In the fast-paced, digital age we live in, it’s easy to feel disconnected—from our purpose, from deeper meaning, and sometimes, from our Creator. We scroll through apps, chase deadlines, and manage relationships, often without pausing to reflect on the state of our Iman (faith). But what exactly is Iman? Why does it matter? And how can we truly begin to strengthen it?
Welcome to Part 1 of our weekly series “The Journey to True Iman”. In this opening installment, we’ll explore the foundational concept of Iman, its pillars, and its central role in the life of a Muslim. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or someone rediscovering Islam, this journey begins with one powerful truth: Iman is more than belief—it is life itself.
What is Iman? A Linguistic and Theological Understanding
Let’s begin with the basics. The Arabic word “Iman” comes from the root word A-M-N (أ-م-ن) which means security, peace, or tranquility. To have Iman is not just to believe, but to be internally secure in one’s belief in Allah and all that He has revealed.
Imam al-Tahawi defined it as:
“Iman is affirmation with the tongue, belief in the heart, and action upon the limbs.”
This definition is profound. It tells us that true faith involves three components:
Verbal testimony (saying it),
Heart conviction (truly believing it),
Action (living it out).
In short, Iman is not passive—it is dynamic.
The Pillars of Iman – What Every Believer Must Know
Faith in Islam is not vague or undefined. It’s built on six solid pillars, derived from the famous Hadith of Jibril.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Qadar (Divine Decree), both its good and its bad.”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 8]
Let’s briefly look at each of these six pillars:
1. Belief in Allah (الإيمان بالله)
The belief that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all that exists.
He has no partners, no equals, and nothing is like Him.
Belief in His Names and Attributes as described in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
2. Belief in the Angels (الإيمان بالملائكة)
They are honored, unseen beings who never disobey Allah.
They carry out tasks: recording deeds, delivering messages, managing elements of creation (e.g., Angel Jibril, Mika’il, Israfil).
3. Belief in the Divine Books (الإيمان بالكتب)
Faith in the revelations sent to Prophets: Tawrah (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), Injil (Gospel), and especially the Qur’an—the final, unchanged Word of Allah.
4. Belief in the Messengers (الإيمان بالرسل)
Allah sent Prophets and Messengers to guide humanity.
Muhammad ﷺ is the final Messenger, and his message is universal and eternal.
5. Belief in the Last Day (الإيمان باليوم الآخر)
Certainty in life after death, the Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell.
This belief should shape how we live daily, knowing we are accountable.
6. Belief in Qadar (الإيمان بالقدر)
Everything—good or bad—happens by Allah’s Divine Will and Knowledge.
This gives peace in adversity and gratitude in prosperity.
Iman vs. Islam vs. Ihsan – What’s the Difference?
You might wonder—aren’t Islam and Iman the same? Not quite. In the same hadith of Jibril, three distinct levels of religious practice are mentioned:
Islam: External actions (Shahadah, prayer, fasting, etc.)
Iman: Internal belief.
Ihsan: Spiritual excellence – “to worship Allah as though you see Him.”
In simple terms:
Islam is doing, Iman is believing, Ihsan is being.
Can Iman Increase or Decrease?
Absolutely. Iman is not fixed; it increases with obedience to Allah and decreases with disobedience.
“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…”
— Surah Al-Anfal 8:2
Even the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet ﷺ) feared for their Iman. Hanzalah (RA) once felt like a hypocrite because he would feel spiritually high in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ, but low when away. The Prophet ﷺ comforted him, acknowledging that faith fluctuates.
READ MORE: 10 Easy-to-Remember Duas for Every Muslim’s Heart
This shows that faith is a journey, not a one-time event.
What Does True Iman Look Like?
Here are some signs of genuine Iman:
Love of Allah and His Messenger above all else.
Consistent prayer, even when it’s hard.
Feeling guilty after sinning.
Trusting Allah in difficult times.
Desire to increase in good deeds.
Loving what Allah loves and hating what He hates.
What Weakens Iman? Common Pitfalls
As youth living in a time of distraction, we’re vulnerable to many faith-draining habits:
Neglecting Salah or delaying it.
Watching or listening to things that harden the heart.
Arrogance, jealousy, or gossip.
Making sins feel “normal” by joking about them or consuming haram content.
Being around bad company that distances you from Allah.
The first step to healing is awareness. A weak Iman doesn’t mean we’re bad people—it means we need spiritual maintenance.
Why Strengthening Iman is a Lifesaver
Without strong Iman, life feels directionless and overwhelming. Depression, anxiety, and purposelessness take over. That’s because our souls were created to know and serve Allah.
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
— Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28
When Iman is strong:
You can resist temptation more easily.
You feel at peace, even during trials.
You bounce back from failure, knowing it’s part of Allah’s plan.
Faith gives clarity. It gives purpose. And it gives resilience.
Practical Ways to Begin Strengthening Your Iman
Let’s end with some action steps for this week:
Check Your Salah – Start with one prayer. Be on time. Feel it. Then build up.
Start a Qur’an Habit – Even 1 ayah a day, with reflection (Tadabbur).
Make Du’a Constantly – Speak to Allah from your heart.
Cut Out One Sin – Identify one habit hurting your soul, and replace it with good.
Surround Yourself with Good Influences – Real friends uplift you.
Final Reflection
True Iman is not about being “perfect”—it’s about sincerely striving to please Allah. It’s falling and getting up again. It’s seeking, failing, trying again. Faith is a lifelong journey, and the first step is understanding what Iman really means.
“O you who believe, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book He has sent down to His Messenger…”
— Surah An-Nisa 4:136
Let this verse be your call to action. If you’re already a believer, deepen that belief. If you’re struggling, return to the basics. Allah sees your effort—and He never abandons those who turn to Him.
Join us next week in Part 2, where we’ll explore the signs of weak Iman and how to recognize them before it’s too late.