Deepen Your Faith In Allah: Tips For A Stronger Practice

Faith is a deeply personal and individual topic, and it is normal to experience ups and downs in one's iman (faith). However, if you are looking for ways to increase your faith in Allah, there are several practices and spiritual exercises that can help guide you on your path. Firstly, it is important to establish a strong foundation by performing the five daily prayers or salah, and reading the Quran regularly. In addition to prayer and scripture, surrounding yourself with a supportive community of devout Muslims can provide encouragement and help deepen your understanding of Islam. Furthermore, acts of worship such as fasting, giving charity, and performing Hajj can strengthen your faith and bring you closer to Allah. Remembering Allah through dhikr (remembrance) and du'aa (supplication) can also increase faith and bring peace of mind. Ultimately, the path to increasing faith is a personal journey that may involve trial and error to find what works best for you.

Read the Quran

Reading the Quran is an excellent way to strengthen your faith in Allah. The Quran is the most recent and true word of Allah, and it is essential for Muslims to have faith in it. Reading the Quran and pondering the meanings of what you read will help increase your faith and bring you peace of mind.

• Start by reading and learning a little bit of the Quran each day. Even reading a small portion regularly will benefit you. You can start with Surat Al-Fatihah (Chapter 1) so that you can pray. Over time, try to learn how to read the Quran in Arabic. While it is not mandatory, it is recommended and can be a long-term goal.
• Listen to recitations of the Quran and reflect on the meanings. This can be done alongside reading the Quran or on its own. If you come across something difficult to understand, don't hesitate to ask scholars or Sunni scholars for advice.
• Remember Allah often through dhikrs (remembrances) found in the saheeh ahaadeeth. For example, you can recite "Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (there is no god except Allah)" and "Subhaan-Allah wa’l-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allah wa Allahu akbar (Glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, there is no god except Allah and Allah is Most Great)".
• Increase your knowledge of Islam by reading Islamic literature and books. This can include reading about the lives of the Companions of the Prophet, the scientific miracles in the Quran, and the conditions of the hereafter.
• Incorporate other faith-strengthening practices alongside reading the Quran, such as praying, giving charity, fasting, and seeking forgiveness.

Remember, increasing your faith is a gradual process, and it's important to take things slowly. Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to do too much at once. Focus on consistently reading and reflecting on the Quran, and your faith in Allah will strengthen over time.

Believe in Allah's mercy

Allah is the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful, and His mercy is all-encompassing. The Quran states that Allah's mercy "embraces all things". This is reflected in the many blessings that Allah bestows upon us, as well as in the compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and tenderness that we observe in this world.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed us that Allah is more merciful to His slaves than a mother is to her child. Allah sent Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to humankind, to guide us to His path and help us lead a life that will bring us success and happiness in this life and the next. The Quran, Allah's greatest gift to humanity, is a source of solace and ease in times of difficulty, injury, illness, or unhappiness. It guides us towards high standards of morality and encourages us to strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

Allah's mercy is also evident in His acceptance of repentance. We are told that Allah forgives all sins, even if they are repeated, except for associating partners with Him. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent." Allah, in His mercy, does not punish us immediately for our sins but gives us the opportunity to turn to Him and seek forgiveness.

Additionally, good deeds can wipe out bad deeds. For example, performing the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and giving charity can atone for past sins. Allah's mercy also extends to those who are unable to fulfil certain obligations due to illness or financial difficulties. For instance, a believer who is sick and cannot fast during Ramadan is not mandated to do so and is, in fact, encouraged not to. Similarly, if a Muslim is unable to perform Hajj due to physical or financial constraints, they are excused from this duty.

Furthermore, Allah's mercy is reflected in the flexibility and leniency of the Islamic faith. Islam teaches that every aspect of life can be an act of worship. Even everyday activities like eating, drinking, sleeping, and travelling can be done in a way that pleases Allah.

To increase your faith in Allah, it is important to remember His mercy and to embody it in your own life. Treat others with compassion and kindness, and strive to be merciful in all that you do and say.

Make new Muslim friends

Making new Muslim friends is an important step in strengthening your faith in Allah. Here are some tips to help you in this process:

Find Friends at Islamic Gatherings

A great way to meet new Muslim friends is by attending gatherings at your local mosque or Islamic centre. These places often host events and programmes that cater to different age groups, providing opportunities for socialisation and friendship building within the Muslim community. If you have recently moved to a new city, the local mosque can be a good starting point to get to know other Muslims in the area. Volunteering at the mosque or participating in Quran classes and other activities can help you connect with like-minded individuals.

Seek Good Company

When making new friends, it is important to surround yourself with those who will positively influence your faith. Look for devout Muslims who will support and guide you in your religious practices and help you stay on the right path. Remember, it is better to have one or two friends who are good for your faith than a large group of friends who may lead you astray.

