Protecting and Strengthening Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of Islam. In dictionary terms, it means ‘to affirm a person’s words, to verify them, to embrace them with peace of mind.’ ((Ibnü’l-Manzûr, Lisânü’l-Arab, XIII, 21.)) Belief and faith are synonymous and also mean submission and obedience.
In terminology, faith is to inwardly approve of Allah’s religion, sincerely believe in the rulings brought by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The heart’s affirmation is the unchanging foundation of faith.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said regarding faith: “Allah will put the people of Paradise into Paradise and the people of Hell into Hell, and then He will say, ‘Look! There is one among those in whose heart is a grain of faith!’ And He will extract him from Hell.” (Bukhari, Iman 15; Muslim, Iman 82.). This hadith demonstrates the value of faith and the importance of the heart being filled with it.
PRAYERS FOR PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING FAITH
Seeking Allah’s help and asking for His assistance is crucial to protect and strengthen faith. Here are some prayers to fortify your belief:
After Guiding Us, Do Not Turn Our Hearts
“Our Lord! Grant us firmness (in following You) and do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. Bestow upon us Your mercy, for you are the Most Merciful.” (Al-Imran Surah, 8). This prayer is a request to Allah for steadfastness on the right path and avoiding deviation.
We Have Believed
“…Our Lord! We have believed, so forgive our sins and protect us from the torment of Hell.” (Al-Imran Surah, 16). This prayer expresses seeking refuge with Allah through faith and purification from sins.
We Believe in What You Have Revealed
“Our Lord! We believe in what You have revealed and follow the Messenger. Write us down among those who give witness [to the Oneness of Allah and His Messengers].” (Al-Imran Surah, 53). This prayer affirms belief in the Quran and following the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Take My Soul as a Muslim
“…Our Lord! Grant us patience and make us die as Muslims.” (A’raf Surah, 126). This prayer asks for spending life in Islam and entering the grave as a Muslim.
Let Me Die as a Muslim
“…(O my Lord!) Let me die while I am Muslim, and join me with the righteous!” (Yusuf Surah, 101). This prayer desires to meet Allah with faith in the final breath.
We Have Believed, Forgive Us
“…Our Lord! We have believed, so forgive us and have mercy upon us. You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” (Mu’min Surah, 109). This prayer seeks forgiveness and mercy from Allah through faith.
O Allah, Grant Me Faith and Certainty
“O Allah! I ask You for a blessing with which You guide my heart, order my affairs, arrange what is disordered in me, grant me perfect faith, righteous deeds, purity of action, obedience to Your pleasure, inspiration of guidance, a friend who is beneficial, and protect me from all evil! O Allah! Grant me such faith and certainty that there remains no doubt; grant me such a blessing that I may attain a high station with You in this world and the Hereafter.” (Tirmizi, Daawat 30/3419). This prayer expresses the desire to complete faith and be free from disbelief.
Make My Heart Firm in Your Religion
“O Allah! You turn hearts from one state to another, so make my heart firm in your religion!” (Tirmizi, Qadar 7, Daawat 90, 124). This prayer asks for steadfastness in faith and not being shaken.
Turn Our Hearts to Your Obedience
“O Allah, who turns hearts over, direct our hearts to your obedience!” (Muslim, Qadar 17). This prayer asks for performing deeds pleasing to Allah.
I Seek Refuge in You from Deviating into False Beliefs
“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from bad character, evil deeds and deviating into false beliefs.” (Tirmizi, Daawat 126). This prayer seeks protection from bad character, sin and false belief.
Faith in Good Character
“O Allah! I ask You for faith within health, good character within faith, followed by mercy, well-being, forgiveness and acceptance, and a deliverance.” (Hakim, Da’awat, No: 1919). This prayer asks for crowning faith with good character.
The Testimony of Faith (Shahada)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever’s last words are, ‘There is no god but Allah,’ he will enter Paradise.” (Abu Dawud, Janaiz 20)
“There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.” This testimony of faith is the most fundamental expression of belief.
Ametu Prayer
“I believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, good and evil are from Allah, and I believe in resurrection. There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”