Is Faith a Momentary or Continuous Matter?

The concept of faith (Iman) in Islam, as elucidated by the Holy Quran, is a foundational and vital principle that profoundly shapes a believer's life path. The question of whether faith is a momentary, fleeting sensation—arising and dissipating with a mere verbal declaration or a transient feeling—or if it possesses a continuous, dynamic, and evolving nature demanding constant effort and perpetual vigilance, is crucial. A thorough examination of Quranic verses unequivocally demonstrates that faith is far from a momentary phenomenon; rather, it is a living, ongoing process that requires nurturing, maintenance, and growth. In Islam, faith transcends a mere linguistic assertion; it is a profound conviction of the heart, acknowledged by the tongue, and manifested through actions and conduct in daily life. The Holy Quran consistently calls believers to steadfastness (istiqamah) and perseverance in their faith. This very call for persistence serves as compelling evidence for the continuous nature of faith. If faith were merely momentary, there would be no need to emphasize stability and endurance. Allah states in Surah Fussilat, verse 30: "Indeed, those who have said, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], 'Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.'" This verse clearly indicates that simply uttering "Our Lord is Allah" is insufficient; rather, it is the continuity and steadfastness upon this declaration (istiqamah) that brings faith to fruition and garners divine rewards. Istiqamah implies unwavering commitment to the truth, avoiding deviation from the divine path, and persistence in the face of challenges and temptations. This underscores that faith is an ongoing process that extends throughout a person's life and must be preserved and strengthened in all stages, whether in ease or hardship. Furthermore, the Quran explicitly refers to the increase and decrease of faith. This dynamism in faith itself testifies to its non-momentary nature. If faith were a static, momentary point, the concepts of "increase" or "decrease" would be meaningless in its context. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 2, Allah says: "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." This verse reveals that faith is a living phenomenon influenced by various factors. Hearing divine verses, remembering Allah, performing righteous deeds, and encountering trials can lead to an increase in faith. Conversely, heedlessness, sin, and neglect of Allah's remembrance can lead to a weakening and decrease in faith. These fluctuations compel the believer towards continuous self-refinement and constant vigilance over their heart and actions. The Quran also stresses the importance of dying in a state of faith. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 102, it states: "O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims." This verse encourages believers not merely to possess faith at a certain point in life, but to maintain this faith until their last breath and to depart from this world in a state of submission (Islam) to Allah. This command demonstrates that faith is an ultimate destination to be reached and preserved throughout one's entire life. The process of piety and righteousness mentioned in this verse is not a momentary act but a continuous and ongoing lifestyle that permeates every moment of a believer's existence. From a Quranic perspective, the heart is the locus of faith, and hearts are constantly changing. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself, in his supplications, would ask Allah to keep his heart firm upon the religion, which subtly points to the continuous need for stability and steadfastness of faith within the heart. Worldly life is replete with trials, temptations, and tests, each of which can challenge one's faith. In such an environment, momentary faith would not withstand the pressures. Only a faith that is deep-rooted, profound, and continuous can safeguard an individual from evils and keep them firm on the path of truth. Continuous faith necessitates righteous deeds. The Quran repeatedly pairs faith with righteous deeds, as if one cannot be complete without the other. Righteous deeds are not merely a sign of true faith but also serve to strengthen and solidify it. The five daily prayers (Salah), fasting (Sawm), charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj), which are pillars of Islam, are all acts whose repetition and regularity ensure the continuity of faith in a believer's life. These acts keep the remembrance of Allah alive in the heart, distance a person from heedlessness, and strengthen their connection with the Creator of the universe. This repetition and consistency in worship and good deeds are akin to continuously watering a tree, helping it deepen its roots and bear more fruit. Ultimately, faith is a spiritual journey, not a fixed, final destination that, once reached, requires no further effort. This journey has its own ups and downs, and the believer must constantly be vigilant in navigating the ship of their faith through the stormy seas of the world. This continuity of faith signifies a conscious life, accompanied by remembrance (dhikr), contemplation, repentance, seeking forgiveness, and striving to earn divine pleasure in all aspects of life. Therefore, based on numerous Quranic verses, it can be definitively stated that faith is a continuous and vital matter that accompanies a person until their last breath, requiring constant care and growth. It is this continuity of faith that brings about well-being and success in both this world and the Hereafter.