In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

How to acquire firm and stable faith [Imaan]

By Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen may Allah have mercy on him

The Shaykh mentions this benefit in his explanation of Surah al-Hujuraat: 15,

إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَرۡتَابُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ بِأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِهِمۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلصَّـٰدِقُونَ

“Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful.”

If someone were to ask: “What is the path that necessitates acquiring firmness and stability in faith [Imaan]?”

We would say: Firstly, contemplate over the creations of Allah, the Sublime and Exalted. Know that these amazing creations did not come into existence out of mere coincidence, nor did they come into existence by their own doing [but rather there had to be a Creator who originated them].

Secondly, to contemplate over the legislation [Sharee’ah] of Allah and its perfection [to think about the wisdoms found in the Sharee’ah and how complete and just it is].

Thirdly, to ponder over the life [Seerah] of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his signs [that he came with].

Fourthly, to make abundant remembrance [Dhikr] of Allah, for surely in remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. Also perform many acts of obedience and righteous deeds, because acts of obedience and righteous deeds increases faith [Imaan], and this is the belief of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah may Allah have mercy on them all.

Translated by: Abu Awzaa’ee AbdusSalaam

الفقير الى الله