Is it possible to have faith and still be tempted?

From the perspective of the Holy Quran, the answer to whether one can possess faith while still experiencing temptation is unequivocally yes. Faith, as defined in Islamic and Quranic teachings, is not a static or absolute state that, once attained, renders an individual immune to all challenges, tests, and temptations. On the contrary, faith is a dynamic journey, a continuous process of spiritual growth, and an ongoing struggle (jihad) against one's lower self (nafs al-ammarah) and the insidious schemes of Satan. The presence of temptation is not only compatible with faith but is often an integral part of the process of testing, strengthening, and deepening one's belief. Humans, by virtue of their inherent nature, which the Quran describes as weak (Surah An-Nisa, verse 28), are perpetually exposed to internal inclinations and external allurements. These inclinations are precisely the temptations that originate from various sources, primarily Satan and the commanding self (nafs al-ammarah, the self that incites to evil). The Quran explicitly highlights the role of Satan as the manifest enemy of humanity and the primary source of temptation. After being expelled from divine presence, Satan vowed to mislead God's servants from the straight path. His malicious intent is detailed in verses like Surah Al-A'raf, verses 16 and 17: "[Satan] said, 'Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful.'" Similarly, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 119, Satan swears to mislead humans and entangle them in vain desires. These verses unequivocally demonstrate that temptation is an ever-present reality in human life, and even believers are not exempt from Satanic assaults. In fact, believers, by choosing the path of truth, often become greater targets for Satan, as he strives to divert them from devotion. Therefore, temptation always lies in wait, and true faith means recognizing this enemy and actively countering it. Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the role of the nafs al-ammarah (the self that commands evil) in generating temptations. The human self inherently possesses inclinations that, if not controlled by reason and divine law, can lead individuals toward sin and corruption. Prophet Yusuf's (Joseph) statement in Surah Yusuf, verse 53 – "And I do not acquit my soul. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjointer of evil, except for what my Lord has mercy upon" – serves as clear evidence of this reality. Even a prophet like Yusuf, endowed with divine infallibility, acknowledged the seductive power of the self. This implies that every human being, regardless of their level of faith or piety, encounters internal self-inclinations. True faith in this context does not mean the absence of these inclinations but rather the ability to control and curb them and to resist succumbing to illicit desires of the self. The divine wisdom behind the existence of temptations is profound and multi-faceted. One of the most significant wisdoms is that of testing and distinguishing. Allah states in Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2 and 3: "Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe,' and will not be tested? But We have certainly tested 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 and examinations, including encountering temptations, are tools for discerning the depth and authenticity of individuals' faith. Faith is put to the test and revealed in the face of challenges and allurements. One who, despite temptation, refrains from sin for the sake of Allah, not only earns immense divine reward but also finds their faith becoming stronger and deeper. Temptation, in essence, is an opportunity for a person to elevate their level of faith and piety by resisting it, thereby drawing closer to Allah. True faith is not measured by the absence of struggle, but by resilience within it. The Holy Quran provides believers with numerous methods to combat temptations. The first and most crucial step is seeking refuge in Allah (isti'adha). Surah Al-A'raf, verse 200, states: "And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing." Seeking refuge is an acknowledgment of one's weakness before Satan and an affirmation of Allah's absolute power, which is the initial step in repelling temptation. The second powerful tool is the remembrance (dhikr) of Allah. Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." Remembering Allah – through reciting the Quran, performing prayers, supplications, seeking forgiveness, and reflecting on His greatness – purifies the heart and makes it resistant to Satanic infiltrations. A believer who is constantly mindful of Allah is less likely to be swayed by evil suggestions. Thirdly, repentance (tawbah) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar) are vital remedies. Humans are prone to error, and even believers may occasionally falter due to overwhelming temptation. However, the Merciful Allah has always kept the door of repentance open. Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" This verse is not only filled with hope but also indicates that even after a slip caused by temptation, one can sincerely return to Allah, attain His forgiveness, and get back on the right path. This possibility of repentance itself acts as a deterrent against despair and deeper immersion in sin. Fourth, patience (sabr) and steadfastness are characteristics of true believers. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Patience here signifies steadfastness in obedience to Allah, resistance against disobedience, and endurance of hardships in the path of Allah. Prayer, as the pillar of religion and a direct connection with the Creator, bestows immense spiritual strength upon the believer to resist temptations. In conclusion, true faith is not characterized by the absence of temptation but by how one confronts and overcomes it. A believer is not someone who is never tempted, but rather someone who recognizes temptation, struggles against it, utilizes divine tools to repel it, and when they stumble, immediately repents and returns to Allah. This inner struggle is an essential part of a believer's life, leading to self-purification, strengthening of will, and ascension to higher degrees of proximity to Allah. Every victory over temptation is a step towards perfection and a deeper understanding of the concept of servitude. Thus, temptations can not only not be a threat to faith but can also be an opportunity for its growth and flourishing, provided that one manages this struggle with vigilance and reliance on Almighty Allah. This is the 'Greater Jihad' that is often mentioned in Islamic narrations, signifying the spiritual struggle against one's own self and internal vices.