Jumah Nugget: 3 Keys to Improving Your Eeman and Becoming a Better Muslim

The Arabic term Al-Eeman comprehensively contains the Islamic belief system. It could be translated as faith as we find it in contemporary times. The simplest definition can be taken from the Hadith of Jibril: Islam, Eeman, and Ihsan. Here, the Arch Angel appeared to the Prophet in a human form to ask questions. One was — “Inform me about Eeman (faith).” Then, He (the Prophet) answered, “It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects.”

The same hadith referenced above is what gives us a pointer that Islam was established in elevations and this is a representation of greatness. The basic level that the majority of people today fall under is Islam and that’s why they’re called Muslims. You’re a Muslim if you testify to the oneness of Allah, and uphold the messenger-ship of Muhammad. You fast in the month of Ramadan, give zakat when you qualify, and embark on the pilgrimage once you have the means. These are the five pillars of Islam and the bare minimum level of commitment expected of you in this faith.

Next is the level of Eeman which many of the early generations of Muslims attained. The companions of the Prophet were at this level because Allah directly addressed them as such. These are a better set of Muslims also known as Al-Mu’minoon — the True Believers. They’re the ones whom Allah described as those who are successful. What are their traits? — A whole chapter of the Qur’an was revealed to address this. May Allah count us to be one of them.

And the peak of them all is Ihsan. This is a state of excellence that was also attained by some of the companions. The likes of Abubakr and Umar were in this category. These are the cremè de la crème’s of the Muslim folks. They utilize a firm balance of fear, love, and hope concerning Allah. The Muhsin loves Allah so much and as such he is shy of disobeying him. He fears the wrath of Allah, therefore he doesn’t settle. And he’s hopeful of the mercy of Allah, hence he strives for excellence.

In this piece, the focus is on eeman in terms of faith. We want to examine practical steps to indulge in, to become a better Muslim. Many of us are just satisfied with the status quo of being ordinary Muslims. We even have some who are Muslims by the noun and not by the verb. They only bear Muslim names but don’t fulfill the injunctions of Islam. Only an integral minority works consciously to purify the soul in order to grow spiritually in faith.

Here are three things you need to focus on and it’s further broken down into three subs:

1. Commitment:

You can’t improve in eeman without being committed to Islam. This is a lifelong journey that begins with the desire to be a true servant of Allah. Commitment is a determination to do your best, even when you know you’re not the best. It also comes with these three ingredients:

Repentance – We all have a past, but do not let your past haunt you to the point that you miss out on a great future. The future you should seek is an everlasting life in paradise. So repent from your evil ways and commit yourself to righteousness. Constantly ask Allah to forgive you for your previous sins and also the obligatory acts you have failed to meet up with.

Seeking Knowledge – Knowledge is a key ingredient for growth in Islam. The learning process is from cradle to grave. The Qur’an categorically states that those who know and those who don’t are unequal. You have to be committed to learning for you to improve in eeman. Knowledge of Allah is of utmost importance, the Qur’an and sunnah then follows suit.

Implementation with sincerity – The road to becoming a better Muslim is a steep struggle. Therefore, you have to be sincere in improving yourself. There will be days when you will find it extremely difficult to do good deeds. And sometimes, shaytan will want to overpower you with desires to commit sins.

2. Patience:

Nothing good comes with ease and patience is a determining factor in achieving anything great in life. So note that you will need a lot of patience in climbing the spiritual heights. Bearing these points in mind will help you surmount the hurdles:

You will be tested: Know for sure that you will be tested by Allah. All the prophets and devout servants of Allah were tested to ascertain their beliefs. Allah categorically mentioned this in the Qur’an:

Do people think once they say, “We believe,” that they will be left without being put to the test? — Qur’an 22[Al-Ankabut]:2

You will make mistakes: No one ever existed without a flaw. So be sure your path to eeman wouldn’t be one of perfection. It’s normal to make mistake, but do not dwell upon them. Repent sincerely and do not give up on continuous repentance.

Anas (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.” — At·Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah with a strong chain of narrators.

Have glad tidings: The beauty of being patient is that there’s certainly a reward for you. Allah assures the believers:

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient — Qur’an 2[Al-Baqarah]:155

3. Consistency:

And this is one of the toughest parts of improving your eeman — to be consistent. Being consistent helps you to improve and become better in everything you do. Since you’re seeking a reward through your actions, then you have to be intentional in everything you do. This is because the actions of the absent-minded are mere habits while those of the conscious-minded result in worship.

Allah loves it even if small: So the goal here is to strive to do your best, no matter how small or imperfect it may be. Then keep up with it, little by little. Allah’s Apostle told us:

“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.” — Bukhari

This is how to improve: Consistency is a sure way to improve your eeman and become a better Muslim. The little actions you take make a whole difference in your life. Even if you struggle with your acts of worship, take it easy on yourself. Never give up, never look back. Certainly, it will only get better with time — great things take time!

Worship your Lord till certainty comes: And this is the scariest part of it for me. No matter how much you worship, do not be proud of your deeds. Ask Allah for acceptance and ask Him for a good ending. For there’s this famous hadith in Al-Arba’un An-Nawawi — the fourth narration. Here the Prophet explained to us how Allah’s decree works and I’d quote the part to reference thus:

…By the One, other than Whom there is no deity, verily one of you performs the actions of the people of Paradise until there is but an arms length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him, and so he acts with the actions of the people of the Hellfire and thus enters it; and verily one of you performs the actions of the people of the Hellfire, until there is but an arms length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he acts with the actions of the people of Paradise and thus he enters it.” — Bukhari & Muslim

My beloved brothers and sisters, the key is not to settle because no one knows when or how we are going to die. This is why Allah tells us:

So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves to Him. And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death). — Qur’an 15[Al-Hijr]:98–99

PS: Success comes only by the will of Allah! If you find this piece beneficial, it’s by Allah’s Grace. It’s no scholarly work and we accept our mistakes. Suggestions are welcomed in making this effort better as well. You are free to share by any means for enlightenment purposes. Kindly give a “click-clap” to enable other readers on Medium to see this post. We ask Allah to keep us guided and steadfast upon the right path. Do subscribe to Jum’ah Nugget to get our subsequent publication in sha Allah!

Yaumul Jum’ah 19th Rabiul Akhir 1445H // Friday 3rd November 2023.