Definition of Iman in Islam: 7 Effective Ways to Grow Your Faith

Iman in Islam is the foundation and the beating heart of the religion. It is the indispensable key to salvation in the Hereafter and the prerequisite for our good deeds to be accepted by Allah. A life without Iman is like a body without a soul—ultimately facing eternal loss and darkness. Therefore, understanding and nurturing Iman is the most critical task for every believer.

In this article, we will explore the Definition of Iman, whether it increases or decreases, and practical steps on how to increase it based on the Holy Quran and Sahih Hadith.

What is Iman in Islam? Understanding the Definition of Iman

To truly grasp the concept of Iman in Islam, we must look at both its linguistic meaning and its specific meaning in Islamic terminology.

The Linguistic Meaning

The word ‘Iman’ (إيمان) comes from the Arabic root meaning to believe, to grant security, or to attain peace of mind. It implies placing a firm, doubt-free trust in something.

The Shar’i (Islamic Legal) Meaning

In the terminology of the Shari’ah, Iman is not just a passive belief held privately in the mind. According to the consensus of the Salaf (pious predecessors) and Islamic scholars, the Definition of Iman consists of three essential pillars:

1. Firm belief in the heart.
2. Confession with the tongue.
3. Action with the limbs.

These three components are supported by numerous evidences from the Quran and Sunnah:

1. Belief in the Heart (Tasdiq bi al-Qalb)

The first and primary foundation is a resolute belief within the heart. This belief must be so strong that it leaves absolutely no room for doubt or hesitation. Allah the Almighty says:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِاللهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَرْتَابُوا

“The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not…”

(Surah Al-Hujurat 49:15)

Regarding the certainty of Ibrahim (AS), Allah says:

وَكَذَلِكَ نُرِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ مَلَكُوْتَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلِيَكُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُوقِنِيْنَ

“And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith].”

(Surah Al-An’am 6:75)

2. Verbal Confession (Iqrar bi al-Lisan)

Testifying to the belief of the heart with the tongue is the second essential part of faith. Proclaiming the Shahada—“La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah”—falls under this category. Allah commands the believers:

قُولُواْ آمَنَّا بِاللهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا

“Say, [O believers], ‘We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us…'”

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:136)

Those who declare their faith and remain steadfast are promised safety:

إِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ قَالُوْا رَبُّنَا اللهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوْا فَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُوْنَ

“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remained on a right course – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

(Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:13)

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“I have been commanded to fight against the people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah…”

(Sahih Bukhari Hadis: 8 & Muslim Hadis: 33)

3. Action with the Limbs (Al-Amal bi al-Arkan)

The demand of true Iman in Islam is to translate belief and confession into action. Performing prayers (Salah), fasting, and adhering to the pillars of Islam are the practical proofs of faith. Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ارْكَعُوا وَاسْجُدُوا وَاعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمْ وَافْعَلُوا الْخَيْرَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

“O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good – that you may succeed.”

(Surah Al-Hajj 22:77)

Therefore, actions of the heart (like sincerity, reliance, fear, love), actions of the tongue (Dhikr, Recitation), and actions of the limbs are all integral parts of Iman.

Does Iman in Islam Increase and Decrease?

A common question many Muslims ask is: Does the level of faith remain constant? The reality, supported by scripture and our own experiences, is that Iman in Islam fluctuates. It increases through obedience and good deeds, and it decreases through sin and disobedience.

Evidences from the Quran:

1. Increase in Faith through Revelation:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ الَّذِيْنَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوْبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيْمَاناً وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُوْنَ

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.”

(Surah Al-Anfal 8:2)

2. Increase in Belief during Trials:

الَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُواْ لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَاناً

“Those to whom hypocrites said, ‘Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.’ But it [merely] increased them in faith…”

(Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:173)

3. Increase in Guidance:

وَيَزِيدُ اللهُ الَّذِينَ اهْتَدَوْا هُدًى

“And Allah increases those who were guided, in guidance…”

(Surah Maryam 19:76)

4. Increase in Humility (a sign of Faith):

وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعاً

“And they fall upon their faces weeping, and the Quran increases them in humble submission.”

(Surah Al-Isra 17:109)

5. Decrease caused by Sin (Rust on the Heart):

كَلَّا بَلْ رَانَ عَلَى قُلُوبِهِم مَّا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ

“No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning.”

(Surah Al-Mutaffifin 83:14)

Evidences from the Hadith:

1. Deficiency of Faith during Sin: The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The adulterer is not a believer at the moment when he is committing adultery, and the wine-drinker is not a believer at the moment when he is drinking wine…”

(Sahih Bukhari Hadis: 2475 & Muslim Hadis: 57).

This indicates that the light or perfection of Iman is lost during the act of major sin.

2. The Branches of Faith: The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Faith has over seventy or sixty branches. The most excellent of them is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of them is the removal of what is injurious from the path; and modesty is a branch of faith.”

(Sahih Muslim Hadis: 54).

Since branches vary in level, he who implements more branches has higher faith.

