By Imam Mashood Dagbo
In Arabic, faith, indicates Iman. It is a fundamental concept in Islam that encompasses a set of beliefs, attitudes, and practices that determine the life of a Muslim, his relationship with Allah and the world around him. Faith in Islam, is not just a matter of intellectual assurance or emotional feeling, but a comprehensive and dynamic concept that revolves around every aspect of a Muslim’s life. It is further said that, faith itself is like Islam, without which a Muslim is just by an ordinary name.
In Islam, faith is the first and foundational pillar that holds the religion as it plays a vital role in shaping a Muslim’s life and spiritual growth. It is of record that faith has some key workings on Muslims, such as:
1. Faith serves as a source of guidance that provides Muslims with direction in life, helping them navigate the complexities of the world and make informed decisions
2. Faith serves as a source of strength that gives Muslims resilience to face challenges and difficulties, knowing that Allah is always with them
3. Faith as a source of comfort provides Muslims with solace in times of distress, knowing that Allah is merciful and compassionate
4. Faith as a means of spiritual growth provides Muslims with spiritual growth and development, as Muslims strive to deepen their understanding of Islam and live according to its teachings.
5. Faith helps Muslims develop good moral character, as they strive to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
6. Faith instills in Muslims a sense of responsibility, as they recognize that they will be held accountable for their actions in the next life.
7. Faith fosters gratitude and contentment, as Muslims recognize the blessings and favors of Allah in their lives.
Further still, faith in Islam is built on six fundamental pillars, which are:
1. Belief in Allah: The belief in one God, who is the creator, sustainer, and governor of the universe.
2. Belief in the Angels: The belief in the existence of angels, who are spiritual beings created by Allah to serve as messengers and agents of His will.
3. Belief in the Books of Allah: The belief in the divine books revealed by Allah to His prophets, including the Qur’an, the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel.
4. Belief in the Prophets: The belief in the prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity, including Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment: The belief in the Day of Resurrection, when all human beings will be held accountable for their actions in this life.
6. Belief in Divine Decree: The belief that everything that happens in the universe is part of Allah’s divine plan and decree.
Linking my weekly piece with authentic Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the Hadith which reflects the qualities showing faith in Muslims as related by Anas (AS) who reported to have said: the Prophet said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of faith: The one to whom Allah and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else. 2. Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah’s sake. 3. Who hates to revert to Atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the fire (Sahih al-Bukhari 16). The Hadith is further expatiated with lessons and its jurisprudential implications as follows:
1. The Hadith highlights three essential qualities that a Muslim must possess to experience the sweetness of faith. These qualities are fundamental to a Muslim’s relationship with Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as well as their interactions with others.
2. Hadith teaches us how to prioritize our love and devotion to Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This means that our actions, decisions, and relationships should be guided by Islamic principles and values.
3. Hadith guides Muslims how to cultivate relationships based on mutual love and respect, solely for the sake of Allah.
4. Hadith teaches us to love one another thereby fostering a sense of community and brotherhood among believers.
5. Hadith establishes that Muslims should detest the idea of reverting to disbelief as much as they would hate being thrown into the fire. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s faith and avoiding actions that could lead to apostasy.
6. Hadith underscores the all-encompassing nature of faith, which influences every aspect of a Muslim’s life
7. Hadith shows the loving others solely for the sake of Allah highlights the importance of sincerity in relationships and actions.
8. Hadith encourages Muslims to be mindful of their actions and avoid behaviours that could compromise their faith
9. Hadith shows that the sweetness of faith is a sign of spiritual growth and a deeper connection with Allah
10. Hadith provides guidance on the characteristics that Muslims should strive to develop, such as love for Allah, His Prophet, and fellow believers
Prayer:
O Allah! As we witnessed the second Jumua’h in the month of Rabiu’th-Thāni, 1447H, and by the blessings You adorned the month, accept our worship, guide us to the righteousness, alleviate our hardened conditions in the country, guide us away from all the evil acts that have been distancing us from Your love.
O Allah! direct our leaders right to be kind and lenient with the followers in order to take us away from languishing in hardship.
O Allah! feed us, protect us from indulging in Your prohibition and deliver us safely to Your Care. O Allah, avert us the test of trials, protect us and members of our families from evils of Shaytan, governance, greediness,and protect Muslims from all worrying lands.
O Allah! pardon us and bestow paradise on us, save all Muslims from the calamities of our time and restore to the world and Nigeria in particular, back to normal from insecurity, hunger, banditry, kidnapping, war and other social evils rampaging the world. Amin
Jumua’h Mubarakah
Imam Yusuf Mashood Dagbo is the Chief Imam, Government Girls Day Secondary School, GGDSS Central Mosque, Okesuna, Ilorin, Kwara State & Director, YUMAD Consults, specializes in educational consultancy, cultural orientation, marriage counselling, event organization, public presentation etc.
