Can Faith (Iman) Really Increase and Decrease?

Devin Halim Wijaya13 September 2024

0 12 4 minutes read

In the life of a Muslim, faith (iman) plays a pivotal role. Iman is not just a matter of belief in the heart, but also includes words and deeds carried out in daily life. One of the frequently asked questions about iman is whether it can increase and decrease. Is iman stable over time, or does it fluctuate according to one’s condition? In this article, we will delve deeper into this topic by referring to various authoritative sources.

Definition of Iman and Its Dynamic Nature

Linguistically, the word “iman” comes from the verb “aamana,” meaning to believe or affirm. In Islamic terminology, iman means belief in the heart, expressed by the tongue, and manifested in deeds. Scholars unanimously agree that iman is not static; it can increase with obedience and good deeds and decrease with sin and negligence. As stated in an article by IslamQA (2020), iman encompasses more than just internal conviction. It includes practicing the pillars of faith and the associated actions. Thus, conceptually, iman fluctuates according to one’s state in fulfilling Allah’s commands and avoiding His prohibitions (IslamQA, 2020).

Also read:Faith, Knowledge, and Deeds: The Three Foundations of Act in Islam

Evidence Supporting the Fluctuation of Iman

There is strong evidence in the Qur’an and Sunnah that indicates iman can increase and decrease. In the Qur’an, Allah says:

“إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتُهُۥ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَٰنًۭا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ“

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.”
(QS. Al-Anfal: 2).

This verse affirms that one of the causes of increased iman is listening to and understanding Allah’s verses. Faith increases when a person frequently engages with divine revelation and draws closer to Allah. Conversely, faith can decrease due to sin, as the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“لَا يَزْنِي الزَّانِي حِينَ يَزْنِي وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ وَلَا يَسْرِقُ السَّارِقُ حِينَ يَسْرِقُ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ“

“A fornicator does not commit fornication while he is a believer, and a thief does not steal while he is a believer.”
(HR. Bukhari and Muslim).

This hadith shows that sin can diminish a person’s faith to the point where they do not feel the presence of faith while committing major sins (Rumaysho, 2014).

Also read:The Power of Knowledge: Achieving Success in This World and the Hereafter

Causes of Increasing Faith

There are several factors that can cause a person’s faith to increase. According to SunnahOnline (2020), some of the main reasons for increased faith include:

Reading and practicing the Qur’an: Engaging deeply with the Book of Allah through recitation, reflection, and application is one of the most effective ways to boost faith.
Remembrance of Allah (dhikrullah): Dhikr connects the heart to Allah, strengthens belief, and soothes the soul. The more one engages in dhikr, the stronger their faith becomes.
Avoiding sin: Protecting oneself from sin is crucial in preventing faith from decreasing. Sin hardens the heart and distances one from Allah.
Performing righteous deeds: Acts of worship such as prayer, charity, fasting, and other good deeds greatly contribute to increasing faith. The more good deeds a person performs, the stronger their faith will be.

In a broader perspective, any form of worship done sincerely and in accordance with the teachings of Islam contributes to the growth of faith.

Also read:The Importance of Time Management in Islam

Causes of Decreasing Faith

On the other hand, several factors can lead to a decrease in faith. According to Muslim.or.id (2008), some of these factors include:

Sin and disobedience: Every sin, whether major or minor, can reduce faith. The more a person engages in sinful behavior, the weaker their faith becomes.
Neglect of worship: Performing acts of worship carelessly or neglecting them entirely—such as abandoning prayer or fasting—is a sign of weakened faith. Neglecting religious duties has a direct impact on one’s level of faith.
Being influenced by a negative environment: An environment that does not support obedience to Allah—such as friends who indulge in sinful behavior or encourage forbidden actions—can slowly erode a person’s faith.

Also read:Balance Between Worldly Life and Hereafter According to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Conclusion

From the discussion above, it can be concluded that faith indeed can increase and decrease. This is supported by evidence from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the views of scholars. A person’s faith is not static but dynamic, influenced by various factors, both internal (such as intentions and deeds) and external (such as the surrounding environment). Therefore, it is essential for every Muslim to constantly safeguard their faith by increasing obedience and avoiding sin. By doing so, faith will continue to grow, drawing one closer to Allah and ensuring success in both this life and the Hereafter.