3. Varying Levels of Faith in the Heart: In the Hadith of intercession, it is mentioned that people will be taken out of Hellfire who have “a barley grain’s weight,” “a wheat grain’s weight,” or even “an atom’s weight” of faith in their hearts (Sahih Bukhari Hadis: 44). This proves faith exists in different quantities.

4. The Weakest Faith: The Prophet (PBUH) instructed that if one sees an evil, they should stop it with their hand, then their tongue, and if unable, then hate it with their heart. He added,

“…and that is the weakest of faith.”

(Sahih Muslim Hadis: 49).

The Sweetness of Faith (Halawatul Iman)

Faith is not just a dry conviction; it has a spiritual taste. The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned three qualities that allow a believer to taste the sweetness of Iman:

1. That Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than all else.
2. That he loves a person and loves him only for the sake of Allah.
3. That he hates to return to Kufr (disbelief) after Allah has saved him from it, just as he hates to be thrown into the fire. (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)

How to Increase Iman: Practical Steps

Since our faith is dynamic, a believer’s primary focus should be on strengthening it. Here are the most effective ways on how to increase Iman based on Islamic teachings:

1. Correct Knowledge of Tawheed

The most effective way to boost faith is to acquire the correct knowledge of Allah’s Oneness. Recognizing Allah as the sole Creator, Sustainer, and the only One worthy of worship, and understanding His Beautiful Names and Attributes (Asma wa Sifat) solidifies faith.

2. Ensuring Sincerity (Ikhlas) and Following the Sunnah

For any act of worship to increase faith and be accepted, two conditions are essential:

• Ikhlas: Doing deeds solely for Allah’s pleasure (Surah Al-Bayyinah: 5).
• Sunnah: Performing deeds according to the method of the Prophet (PBUH) (Surah Ali ‘Imran: 31).

3. Seeking Beneficial Knowledge (Ilm)

Learning Islamic knowledge, especially of the Quran and Sunnah, is a powerful booster. Fear of Allah is strongest in those who know Him best.

إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ

“Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge…”

(Surah Fatir 35:28)

4. Reciting the Quran with Understanding

The Holy Quran is a healing for the heart. Merely reading it is good, but reciting it with understanding and engaging in Tadabbur (deep reflection) multiplies faith significantly.

كِتَابٌ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوْا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُوْلُوا الْأَلْبَابِ

“[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.”

(Surah Sad 38:29)

5. Studying the Seerah (Life of the Prophet)

Studying the biography of the Prophet (PBUH) increases our love for him, which in turn strengthens Iman.

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِيْ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern”

(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21)

6. Pondering Over Creation

Reflecting on the heavens, the earth, the cycle of day and night, and one’s own creation reinforces belief in Allah’s power.

إِنَّ فِيْ خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ… لآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُوْنَ

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth… are signs for those of understanding.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:164)

7. Increasing Good Deeds

Every good deed boosts faith. Whether it is worship of the heart (reliance), tongue (Dhikr), or limbs (Charity, Salah, and other pillars of Islam), consistency in good deeds builds spiritual strength.

Causes of Decrease in Iman

To protect one’s faith, it is crucial to be aware of the “leaks” that drain the spiritual battery. The main causes of decrease in Iman include:

1. Ignorance (Jahalat): Just as knowledge increases faith, ignorance breeds sins and Shirk that destroy it. The people of Musa (AS) asked for an idol to worship purely due to their ignorance (Surah Al-A’raf 7:138).

2. Heedlessness (Ghaflah): Being negligent of Allah’s remembrance makes the heart hard and unresponsive.

وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْ ذِكْرِيْ فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيْشَةً ضَنكاً وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَى

“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.”

(Surah Taha 20:124)

3. Committing Sins: Every sin leaves a black spot on the heart. If one does not repent, these spots spread until the heart is covered in darkness, extinguishing the light of Iman.

4. Following the Lower Self (Nafs): Yielding to the “commanding soul” (Nafs al-Ammara) that incites evil weakens spiritual resolve.

إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ إِلاَّ مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّيَ

“Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon whom my Lord has mercy…”

(Surah Yusuf 12:53)

5. Following Shaytan: Satan makes sins appear attractive and distracts from worship. His goal is to divert humans from the path of Jannah.

إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوْهُ عَدُوًّا

“Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy”

(Surah Fatir 35:6)

6. Love of the Dunya: Excessive attachment to worldly wealth, status, and luxury diverts one from the Hereafter.

وَالْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ خَيْرٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَاباً وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلاً

“But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope.”

(Surah Al-Kahf 18:46)

7. Bad Company: A person is influenced by their friends. Bad company slowly drags a person away from the Deen. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.” (Abu Dawood & Tirmidhi)

Conclusion

Iman in Islam is not a static object; it is a living entity that grows with care, knowledge, and action, and withers with negligence and sin. A wise believer is one who constantly monitors the temperature of their faith. We must strive to adopt the ways to increase Iman and remain vigilant against the causes that decrease it.

May Allah grant us all the ability to become believers with perfect faith and keep us steadfast until our last breath. Ameen.