Is Faith Only in the Heart, or Must It Also Be Manifested in Action?

In the rich and comprehensive teachings of Islam, stemming from the pure wellspring of the Holy Quran, the concept of 'Iman' (faith) extends far beyond mere intellectual assent or a belief solely residing in the heart. The Quran unequivocally emphasizes that true faith is inextricably linked with 'Amal Saleh' (righteous deeds), and these two are complementary. Faith cannot be confined to just an internal claim or a heartfelt conviction; rather, its manifestation and fruit must be evident in the believer's conduct, speech, and actions. This close connection is not just a moral recommendation, but the backbone of a Muslim's identity and their path towards success and salvation. The Holy Quran, in numerous verses, consistently speaks of "those who have believed and done righteous deeds" (الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ). This recurring phrase clearly demonstrates that faith without righteous deeds is incomplete, indeed, meaningless. Faith is like a root that must yield its fruit in the branches and leaves of righteous action. If a tree has roots in the soil but never bears fruit, it loses its true value. Similarly, faith that does not manifest in action may very well be a weak and baseless faith. Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3) concisely and profoundly articulates this truth: "By time, * Indeed, mankind is in loss, * Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience." In this Surah, Allah swears by time and states that all human beings are in loss, except for four categories: those who believed, performed righteous deeds, exhorted one another to truth, and exhorted one another to patience. It is evident that 'faith' and 'righteous deeds' are placed side-by-side, and the condition for emerging from loss and achieving prosperity is the combination of these two. This Surah serves as a small yet comprehensive blueprint for a blessed life, where the place of action is clearly defined. Verse 177 of Surah Al-Baqarah, known as the 'Verse of Birr' (Righteousness), provides a comprehensive picture of the dimensions of faith and righteous action. This verse states: "Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing captives; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; and [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous." This verse clarifies that righteousness is not merely turning one's face towards the east or west (mere ritualism); rather, true righteousness begins with faith in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Divine Books, and the prophets, and is then accompanied by actions such as spending wealth for the sake of Allah, establishing prayer, paying Zakat, fulfilling promises, and being patient during adversity. This verse illustrates that faith is a root whose branches extend to good deeds and benevolence in society. Why must faith manifest in action? 1. **Manifestation of Sincerity and Truth of Faith:** Action is a tangible sign of the sincerity of one's claim to faith. One who genuinely believes in Allah and the Last Day cannot be indifferent to divine commands. Their actions are the translation of their inner convictions. 2. **Internal and External Impact:** Righteous deeds not only lead to the individual's rectification and refinement of their soul but also have a positive and constructive impact on society. Faith, without action, lacks social and individual effectiveness. 3. **Accountability:** Faith in Allah places responsibilities upon a person towards themselves, their family, society, and nature. These responsibilities are fulfilled only through action and effort. 4. **Spiritual Growth and Development:** Good deeds nurture the human soul and bring it closer to perfection. Every righteous act is a step towards spiritual ascent. 5. **Criterion for Distinguishing Hypocrites from Believers:** In the Quran, hypocrites are described as those who declare faith verbally but lack it in their hearts, and their actions contradict their claims. This indicates that action is the criterion for separating a true believer from a false claimant. Therefore, from the perspective of the Holy Quran, faith and righteous deeds are two sides of the same coin. Faith without action is incomplete and perhaps fruitless, and action that does not stem from faith lacks the necessary depth and stability. Salvation and prosperity in this world and the hereafter will not be attained except by combining these two. Faith is the driving force, and action is the realization and manifestation of this force in the arena of life.