Do'ful
Eemaan
Weakness of Faith
by
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
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The
phenomenon of weak faith has become very widespread among
Muslims, and many people complain about the hardness of
their hearts. So often we hear the words, “I feel hardness
in my heart,” “I do not find any joy in worship,” “I feel
that my faith has hit rock bottom,” “Reading Qur’aan does
not move me,” “I fall into sin so easily.” The effects of
this affliction can be seen in many people, and this problem
is the cause of every disaster and adversity.
The
issue of people’s hearts is an important and sensitive issue.
The heart is called Qalb in Arabic because it changes so
quickly and frequently (Taqallub – alteration, variation,
ups and downs). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: “The heart (Qalb) takes its name from
its constant changes (Taqallub). The likeness of the heart
is that of a feather at the root of a tree, being turned
over and over by the wind.” (Reported by Ahmad, 4/408; Saheeh
al-Jaami’, 2364).
According
to another report: “The likeness of the heart is that of
a feather in an empty plot of land, being blown over and
over by the wind.” (Reported by Ibn Abi ‘Aasim in Kitaab
al-Sunnah. No. 227. Its isnaad is saheeh, see Zilaal al-Jannah
fi Takhreej al-Sunnah by al-Albaani, 1/102).
Man’s
heart changes constantly, as the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) described: “The heart of the son
of Adam changes more quickly than a pan of rapidly boiling
water.” (Ibid., no. 226. Its isnaad is saheeh: Zilaal al-Jannah,
1/102), According to another report: “It changes more than
a pot of rapidly boiling water.” (Reported by Ahmad, 6/4;
Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 5147).
Allaah
is the One Who turns hearts around and controls them. ‘Abd-Allaah
ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas reported that he heard the Messenger
of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say:
“The hearts of the children of Adam are as one between the
fingers of the Most Merciful, and He turns them in whatever
way He wills.” Then he said: “O Allaah, Controller of the
hearts, direct our hearts to obey You.” (Reported by Muslim,
no. 2654).
Allaah tells us that: “… Allaah comes in between a person
and his heart (i.e., He prevents an evil person from deciding
anything)…” [al-Anfaal 8:24 – interpretation of the meaning]
no one will be saved on the Day of Resurrection “except
him who brings to Allaah a clean heart [free from shirk
and hypocrisy].” [al-Shu’ara’ 26:89 – interpretation of
the meaning] “those whose hearts are hardened” [al-Hajj
22:53 – interpretation of the meaning] are doomed and the
promise of Paradise is for those “who feared the Most Beneficent
(Allaah) in the Unseen, (i.e., in the worldly life, before
seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance
(to Him).” [Qaaf 50:33 – interpretation of the meaning].
So
the believer must check his heart, find out the nature and
cause of the problem, and start treating it straight away,
before it overwhelms him and destroys him. The matter is
of the utmost seriousness, for Allaah has warned us against
the heart that is hardened, closed, sick, blind and sealed.
I
ask Allaah to benefit me and my Muslim brothers and sisters,
for He is the One Whom we ask to soften our hearts and guide
us. He is our Protector, He is sufficient for us and He
is the Best Disposer of affairs.