Is Faith Alive Without Fervor?

In the sublime teachings of the Holy Quran, faith (Iman) is not merely a mental conviction or a verbal affirmation; rather, it is a comprehensive and dynamic state of human existence that is accompanied by an inner fervor and enthusiasm, manifesting itself in all dimensions of life. The question, 'Is faith alive without fervor?' leads us to the depths of the nature of faith in Islam. The categorical answer, based on divine verses, is that true faith cannot possess a fruitful and impactful life without fervor and enthusiasm. Faith is akin to a seed that, if planted in the soil of the heart, requires the life-giving water of divine ardor and warmth to blossom and bear fruit. The Holy Quran consistently links faith with righteous deeds and an inner dynamism. For instance, in Surah Al-Asr (verses 1-3), we read that all humanity is in loss, except 'those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.' This verse clearly indicates that faith gains meaning only through four elements: sincere belief, righteous action, enjoining truth, and enjoining patience. Righteous deeds, enjoining truth, and patience are all external manifestations of a vibrant and fervent faith. A faith that remains confined solely within the heart, without any impact on behavior and conduct, is like a lamp without oil; it gives no light and provides no warmth. This fervor and enthusiasm is the driving force that propels the believer towards obedience, benevolence, justice, and striving in the path of Allah. Fervor in faith signifies a restless yearning for the pleasure of the Lord, an ardent longing for closeness to Him, and an enthusiasm to fulfill His commands in both individual and societal life. This enthusiasm keeps the believer's heart alive and vigilant. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 2, Allah 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.' This verse perfectly illustrates that true faith is accompanied by a trembling of the heart upon the mention of Allah (wajilat qulubuhum) and an increase in faith upon the recitation of His verses (zadathum imanًا). This 'trembling' and 'increase in faith' is precisely the inner fervor and warmth that transforms faith from a dry, lifeless belief into a vital force. Faith without fervor gradually leads to indifference, weakness, and even hypocrisy. When there is no enthusiasm for action and no desire for proximity to God, sins seem easier, and fulfilling obligations becomes difficult. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of struggle (jihad) and striving in the path of Allah; this struggle is only possible with inner fervor and zeal. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 54, we read: 'O you who have believed, whoever of you reverts from his religion – Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He loves and who love Him, humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the way of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic.' This verse paints a picture of true believers who are filled with divine love ('yuhibbuhum wa yuhibbūnahu') and this love propels them to strive in the way of Allah and remain steadfast without fearing the blame of any blamer. This level of commitment and activity is precisely the fervor and enthusiasm that keeps faith alive and dynamic. Thus, fervor is not only an integral part of faith but also a criterion and sign of its vitality. Faith that rests in a state of indifference and stagnation will gradually erode and perish. The life of faith lies in its dynamism, divine love, and its manifestation through actions and character. A believer who possesses fervor and enthusiasm is constantly seeking to know God more deeply, perform good deeds, avoid sins, and serve creation. They have zeal and eagerness for performing prayers, reciting the Quran, and spending in the way of Allah. This fervor strengthens them against temptations and empowers them to remain steadfast on the path of truth. In essence, fervor and enthusiasm are the fuel for the engine of faith, setting it in motion and preventing it from stalling or stopping. Without this fuel, the engine of faith will shut down and lose its effectiveness. Therefore, it can be said that faith without fervor is not merely dormant but is on a path of gradual demise, because the spirit governing it, which is divine love and zeal, has been forgotten.