Often, we feel like our Imaan has taken a dip. Despite all our efforts to stay connected with the Almighty, it seems like we are stuck in darkness. These days, it is natural for Muslims to feel nervous. They start thinking that Allah (SWT) is displeased with them and punishing them. Meanwhile, few stop trying to reconnect with Allah (SWT) altogether.
Feelings like these are proof that your Imaan has touched rock-bottom. It is an emergency, and a faithful servant of Allah (SWT) would instantly start his/her endeavor to amplify divinity. As the adage goes, “life is full of ups and downs.” The downs are, sometimes powerful enough, to detract us from the path and lower our enthusiasm.
If you come across these rough patches now and then, you should learn the ways deployed to escalate Imaan. Our religion clearly tells that Imaan keeps fluctuating. Yet, at the same time, it provides us some handy tools to keep it at the top-most levels.
Here are three you can deploy:
Regular Recitation of the Quran
The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has said:
“These hearts rust just as iron rusts, and indeed they are polished through the recitation of the Qur’an.”
(Irshad-ul-Quloob)
Reading the Quran ensures that you are connected with Allah (SWT). It projects your eagerness to attain His pleasure. During these phases of regular recitation and understanding when Allah (SWT) answers to all the queries that keep you fuzzed-up during nights.
A strange sense of serenity engulfs your heart, and you feel as though your Creator will solve all your troubles. Thankfully, with online Quran classes and digital Islamic portals, we can now access deep pools of Quranic knowledge while being at the comfort of our home.
The question is, are you ready to sacrifice your time and energies for this cause?
Perform an Act of Kindness
Any act of kindness that you do to serve the creation of Allah (SWT) draws you closer to Him. It could be pouring water for a thirsty person or donating hundreds of dollars to a charity.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“Every act of kindness is a Sadaqa (charity)”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Today, we live in our vast social circles, and it has become relatively easy for us to find out those who need our help. Reach out to those who need it and make sure you do not hurt them by publicizing the charity.
Note that kindness begins at home. Start your work from your family members, be kind and helpful to them. Then, expand your kindness network to other members of the community.
Offer Tahajjud Prayers
Tahajjud is the time when Allah (SWT) lands down to the first heaven, asking people to come and supplicate Him, for He is there to provide them. Anyone who feels their Imaan has taken a downturn should try to wake up in the third part of the night.
The last third of the night is the time right before Fajr. So, it might be tough getting up from bed, but once you are brave enough to get up and make wudhu, you will feel satisfaction in your heart. It can be 15 to 20 minutes before Fajr. Just pray two Raka’ah and ask Allah (SWT) what you’ve been trying to achieve for so long.
Nonetheless, if you want to follow the Sunnah way of praying Tahajjud, here is a narration in this regard:
According to Hazrat Aisha (RA)
“Allah’s Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) used to offer eleven rak`at, and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Qur’an) before he would lift his head. He used to pray two Rakat (Sunna) before the Fajr prayer and then used to lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer.”
(Bukhari)
Work on this habit, and there won’t be any need to take pills for reducing your stress, inshaAllah!
Final Thoughts
Working to retain the level of your Imaan is a work that you must carry on for a lifetime. Make sure you steer clear of people and circumstances that distract you from the path of Allah (SWT). All the while, keep praying to Allah (SWT) that He calls us in His Court while we are in our best state of Imaan.
Aameen!
