THE VALUE OF IMAAN

The success of man in this world and in the Hereafter rests on two solid foundations: faith (Imaan) in the one and only Diety (Allah) and good deeds (A’mal-e-Saleh).

Faith (Imaan) is the root from which sprung well in all its forms. Any action without Imaan is in vain in the sight of Allah. Faith without deeds is useless, deeds without faith are worthless.

"The example of the (good) actions of those who do not believe in their Rabb is like that of ashes that are blown away by a wind on a stormy day. They have absolutely no control of what (actions) they earn." (14:18)

To preserve this faith (Imaan), it is incumbent upon each of us to do good deeds and once this faith (Imaan) is anchored in the depths of our hearts, we will not be able to remain without propagating it even in difficult circumstances.

"By the oath of time! Verily man is at a loss, except those who have Imaan, who do good deeds, who encourage each other towards the truth, and who encourage each other to exercise Sabr." (Surah Al-Asr / 30:103)

The main idea put forward by this Surah is that the whole of humanity is at a loss with the exception of those who have an Imaan (Faith in one Allah) in the first place, followed by the performance of good deeds. And there are the exhortations to seek the truth and to develop the patience that is indispensable to overcome all difficulties.

To understand the value of Imaan, one must first understand the advantages and benefits attached to it. We come to understand the value of a thing to the extent that we know its importance and its benefits.

For example water in the desert or the American who knows the value of oil thanks, its advantages and benefits they find in it.

On the other hand, something which its value and benefits are not known will not be taken into consideration. So the thing in itself will have no value for itself unless one can make gain benefit from it. For example, an out-of-circulation silver coin will not be considered because its value and purchasing power are nulls.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF IMAAN?

Imaan is an indispensable motto for every human being. It is this that gives shine to our actions. Without this Imaan, even an action of the size of a mountain will not be considered by Allah, while a small action done by an Imaandaar can have the value of all the riches of the universe. It is unfortunate to see the lack of attention paid to one's value, just like the child who considers the dollar as dirty paper or mistakes a pearl for a marble. It is absolutely necessary for us to understand that Imaan (Faith) - to which we attach little importance in this world - remains the most important motto on the Day of Judgment because it has the power to buy everything on that Day. The goal of men's efforts and sacrifices on this earth is their happiness and prosperity (which for most of them are health, joy, wealth, comfort) on this earth. All these delights of life can be acquired for eternity by an Imaandaar who believes in the existence of Paradise. It is simply enough to have an unshakeable faith in one Allah.

"Whoever dies and believes that there are no gods but Allah, (the one God) will enter Paradise." (Muslim)

There are also those who have such weak Imaan (faith) that even the angels (Farishta) cannot perceive them, these people will be rewarded for their little Imaan and they will taste the delights of Paradise, even for this tiny particle of faith. What a great value Imaan has!

Is it not our duty to look after this Imaan and to seek all possible means of perfecting it, while always thinking that it is our only passport to the well-being of life after the Resurrection?

AHAADITH

Hadhrat Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Radiyallahu anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu A'laihi Wasallam) said: "A man should not look at the private part of a man and the woman should not look at the private part of a woman." (Muslim)

AHAADITH

"Men who have true faith are those who have good conduct. In reality, those who have good conduct are those who have good relations in their household."  Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu A'laihi Wasallam) said. (Tirmizi)

[English version of "La valeur de îmaan" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 2]