How Iman Transforms a Muslim’s Life
The core foundation of Islam is Iman (Faith), which is the strength of a Muslim’s belief. Iman is the complete conviction in the heart regarding Allah and the trust in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
A Muslim’s life cannot be complete without Iman, as it guides them to the right path. Iman resides permanently in a Muslim’s heart, transforming their life. Islam provides important guidance regarding this.
What is Iman (Faith)?
Iman is an Arabic word that fundamentally means ‘belief’ or ‘the power of belief.’ Iman is a heartfelt conviction that should not remain only in the mind and heart but must be reflected in a person’s every action, speech, and behavior.
Iman has six fundamental pillars:
1. Belief in Allah: Belief that Allah is One, has no partners, and is the Owner and Sustainer of the entire creation.
2. Belief in the Angels: Belief in the angels created by Allah, who constantly execute His commands.
3. Belief in the Books: Belief in the Divine Books and scrolls sent down by Allah, such as the Qur’an, Torah, Gospel (Injil), and Psalms (Zabur).
4. Belief in the Prophets and Messengers: Complete trust and conviction in all those sent by Allah as Prophets and Messengers, starting with Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and ending with the Last Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
5. Belief in the Hereafter (Akhirah): Belief in the Day of Judgment, where people will be rewarded for good deeds and punished for evil deeds.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar): Acceptance of all of Allah’s decisions and destiny, and the belief that everything in life is ultimately in Allah’s Hands.
How Iman Transforms a Person’s Life
Iman guides a Muslim on the path of Allah and leads them towards a righteous life. Those who accept Iman experience peace, security, and spiritual fulfillment in their lives. Consequently, a believer can remain calm even during difficult life circumstances by trusting in Allah.
Belief in Allah and His Messenger can profoundly change a Muslim’s life. Iman can alter a person’s attitude, behavior, relationships, and decision-making capacity in the following ways:
1. Spiritual Peace and Stability
Iman brings deep peace to a person’s heart. When a Muslim believes that Allah is their Creator and everything is under His control, they feel peace and stability even during life’s challenging moments. This faith assures a Muslim that Allah is aware of their suffering and will provide them with a just outcome.
Allah says:
“Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d: Verse 28)
2. Good Deeds and Moral Improvement
Iman helps a Muslim become honest, righteous, and responsible. Following the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah, a Muslim strives to do good deeds, knowing these actions will be acceptable to Allah. Iman warns against lying, stealing, cheating, selfishness, and injustice, guiding one to the right path. Iman reminds a Muslim that every action must be for the sake of Allah’s pleasure, leading them to maintain honesty, empathy, and fairness in their conduct.
In a sacred Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Deeds (their reward) are judged by intentions.” (Bukhari 01)
3. Trust and Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul)
Iman builds a strong sense of reliance. When a Muslim believes through Iman that Allah will benefit them, their morale remains strong even when facing trials. Iman teaches that Allah knows everything and will always bring something good for His servant. As a result of Iman, a Muslim gains the strength to face life’s challenges and receives Allah’s help in any difficult situation.
In the Qur’an, it is stated:
“And whoever fears Allah—He will make for him a way out.” (Surah At-Talaq: Verse 2)
4. Improvement in Social Relationships
Iman fosters an environment of justice, mercy, and cooperation in society. Because Iman creates a complete conviction in Allah and His Messenger in a person’s heart, a Muslim feels a sense of responsibility toward society and empathy for others. Iman promotes respect, compassion, tolerance, and kindness, thereby ensuring strong relationships and peaceful coexistence among people.
Allah says: “And speak kindly to people.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: Verse 83)
5. Guidance for Salvation in the Hereafter
Iman prepares a Muslim for the Hereafter. It reminds a person that everything happening in this world is under Allah’s will, and their actions will be reflected in the next life. Therefore, Iman encourages a person to live righteously and abstain from wrongdoing, knowing that one day they must stand before Allah.
In the Qur’an, it is stated:
“But those who believe and do righteous deeds—those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide eternally therein.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: Verse 82)
6. Self-Confidence and Self-Respect
Iman helps a Muslim become confident and dignified. Their faith teaches them that their dignity rests with Allah, and through good deeds, they are always on the right path. Even when the world misunderstands them, they know their self-respect remains intact in the sight of Allah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari 13, Muslim 45)
In these ways, Iman creates a balance between the individual and society, transforming their behavior and attitude, and helping them on the path to becoming a better person and following the correct path.
Iman can bring about extensive changes in a person’s life—it is not just spiritual power but is reflected in a person’s daily life and decisions. Iman helps follow the right path in every aspect of life and improves the relationship with Allah, which brings peace, prosperity, and social progress to human life.
