IMAN & AMAL

Having faith in the articles of Islam is called Iman. Following and putting into actions these articles of faith is called Amal. Iman is to accept sincerely within the heart and to be said orally and put into actions.

The person who has faith and practices good deeds is called a Mu'min. Iman and Amal bind together like the flower and its fragrance. Any Amal done without Iman will not be accepted by Allah.

Islam teaches us belief which is Iman and also teaches us acts regarding Amal. Worship, social service, transactions, and good qualities are all regarded as Amal. Performing these acts strengthens ones Iman.

"The person who helps the widows or orphans earns reward equal to a person who fasts during the day and prays throughout the night" (Bukhary)

"The best amongst you is the one with the best qualities." (Ahmed)

The Holy Quran speaks of Iman and Amal as one. Sincere deeds are those that are done at the correct time in the correct manner. Sincere deeds are acts that are done in the correct way benefitting this world and the next, individually or jointly, spiritually or worldly.

For a deed to be accepted by Allah sincere intention is an important condition.

Factors that would harm Iman

Muslims consider Iman as a precious gift given by Allah. He leads his life based on this gift. To safeguard Iman he is ready to sacrifice everything. A man should possess knowledge on all things that would harm his Iman.

Following are the factors that would harm ones Iman.

1.Ilhad

• When a man denies the existence of God then naturally and surely gods guidance will not benefit him.
• The person who possess Ilhad is called as Mulhid.

2.Kufr

• Kufr means hide or to cover. Islamic beliefs have been clearly laid down. Denying any of these beliefs leads to kufr.
• There are three ways in which kufr can take place.

- Kufr through belief
- Kufr through speech
- Kufr through action

• The person who possess Kufr is called as Kafir.

3.Shirk

• This means associate and join partners with Allah. 
• There are 2 major branches of shirk. 

- Shirk ul Akbar - This means when all worship that should be offered only to Allah is offered to any of his creations it becomes a major shirk.
- Shirk ul Asger - This means making false promises by using the name of Allah, belief in astrology, reading horoscope and etc....

• The person who possess shirk is called as Mushrik.

4.Riddath

• A person coming out of the fold of Islam through words or deeds (A person going from Islam to another religion)
• The person who possess Riddath is called as Murthad.

For success in this world and the next Iman in its purity is essential. Having doubts about Allah will spoil the purity of Iman. Our goal should be to live with Iman in its highest and purest form.


Prepared by:- F.Shamra Samsudeen

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