Have you been feeling lately that your Iman (faith) has weakened? Maybe you are too involved in your work and worldly affairs that you forget to remember your creator and thank him for his blessings. Many Muslims who feel this way might become worried that Allah (SWT) is not happy with them, or they might face consequences in the afterlife because of weak faith.
However, there is no need to worry or think like this if you feel that you have drifted away from your faith. We are humans, and we are not perfect. Allah (SWT) doesn’t expect perfection from us. We are bound to make mistakes. What we can do is learn from those mistakes and strive to become a better person.
We can start by making small changes to our daily life and try to improve on that. What changes you might wonder? Well, this is exactly what we will discuss in this blog post. So be sure to read till the end if you wish to become a better Muslim and feel closer to Allah (SWT).
5 Ways You Can Increase Your Iman (Faith)
Here are five ways you can increase your iman and feel more connected to Allah (SWT):
1. Start Reading the Holy Quran Regularly
One of the best and easiest ways to increase your iman and remember Allah (SWT) is to read/recite the Holy Quran daily. The Quran is the final word of Allah (SWT) and is the solution to all of our problems. Even if you start with just reading 1 ayat (verse) it is enough to start strengthening your faith. Read with full focus and understand what the meaning of ayat and the message Allah (SWT) is conveying.
So, if you have not read the Quran in a while, consider starting. If you can't recall how to recite with proper flow or have difficulty doing so, then watch video clips and recitations from renowned imams to get an idea or use apps online that can help you. There is never a wrong time to return to Almighty Allah (SWT). This practice will strengthen your relationship with Allah and provide you with comfort, Insha'Allah.
Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“He brings them out of darkness into the light.”
(Surah Baqarah 2:257)
2. Start Praying Salah (Prayer)
While busy with worldly matters, you might have become lazy and missed a few prayers. Even If you did so, don’t let it weigh you down. You can make up for it by praying qaza salah (missed prayer) and making the intention to start doing your salah on time from now on. It’s never too late to make up for missed prayers and show your sincerity to Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) loves those who turn to him with repentance and try to rectify their shortcomings.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Whoever forgets a prayer or sleeps through its time, then let him pray it as soon as he remembers, for there is no expiation for it except that."
(Sahih Bukhari, 597)
When you pray salah, do it with full focus and concentration and forget about the rest of the things happening in your life. After praying, don't get up, sit and make dua. Let your feelings, your emotions, and your thoughts lead the way.
Allah (SWT) knows everything about you and what’s going on in your mind. Ask him for guidance in increasing your iman and forgiving your past mistakes. Having these simple, honest, and raw conversations will leave you feeling lighter than you could have imagined and also helps relieve the stress and anxiety that some people might be facing.
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3. Start Doing Good Deeds in Your Life
Make a habit from now on of doing good deeds and actions in your daily routine no matter how small, even if it’s one deed. Such as being kind to others, treating others with respect, helping someone in need, or giving charity. Allah (SWT) highly encourages such deeds and actions that draw people closer to him. The Quran mentions:
Whoever does a good deed—it is for himself; and whoever does evil—it is against it. And your Lord is not unjust to His servants."
(Surah Fussilat 41:46)
Do regular dhikr of Allah (SWT) by reciting certain prayers and supplications as mentioned in hadiths and repent for your past mistakes or sins. This keeps the heart connected with the faith and increases iman. Check our guide on five dhikr dua’s you can recite as mentioned in hadiths.
4. Avoid Sinful Practices
Avoid or stop engaging in sinful practices and make it a habit going forward. This is very important for maintaining and increasing iman. Some of these practices include backbiting, lying, or speaking ill of others which are highly discouraged by the Holy Prophet (PBUH):
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent."
(Sahih Bukhari, 6475)
Also, stay away from haram things, whether it’s in food, behaviour, or entertainment, and ensure your actions align with Islamic values. If you are unsure about which practices to avoid, you start learning more about Islam by attending Islamic lectures, watching videos online, reading authentic books, and seeking guidance from your local imam. As your knowledge increases, you can start to incorporate more and more into your life to boost your iman.
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5. Trust in Allah (SWT)
Lastly and most importantly, never give up your trust in Allah (SWT). Always believe that whatever he has planned is in your best interest. No matter how low you are feeling right now, or whatever calamity has fallen over, just bear in mind that things will get better, and Allah (SWT) will make them better for you.
Allah (SWT) loves you more than 70 mothers, he is closer to you than your jugular vein. No matter what happens, he will never abandon you. Put all your trust in him, and he will take care of everything.
As Quran states:
“Despair not of the mercy of Allah, indeed Allah forgives all sins.”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Conclusion
Improving as a Muslim is a personal and continuous process. By focusing on strengthening your relationship with Allah (SWT), seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and avoiding sins, you can increase your iman and become a better Muslim. Remember, even small, consistent efforts are beloved by Allah (SWT). As the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are small."
(Sahih Bukhari, 6465)
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