Tips on Increasing Faith

From: http://www.alquranclasses.com/?p=1000

Sometimes we are low on Faith (Imaan), we become negligent and stop observing Islamic rules and practices. We don’t feel the taste of Faith. Here are some tips on increasing Imaan whenever we feel a little run down:1. Read Quran: One should read Quran with meaning a lot. It’s better to read Quran with meaning and translation so one must understand what they are reading. Ponder over the meaning of each verse; try to understand the explanation and background of each Quran verse. Allah says:“And whenever there comes down a Soorah, some of them (hypocrites) say: “Which of you has had his Faith increased by it?” As for those who believe, it has increased their Faith, and they rejoice. But as for those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy), it will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt; and they die while they are disbelievers” [Surah al-Tawbah :124-125]“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe” [Surah al-Isra :82]
2. Ponder over Allah’s names and Attributes: The more a person learns about Allah through His names and attributes, the more he will increase in faith. As we see Allah has many names which describe Allah in detail, if a person reads them they will become a means of strengthening His relationship with Allah.3. Looking at signs of Allah in universe: Another mean of increasing Faith is looking at the signs of Allah in the universe and the signs of Sharee’ah (i.e., verses of the Quran and miracles of the Prophet (PBUH), etc.). The more a person looks at the signs of Allah in the universe, the more he increases in faith. Allah says in the Quran:“And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty. And also in your ownselves. Will you not then see?” [Surah al-Dhaariyaat: 20-21]4. Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): One should remember Allah a great deal (Dhikr), by reciting the supplication and Duas narrated in the ahaadeeth such as Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (there is no god but Allaah), Subhaan Allaah wa’l-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar (Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god but Allaah, and Allaah is great), and many more. Remembering Allah increases one’s faith and brings peace:“Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah) and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” [Surah al-Ra’d :28]
5. Salah: One should observe regular Prayers and other acts of worship to strengthen Faith. Allah says:“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); Who perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as- Salaah) and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise)” [Surah al-Anfaal:2-4]6. Study the stories of the Prophets: We should study the stories of the Prophets because for Allah narrated them in the Quran to make the heart of Prophet (Peace be upon Him), and the believers with him, steadfast. Allah says:“And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad) of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby. And in this (chapter of the Quran) has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers” [Hood 11:120]7. Good Company: Join a community or forum etc. where you can meet your fellow Muslims to gain knowledge of Islam as there are great virtues in gatherings of seeking knowledge. Online Communities and forums are a wonderful way to get to know more about Islam. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (R.A) reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said: “The example of a good companion and a bad one is the bearer of musk and the worker on the bellows. A bearer of musk would give you some, you might buy some from him, or you might enjoy the fragrance of his musk. The worker on the bellows, on the other hand, might spoil your clothes with sparks from his bellows, or you get a bad smell from him.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)8. Listen to Quran Recitation and lectures: Whenever we listen to Quran Recitation or lectures of Scolars that increase our Faith too. And we are reminded of many things.May Allah increase our faith and help us to catch up with what we have missed of good deeds, and make us steadfast upon Islam. Ameen.