Why does some people's faith grow fast?

Faith, that profound inner feeling and heartfelt connection with God, is not static; rather, it is like a seed planted in the soil of the human heart. With care, watering, and the light of divine guidance, it can grow into a mighty tree. The question of why some people's faith grows with remarkable speed is subtly yet profoundly addressed in the Holy Quran. This rapid growth is not only attributable to divine grace and mercy but also depends on the heart's readiness, individual effort, and the quality of interaction with divine signs. Firstly, the speed of faith's growth relates to the "opening and readiness of the heart." Hearts that are pure and prepared to receive truth absorb the word of truth more quickly. The Quran indicates that Allah guides whomever He wills and deems worthy. In Surah Al-An'am (6:125), we read: "Faman yuridi Allahu an yahdiyahu yashrah sadrahu lil-Islam" which means, "So whoever Allah wills to guide, He expands his breast to Islam." This expansion of the breast signifies an inner readiness to embrace the light of faith, shedding the veils of heedlessness and prejudice. Some individuals, from the outset or at a certain point in their lives, possess such a heart that responds positively and swiftly to the divine message. Secondly, "recitation and contemplation of the Quranic verses" play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of faith. The Quran is not merely a dry book of laws; it is the living, luminous word of God that deeply impacts receptive hearts. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:2), it states: "Innama al-mu'minuna alladhina idha dhukira Allahu wajilat qulubuhum wa idha tuliyat alayhim ayatihi zadathum imanan wa 'ala rabbihim yatawakkalun" meaning, "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 clearly demonstrates that reciting and reflecting on the Quran not only increases faith but can also do so at an accelerating pace, as a receptive heart is quickly influenced by Quranic truth and comprehends its profound meanings. Thirdly, "constant remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)" is another factor contributing to the rapid growth of faith. Remembrance of Allah means keeping Him continuously present in one's mind and heart. This continuous remembrance brings tranquility to the heart and strengthens the bond between the servant and the Creator. In Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:28), we read: "Alladhina amanu wa tatma'innu qulubuhum bidhikri Allahi ala bidhikri Allahi tatma'innu al-qulub" meaning, "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." This tranquility and assurance of the heart provide a solid foundation for rapid and deep growth of faith. When the heart is satiated with the remembrance of Allah, all doubts vanish, and faith rapidly takes root within it with astonishing speed. Fourth, "striving and exerting oneself in the way of Allah" and acting upon the teachings of religion also quickly strengthen faith. Faith is not merely an intellectual belief; it must manifest in action. The more one treads the path of truth and performs righteous deeds, the stronger and more steadfast their faith becomes. In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), the Quran states: "Walladhina jahadu fina lanahdiyannahum subulana wa inna Allaha lama'a al-muhsinin" meaning, "And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." This striving includes patience in the face of difficulties, steadfastness against temptations, and effort in fulfilling obligations and avoiding prohibitions. Those who embark on this path with sincerity and diligence receive the reward of greater guidance and faster faith growth. Fifth, "sincerity of intention and purity of heart" are also crucial factors. When a person's intention is solely for the pleasure of Allah, free from any show-off or hypocrisy, Allah bestows special favor upon such a heart. Sincerity opens the gates of the heart to divine wisdom and light. Those whose faith is accompanied by sincerity experience a deeper and faster connection with the truths of faith because no obstacle from worldly desires or personal motives hinders this connection. Ultimately, this rapid growth of faith is a result of Allah's boundless grace and mercy bestowed upon those who have prepared the ground within themselves. Allah helps anyone who turns to Him with honesty and eagerness to traverse this path more quickly. Faith is an individual's inner journey, and the speed of this journey depends on one's seriousness, sincerity, and divine success. Some individuals may, due to specific life experiences, encounters with divine signs, or presence in spiritual environments, suddenly find the doors of their hearts open, and faith grows in them with lightning speed. This process is always intertwined with divine guidance and human free will. Indeed, rapid faith growth can be seen as a divine gift granted to those who are receptive and eager to receive it, and who wholeheartedly step towards the light of divine guidance.