What is Faith, What Does it Include?
In Islamic thought, the meaning of faith is not merely an acceptance; rather, it is the heart’s turning towards God and the reflection of this orientation in every area of life. Imam Ghazali explains the concept of faith through the story of a believer struggling with their own self, aiming to understand the essence of our belief. Avoiding ‘zina’ mentioned here is not limited to avoiding adultery; it signifies refraining from any behavior that contradicts our belief in God. Faith is a deep commitment to the existence, oneness, attributes, and prophets of God; this system of belief carries a purifying power from the effects of sin. However, a deficiency in faith can lead a person away from God and expose them to His wrath.
Branches of Faith: Roots and Leaves
Ghazali’s depiction of faith as a tree is quite striking. Faith is like an expanding structure that sprouts from a single root, with over seventy branches and limbs. These branches encompass a wide range, from reciting the declaration of faith from our hearts to helping those in need. The highest rank of faith is to sincerely affirm divine existence, while the lowest rank is the tolerance and cooperation we show towards others. Just as the human body has different organs, each branch plays an important role in faith; there are the most valuable parts like the soul and heart, as well as behaviors related to protecting the health of the body that should not be neglected.
Faith Without Action: A Dry Tree
The fact that faith is only a matter of words is criticized by Ghazali as being likened to a dry tree. A person who is content with the declaration of faith and neglects actions is like a tree without roots, which has no benefit whatsoever; it is doomed to be overthrown by the slightest breeze. Faith requires a harmonious whole of belief and action; fulfilling our moral responsibilities, doing good deeds, and helping others are an integral part of faith. Therefore, we must nourish our faith with our actions, constantly water it so that the tree can take root and extend its branches towards the sky.
Repentance: Purification from Poison
Sins are like poison to faith; they pollute a person’s soul and negatively affect their afterlife. Repentance is the first step taken to remove this poison from the body. Imam Ghazali emphasizes the importance of repenting from sins by acting out of fear of eternal destruction. Just as we avoid harmful foods to protect ourselves from illness, we must also stay away from sins and correct our past mistakes with regret in order to protect faith. Because the only way to be cured of the poison of rebellion is to seek refuge in God through repentance; this is the most important step to take to attain the blessings of the afterlife.