Be Open-Minded

While it is essential to have friends who share your religious beliefs, you should also be open-minded and flexible when meeting new people. Avoid comparing new friends with old ones, and try to accept them for who they are. Embrace differences and be willing to adapt to new situations and personalities. This will broaden your horizons and enhance your ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals.

Engage in Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities, such as sports, gaming, and community music groups, can provide excellent opportunities to meet potential friends. These activities allow you to connect with people who share similar interests, making it easier to initiate conversations and form meaningful relationships. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and join new activities where you can meet a diverse range of people.

Utilise Online Platforms and Social Media

Online platforms and social media can be powerful tools for connecting with other Muslims. Websites and forums dedicated to Islamic discussions, such as r/islam on Reddit, can be great places to start. Additionally, platforms like Meetup.com often have Muslim-related groups where you can find people with similar interests. Facebook groups and pages of local mosques or Islamic centres can also be good places to connect with others and stay updated on upcoming events.

Be Proactive

Friendships take time and effort to develop. Don't be afraid to take the initiative and introduce yourself to others. Invite people for meals, suggest getting together for a specific activity, or simply start a conversation. Be confident, friendly, and open-minded when approaching new people. Remember, you need to put in the time and energy to nurture and grow your friendships.

By following these tips and staying committed to your faith, you will be well on your way to making new Muslim friends and strengthening your bond with Allah.

Increase your knowledge of Islam

Increasing your knowledge of Islam is a great way to strengthen your faith. Here are some ways to do that:

Reading, Attending Lessons, and Listening to Lectures

Start by reading the Quran, listening to its recitation, and reflecting on the meanings of what you read and hear. If you come across something difficult to understand, don't hesitate to reach out to Islamic scholars for clarification. You can also attend lessons or listen to lectures on YouTube to deepen your understanding. Seek out knowledgeable people, such as scholars from Islamic centres, who can answer your questions and provide guidance.

Finding a Balanced View

Try to gather information from multiple sources to develop a balanced perspective on Islam. This will help you navigate the spectrum of Islam and find where you fit—whether you lean more liberal, moderate, or conservative.

Taking it Slow

Learning and practising a new faith takes time, so be patient with yourself and don't feel discouraged. Focus on regular, consistent actions, even if they are small. Gradually incorporate new practices into your daily life, one step at a time, rather than trying to do too much too soon.

Building a Supportive Community

Surround yourself with devout Muslims who can support and guide you on your journey. Making new friends within the Muslim community can provide you with valuable companionship and help you stay motivated. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up your existing friendships. As long as you can avoid negative or haram (forbidden) activities, there is room for flexibility and adaptation with your non-Muslim friends.

Learning the Salah and Other Pillars of Islam

Prioritise learning how to perform the salah (formal prayer) and incorporating the five daily prayers into your routine. This will involve learning at least Surat Al-Fatihah (Chapter 1) of the Quran. From there, strive to learn more of the Quran over time, and consider setting a long-term goal of learning to read the Quran in Arabic.

Additionally, familiarise yourself with other pillars of Islam, such as paying zakah, fasting, and making Hajj. Your local imam may be a valuable resource for suggesting relevant topics and providing guidance.

Have firm resolve

Patience and piety

The Quran mentions several prophets who faced tests of every kind and how they overcame them, bringing them closer to Allah. Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all) are known as the Messengers of "Firm Resolve". They displayed patience and never lost hope in Allah's mercy, remembering the ultimate reward.

Patience is essential in times of adversity, to not lose hope, and in times of felicity, to not become arrogant or complacent. Piety or fearing Allah is the second part of the formula. It is to be conscious of Allah at all times, remembering that He hears, sees, and knows all. It is to work in this life to maximise your reward and distance yourself from the Fire, always keeping the true existence of the Hereafter in mind.

Turn to the Quran

The Quran is the foremost aid to standing firm in Islam. It cultivates faith and purifies the soul through contact with Allah. It provides the correct understanding and values to evaluate situations and make consistent decisions. It also refutes doubts stirred by the enemies of Islam.

Adhere to the laws of Allah and do righteous deeds

Allah will keep firm those who believe and do righteous deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) persevered in doing righteous deeds, and the most beloved of good deeds to him were those that were continuous, even if they were small. He said, "Whoever perseveres in doing twelve rak'ahs [i.e., the sunan rawatib or sunnah prayers which the Prophet (peace be upon him) did constantly], Paradise will be his right."

Study the stories of the prophets and follow their example

The Quran relates stories of the prophets to strengthen our hearts. Think about Prophet Ibrahim, who, when thrown into the fire, said, "Allah is Sufficient for me, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs." Or Musa, who, when pursued by the hosts of Pharaoh, had faith in Allah's guidance. These prophets stood firm in the face of oppression and torture, and we can draw strength from their examples.

Make du'a (supplication)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The hearts of the sons of Adam are as one between the fingers of the Most Merciful, and He directs them as He wills." Make du'a asking Allah to help you stand firm and guide your heart.

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