20 Ways of Curing Weak Faith | A Book Excerpt from Weakness of Faith

After outlining the 22 symptoms and 8 causes of weak faith, Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid, hafidhahullah, closes Weakness of Faith with 20 practical cures. This is where the book becomes most actionable, a roadmap for every Muslim who wants to revive their heart.

Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Verily, the faith of one of you will wear out within him, just as a shirt becomes worn out, so ask Allah to renew faith in your hearts." (al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak 5; also narrated by at-Tabarani — graded authentic by al-Albani in as-Silsilah as-Sahihah)

20 Ways of Curing Weak Faith

1. Reflection upon the meanings of the Noble Qur'an
2. Consciousness of Allah's greatness, knowledge of His Names and Attributes, and reflecting upon their meanings
3. Seeking religious knowledge
4. Regular attendance at circles of dhikr
5. Doing many righteous deeds and filling one's time with them
6. Diversifying types of worship
7. Fear of a bad end
8. Frequent remembrance of death
9. Remembering the stations of the Hereafter
10. Interaction with the signs of the universe and reflecting upon them
11. Remembrance of Allah: dhikr in all its forms
12. Addressing Allah privately and showing humility before Him
13. Limiting the extent of long-term hope and worldly planning
14. Reflecting upon the insignificance of this world
15. Honoring what Allah has made sacred
16. Loyalty to the believers and disassociation from disbelievers
17. Modesty and hayaa'
18. Deeds of the heart: tawakkul, khawf, raja', mahabbah
19. Taking account of the self (muhasabah)
20. Supplication to Allah

A Reflection

What is worth noticing about this list is that it begins with the Qur'an and ends with du'a, two of the most direct lines of connection between the servant and his Lord. Everything in between is a means of keeping the heart turned toward Allah.

No Muslim is beyond revival. The heart that recognises its own weakness and turns to Allah with sincerity will find that Allah is always near.

Allah says: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me — indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:186)

About the Book

Weakness of Faith by Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid is a concise guide to diagnosing and treating weak iman. Available at The Islamic Book Cafe.

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Baarakallahu feekum — The Islamic Book Cafe | Portland, Oregon.