Why does my faith only become active in crises?

Your question about why faith becomes active only during crises touches upon a profound and common human experience, one that has been addressed since ancient times in religious texts, including the Holy Quran. This phenomenon is not merely an individual weakness but a manifestation of human nature that Allah Almighty has repeatedly pointed out in His Book. Answering this question requires a comprehensive reflection on divine verses that address human shortcomings while also offering solutions for cultivating a stable and enduring faith. The Holy Quran explicitly and precisely points out this human characteristic: in times of hardship and affliction, humans quickly turn to God, invoking Him with all their being, but as soon as the adversity is removed and tranquility returns, they sometimes forget God and His blessings. In Surah Yunus, verse 12, Allah Almighty says: “And when adversity touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side or sitting or standing; but when We remove from him his adversity, he passes on as though he had never invoked Us for an adversity that touched him. Thus is it made fair-seeming to the transgressors that which they used to do.” This verse clearly illustrates that man's inclination to turn to God during crises is a psychological and spiritual reality rooted in his innate need for a strong support. Indeed, at the peak of weakness and despair, man realizes that earthly powers are limited and that only an infinite power can save him; thus, his heart and tongue inevitably turn back to his Creator. But why does this faith diminish in times of ease? The Quran in Surah Fussilat, verse 51, states: “And when We bestow favor upon man, he turns away and removes himself farther; but when evil touches him, then he is full of extensive supplication.” These verses paint a clear picture of humanity's heedless nature. Ease and abundance sometimes cast a veil over the heart's eyes, making man oblivious to the primary source of blessings. In this state, man considers himself self-sufficient, and instead of gratitude and continued connection with God, he gradually becomes drawn to worldly attachments and fleeting pleasures. This heedlessness not only weakens faith but can also lead man towards ingratitude and transgression of divine boundaries. However, it must be understood that crises are not merely for remembrance; they are divine tests whose purpose is to purify and strengthen faith. Allah says 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 indicate that tests are an inseparable part of the path of faith. Crises are trials that reveal the sincerity of one's claim to faith and provide an opportunity to establish and deepen it. It is in the midst of these difficulties that the true believer is distinguished from others; one who, even at the height of despair, does not abandon God's path and proceeds with patience and reliance on Him. For faith not to be active only in crises but to transform into a permanent and stable force in life, the Quran offers fundamental solutions. The main key is "constant remembrance of God," which is expressed in the Quran with terms such as "Dhikr Allah" (remembrance of Allah), "Salah" (prayer), "Shukr" (gratitude), and "Sabr" (patience). In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, we read: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” This verse indicates that true and lasting tranquility is not dependent on the complete disappearance of crises, but rather on continuous connection with the source of tranquility, which is God. Constant remembrance of God does not only include uttering specific words but also involves presence of heart and continuous recollection of God in all aspects of life. This means recognizing God as present and observant at every moment, whether in joy or sorrow, success or failure, and seeing oneself in His presence. To achieve this "constant remembrance," one can utilize Quranic methods: 1. Establishing Prayer (Salah): Prayer is the pillar of religion and the most important means of daily connection with God. Performing prayer with presence of heart is not just an obligation but an unparalleled opportunity to renew vows, express servitude, and receive divine tranquility. The five daily prayers remind man of God throughout the day and deter him from heedlessness and sin. 2. Recitation and Reflection on the Quran: The Quran is the word of God and a guiding light for life. Regular recitation and contemplation of its verses help man understand divine wisdom and build his faith on stronger foundations. Each verse is a gateway to divine knowledge that gradually illuminates the heart and deepens the connection with God. 3. Patience (Sabr) and Gratitude (Shukr) in all States: Enduring faith is faith that exercises patience in hardships and expresses gratitude for blessings. Gratitude in times of ease keeps man away from arrogance and heedlessness and leads to an increase in divine blessings. Patience in afflictions not only brings divine reward but also strengthens the human spirit and solidifies one's connection with God. 4. Trust and Reliance on God (Tawakkul): Trusting in God in all matters of life, whether small or large, is a sign of true faith. When man knows that everything is in the hands of God's absolute power and that He desires the good and well-being of His servants, he finds peace and is freed from worldly anxieties. This reliance transforms faith from a reactive state in crisis to an active and dynamic state throughout all stages of life. 5. Reflection on the Signs in the Universe and Oneself (Tafakkur): The Quran repeatedly invites man to reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, on man himself, and on the divine signs. This reflection helps man better understand the greatness of God and to be constantly aware of His presence in the world and in one's own life. This awareness eliminates heedlessness and transforms faith into a permanent element in human existence. 6. Performing Good Deeds and Serving Humanity: True faith is not limited to individual worship but also manifests in action and service to humanity. Helping the needy, showing kindness to parents, and performing any good deed not only bring eternal reward but also strengthen man's connection with God and nurture faith within the framework of action. In conclusion, the activation of faith only during crises is an important reminder that man must always strive for spiritual growth and perfection. True faith is that which emanates its light not only in the depths of despair but also in the heights of tranquility and blessing, always guiding the heart and soul towards the Almighty Creator. This path is a continuous journey that, through persistent effort, profound awareness, and sincere reliance on God, reaches perfection and grants man unparalleled and lasting peace. Consistent faith is man's shield against the storms of life and his guiding light in both darkness and illumination.