Why Isn't My Faith Stable?

Faith, or Iman, is a precious gem that Allah has entrusted into the hearts of His servants. However, throughout life’s journey, many of us might find ourselves grappling with the challenge of fluctuating faith—a feeling that our conviction can be strong and unwavering at times, yet at others, it becomes unstable, weak, or wavering. This experience is not at all uncommon; in fact, from the perspective of the Quranic teachings, it is a natural part of spiritual growth and servitude. The Holy Quran teaches us that faith is not a static or fixed state, but rather a dynamic and living process that requires constant care, nourishment, and strengthening. It is much like a tree that needs continuous watering and attention to remain lush and bear fruit. If you are experiencing this feeling of unstable faith, it is, in itself, a sign of spiritual awakening, self-awareness, and a heartfelt desire to achieve perfection and closeness to Allah. The good news is that the Quran offers profound and practical insights and solutions for this very concern. Causes of Instability in Faith from a Quranic Perspective: The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) point to several roots for the wavering of faith, understanding which is the first step towards addressing this issue: 1. Heedlessness and Distance from the Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr): The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of constant remembrance of Allah. When a person becomes heedless of Allah, their heart can grow hard, dark, and dry. This heedlessness can manifest through neglecting prayers, failing to recite or reflect upon the Quran, ignoring Allah's signs in creation, or simply becoming engrossed in daily routines and worldly pleasures. A heart devoid of the light of Allah's remembrance becomes susceptible to satanic whispers and false worldly attachments, gradually dimming the light of faith within it. Allah states in Surah Taha, verse 124: "But whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a difficult life." 2. Dominance of Desires and Sins: Sins act like dark stains or rust on the mirror of the heart, clouding and weakening faith. Every sin creates a barrier between the servant and their Lord, gradually diminishing the fervor and warmth of one's connection with Allah and their faith. The Quran sternly warns against the consequences of sins and disobedience, while conversely presenting repentance (Tawbah) and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) as pathways to purify the heart, remove the rust of sins, and restore the freshness and strength of faith. Surah Al-Mutaffifin, verse 14, states: "No! But that which they used to earn has rusted upon their hearts." 3. Satanic Whispers (Waswas): Satan is a clear and sworn enemy of humanity. From the moment of Adam's creation until the Day of Judgment, he ceaselessly strives to misguide and weaken human faith. He attacks the believer's heart through various means: instilling doubt in religious principles, inducing despair, beautifying sins, encouraging worldliness, and frightening people with poverty or future uncertainties. These whispers can manifest as negative thoughts, baseless fears, or illicit desires, and if not resisted, they can destabilize one's faith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 268, Allah says: "Satan promises you poverty and enjoins you to immorality." 4. Excessive Attachment to Worldly Life and Forgetting the Hereafter: The Quran repeatedly refers to the transient nature of worldly life and its fleeting enjoyments, warning against being deceived by it. When an individual dedicates all their efforts and concerns to accumulating wealth, status, fame, or worldly pleasures, they become heedless of the ultimate purpose of creation, the Day of Judgment, and eternal life. This excessive worldly attachment dims the light of faith in their heart and diverts them from the straight path of Allah. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20: "And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion." 5. Divine Trials and Tribulations: Allah tests believers with various trials and hardships to ascertain the sincerity of their faith and to elevate their ranks. These trials can include poverty, illness, loss of loved ones, fear, hunger, or any other form of adversity. Some individuals may falter and find their faith shaken when faced with such trials, while true believers emerge stronger by enduring with patience, reliance on Allah (Tawakkul), and contentment (Rida), thus strengthening their faith. Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 2, asks: "Do people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe,' and they will not be tried?" 6. Unsuitable Company and Corrupt Environment: One's surroundings and the people one associates with profoundly influence their thoughts, beliefs, and ultimately, their faith. Associating with religiously indifferent or negative individuals, those immersed in sin, or those with corrupt beliefs, can gradually affect one's conviction and weaken their faith. The Quran emphasizes choosing righteous companions and avoiding the company of wrongdoers, as humans are unconsciously influenced by those they interact with. Quranic Solutions for Stability and Strengthening of Faith: Fortunately, the Quran does not merely highlight problems; it also provides practical and effective solutions for strengthening and stabilizing faith: 1. Continuity in the Remembrance of Allah: The heart finds tranquility and becomes illuminated through the remembrance of Allah. Consistency in prayers with presence of heart, recitation and reflection upon the Quran, personal supplications (Du'a) in solitude, and daily remembrance (Tasbih and Dhikr) are the best ways to purify the heart and strengthen faith. Allah says in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." 2. Increasing Religious Knowledge and Insight (Basirah): Faith is not just a claim; it must be built upon a deep and conscious understanding of Allah, the Prophet (PBUH), and Islamic teachings. Studying authentic religious texts, attending scholarly gatherings, reflecting on the cosmic and inner signs (Ayat Afaqi wa Anfusi), and seeking knowledge from scholars help increase insight and faith stability. Informed faith is stronger and more resilient. 3. Perseverance in Good Deeds and Avoiding Sins: Faith is not actualized merely by saying "I believe in Allah"; it must also manifest in action. Establishing prayers, fasting, giving Zakat, performing Hajj, giving charity, showing kindness to parents and neighbors, and earnestly avoiding major and minor sins, all strengthen faith and bring stability to it. Every good deed lays a stronger root for the tree of faith. Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 45, states: "Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing." 4. Constant Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness: No human being is flawless or sinless. The important thing is that after committing a sin, one immediately returns to Allah and seeks His forgiveness. Sincere repentance purifies the heart and restores the connection with Allah. This process itself is a crucial factor in the stability of faith and demonstrates hope in divine mercy. 5. Patience and Steadfastness in the Face of Difficulties: Worldly life is intertwined with hardships and challenges. The Quran invites believers to patience and endurance in the face of adversities and promises great rewards to the patient. Every hardship is an opportunity for growth, strengthening of faith, and deepening reliance on Allah, if it is viewed with contentment and submission to divine decree. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, says: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." 6. Choosing Righteous Companions: A person is significantly influenced by their environment and friends. Choosing friends who keep the remembrance of Allah alive in your heart, guide you towards goodness and piety, and support you in your religious commitment, plays a vital role in the stability and growth of your faith. The stability of faith is a dynamic journey, not a fixed destination. This path requires continuous care, persistent effort, and deep reliance on Allah. By implementing these Quranic solutions and putting them into practice in daily life, one can hope that their faith, although it may experience fluctuations, will always grow towards greater steadfastness and become a source of peace, strength, and guidance in this world and the Hereafter. This inner struggle to preserve and strengthen faith is itself a part of the greater Jihad (Jihad al-Akbar) that leads humanity to perfection and closeness to Allah.