attending such lectures or halaqas reminds us of the beauty of Islam, helps us renew our faith, and motivates us to want to continue to do good. If you’ve ever attended a soul-stirring halaqa, you know the kind of renewed faith that you leave with.
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Engage in Constant Dhikr
Dhikr helps us to remember Allah (ta’ala) and to glorify Him. Reciting dhikr constantly helps us to always be conscious of Allah (ta’ala), and this can help us renew our faith on those days when we are not exactly feeling it.
If you find yourself feeling emotionally removed from your daily acts of worship, step up your adhkar game so that you can be more conscious of Allah (ta’ala) and renew your faith.
“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”(Qur’an 13:28)
Pray Qiyamul Layl
Standing up to observe Salah in the middle of the night is a good way to renew your faith. This is a time of silence and serenity. A time when most people are asleep and you are able to focus on your worship and feel the spiritual connection. In the first place, it is challenging for many people to stand up to pray in the middle of the night. But when you are able to overcome the hurdle of waking up, and you pray or read the Quran, you feel the connection again, Insha’Allah.
“The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is that of Allah’s month of Al-Muharram. And the most virtuous Salat after the obligatory is the night prayer.” (Tirmidhi)
Remember Death
There is a reason that death is called the destroyer of pleasure. It is the thing that is guaranteed to remind us of the Hereafter. Remember how you felt when someone died around you. Beyond the feeling of sadness and loss, there is an awareness of the reality of our existence. Death reminds us of who is in charge of our affairs and it reminds us that we still have a long journey that goes beyond that of this life.
Even if no one has died around you, ponder over the finality of death and use it to renew your faith. Remind yourself that the life of the hereafter is more important and that all your good deeds in this life are being kept for the hereafter. Let us use the reminder that we will stand in front of Allah (ta’ala) one day to motivate ourselves to continue to do our deeds and to renew our faith every time we feel low.
“Increase in remembrance of the severer of pleasures.” Meaning death. (Tirmidhi)
Every day that we wake up is an opportunity to renew our faith. It is a chance to improve our worship and grow our Iman.
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Renew your faith.” “O Messenger of Allah! How can we renew our faith?” they asked. The Prophet replied, “By saying la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but God) a lot.” (Tabarani)
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