How to elevate faith from the stage of imitation (Taqleed) to certainty (Yaqeen)?

The journey from imitative faith (Taqleed) to certain faith (Yaqeen) is one of the deepest and most vital stages of spiritual growth from a Quranic perspective. The Holy Quran constantly invites humanity to ponder, reflect, and use their intellect, warning against blind and baseless following. Imitative faith is the acceptance of religious beliefs and principles based on what has been inherited from parents, society, or traditions, without personal inquiry or investigation. While this stage can be a starting point for many, preventing them from falling into doubt and disbelief early on, it cannot serve as a firm foundation for confronting challenges, doubts, and temptations. Imitative faith is vulnerable to storms of doubt because its roots are not firmly established in the individual's heart and mind, but rather rely on external, acquired pillars. Yaqeen, however, is a state of profound inner assurance and deep knowledge that leaves no room for doubt. The Quran refers to different levels of certainty: 'Ilm al-Yaqeen' (knowledge of certainty), 'Ain al-Yaqeen' (eye of certainty, or seeing and experiencing certainty), and 'Haqq al-Yaqeen' (truth of certainty, or experiencing the reality of truth with one's whole being). The goal of nurturing faith is to reach these levels of certainty, which not only solidify one's beliefs but also impact all aspects of life, leading to true tranquility and assurance. This journey requires intellectual and spiritual struggle, which we will elaborate on based on Quranic teachings. Ways to Elevate Faith from Imitation to Certainty in the Light of the Quran: 1. Contemplation of the Holy Quran (Tadabbur al-Quran): The Quran is not merely a book for recitation but a book for deep contemplation and understanding. Allah repeatedly invites people in the Quran to reflect upon His verses. Deep reflection on the meanings, objectives, and wisdom embedded in the verses provides a fertile ground for the formation of certain faith. When an individual diligently delves into the divine messages, they perceive the coherence, grandeur, and truthfulness of God's words. This perception elevates their faith from a mere auditory level to a level of profound inner knowledge. For instance, verses related to monotheism, the afterlife, divine attributes, stories of prophets, and legal rulings each open a gateway to certainty if viewed with insight. This contemplation removes doubts and illuminates the heart with the light of knowledge. 2. Reflection on Cosmic and Intrinsic Signs (Ayat al-Afaq wal-Anfus): The Quran repeatedly invites humans to observe the universe and their own existence to comprehend the signs of divine power, wisdom, and knowledge. Witnessing the astonishing order in the heavens, the earth, stars, the cycle of life, the diversity of creatures, and the wonders of human creation all point to the existence of a wise and powerful Creator. When one observes these signs with a discerning eye and grasps the grandeur of creation, their faith moves from mere acceptance to a state akin to observation and inner vision. Quranic verses clearly express this invitation to reflection and contemplation: "We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth." (Fussilat: 53). 3. Pursuing True Knowledge and Learning: Certain faith is not built on ignorance, but on knowledge and understanding. The Quran accords high value to knowledge and condemns ignorance. Seeking true knowledge in various fields, from natural sciences to religious studies, can unveil truths and guide one to certainty. Knowledge is light, and ignorance is darkness. The deeper one's knowledge, the greater their ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, and the less they become enslaved by delusions and superstitions. This path of knowledge can be pursued through studying reputable books, consulting scholars and experts, and engaging in research. This is what the Quran asks of us: "So ask the people of the message if you do not know." (An-Nahl: 43). 4. Acting upon Religious Teachings and Practical Experience: Faith is not just a mental belief; it is a way of life. Adhering to divine commands, including prayer, fasting, charity, truthfulness, justice, and benevolence, embeds faith within a person and transforms it from a theoretical concept into a practical reality. When an individual observes the positive results of living by these teachings in their own life and in society, their faith is strengthened and draws closer to certainty. Many religious truths are only truly understood through practical experience and a life of devotion. For example, one who tastes the sweetness of prayer with presence of heart no longer needs arguments to prove its importance; rather, they have perceived it with 'Ain al-Yaqeen. This practical experience transforms faith from mere imitation into certainty. 5. Purification of the Soul and Avoiding Sins: Sins and worldly attachments are like veils that blind the heart's insight and prevent the perception of truths. The Quran places great emphasis on the purification of the soul (Tazkiyah al-Nafs) and cleansing it from moral vices. The purer and more luminous a person's heart becomes, the greater its capacity to receive truths and perceive divine signs. Avoiding sins, repentance, seeking forgiveness (Istighfar), and remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) remove these veils and pave the way for the light of certainty to shine in the heart. A pure soul acts as a clear mirror, reflecting truths without distortion and leading to inner certainty. 6. Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and Supplication (Dua): In this journey, reliance on Allah and constant prayer and supplication are crucial. Allah the Almighty is the true guide for humanity and, through hidden and inner guidance, leads individuals towards certainty. One who sincerely seeks guidance from Allah and asks for an increase in faith will undoubtedly benefit from His mercy and grace. The plea "Guide us to the straight path" (Ihdina al-Sirat al-Mustaqeem) in every prayer itself indicates humanity's constant need for divine guidance to reach the highest levels of certainty. In conclusion, the path from imitation to certainty is a gradual and dynamic one, requiring continuous effort, insight, and patience. Every step on this path deepens and strengthens faith until outer doubts no longer destabilize the individual, but instead, they become illuminated by divine light from within, attaining true tranquility. The Holy Quran is a beacon that, through contemplation and adherence to its teachings, guides us to the fountainhead of certainty.