How to discern if my faith is real or merely a suggestion?

Discerning whether our heartfelt faith is real and deeply rooted, or merely a superficial suggestion and imitation, is a profound and significant question that many truth-seekers grapple with. The Holy Quran, with its comprehensive and precise perspective, provides criteria for evaluating the depth and authenticity of faith. True faith is more than just a verbal claim or a dry, empty belief; it is an inner state that manifests in all dimensions of human life, from thoughts and feelings to actions and behavior. If we wish to examine the signs of genuine faith from the Quranic perspective, we can refer to several fundamental criteria that not only help us assess our own faith but also show us a path to strengthen it. First, and perhaps the most important sign of true faith, is its **impact on righteous deeds (Amal Salih)**. The Quran repeatedly links faith (*Iman*) and righteous deeds. Faith without deeds is like a tree that bears no fruit. Righteous deeds not only include individual acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and Hajj but also encompass every good deed, striving for justice, helping the needy, truthfulness, trustworthiness, and good character. If our faith is real, it will bring about change in our daily lives; it will lead us towards good and deter us from evil. For example, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah describes those who are successful: "By the fading day, verily man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience." This verse clearly indicates that faith must be accompanied by action. True faith seeks to align one's life with divine values and make a tangible impact on their surroundings. The second criterion is **steadfastness and perseverance in the face of challenges and difficulties**. Superficial or suggested faith typically weakens and vanishes when confronted with problems, doubts, or worldly temptations. However, true faith, like the deep roots of a mighty tree, is resilient against storms. The Holy Quran calls upon believers to be firm in the path of Allah and to endure hardships with patience and reliance on Him. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2 and 3, Allah states: "Do people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars." These verses explicitly state that trials are a means of distinguishing true faith from false claims. Real faith means that even in moments of weakness and despair, we do not cease to seek refuge in Allah and rely on His power. This steadfastness is a sign of deep inner conviction and trust in divine promises. Third, a sign is the **growth and increase of faith through the remembrance of Allah and the recitation of His verses**. The Quran states: "The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts tremble, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely." (Al-Anfal, verse 2). This verse provides a very clear criterion for assessing the quality of faith. If your heart is affected when Allah's name is mentioned, and when the Quran is recited, you feel a greater closeness to the Creator and your faith strengthens, this is a sign of true faith. Suggested faith often does not generate such a feeling and may simply turn into a habit or a duty performed without presence of heart. True faith brings peace to a person and guides them towards contemplation and reflection on divine verses and the signs of God's power in the universe. This heartfelt and spiritual impact is the main distinction between a superficial belief and a deep, living faith. The fourth criterion is **humility and modesty in the face of truth and avoidance of arrogance**. A true believer constantly seeks the truth and accepts it with an open mind, even if it contradicts their personal desires and inclinations. They humble themselves before the majesty of Allah and divine wisdom, avoiding any form of pride or arrogance. The Holy Quran condemns those who turn away from the truth with arrogance. True faith makes a person humble and teaches them that everything they possess is by divine grace and mercy. This humility is evident in one's behavior, speech, and even in how they view others. Fifth, a sign is the **aversion to sin and the striving for purity**. Although no human is infallible and everyone may make mistakes, a true believer feels remorse for committing sins and strives to avoid them and repent. In suggested faith, an individual might be indifferent to sins or create justifications for themselves. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes repentance and returning to Allah, and has considered purity and avoidance of prohibitions as characteristics of true believers. This continuous effort for self-improvement and abstaining from forbidden acts indicates a persistent inner struggle and a heartfelt desire for closeness to God. Ultimately, true faith is a continuous journey and a dynamic process that deepens and strengthens throughout a person's life through trials, experiences, contemplation, and reflection. This journey requires continuous self-assessment, self-reckoning, and frequent return to Allah. Faith is not merely by uttering words; rather, it is a light that shines in the heart, illuminating one's entire being, and ultimately manifests in one's actions and character. To understand whether our faith is real or not, we must look within ourselves, evaluate our deeds, assess our steadfastness in the face of hardships, and see if the remembrance of Allah brings peace to our hearts. These are the criteria that the Quran gives us to tread our path of servitude to Allah with insight and awareness, and to attain inner certainty.