Knowledge is the key to strong faith. Faith itself will protect us from doing wrong and from falling into despair over the vicissitudes of life. It also gives us the confidence to pursue challenges as well as scale new heights.
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) tells us of the story of Prophet Musa (AS) who faced many challenges in the course of his life. For instance, he and his followers were pursued by Pharaoh and the latter’s army to the coast of the Red Sea, with no means of escape. At that point, his men felt certain that they were trapped. Yet, he did not lose faith and held on to the belief that Allah (SWT) will not forsake him:” And as soon as the two sides came within sight of one another. Moses’ follower said, ‘We shall definitely be caught’. Moses said, ‘No, my Lord is with me: He will guide me’” (Al-Shu’ara’: 61-62)
A Muslim with strong faith genuinely believes that Allah (SWT) will protect him and show him the path to righteousness. Strong faith and a profound understanding of Islam will enable each individual to seek Allah’s help and guidance in dealing with life's challenges. It is also faith that will give us the confidence to live in a secular state, plural society, and global world, as we know that our faith will protect our values and Islamic way of life.
How can we create an Islamic community that is strong in faith and able to adapt to a changing world?
To do this, we need to truly understand the Islamic faith and creed, as explained in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah. Faith enlightens a man’s soul, opens the mind to new ideas, and touches the heart with compassion to serve others. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) has mentioned the role of faith. Faith becomes:
1. A guiding beacon for humanity, giving them purpose in life. Allah (SWT) said:” For me, I have set my face firmly and truly, toward Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah...” (Al-An‘am: 79)
2. A catalyst for building integrity and an excellent work ethic. Allah (SWT) said: “In fact, any who direct themselves wholly to God and do good will have their reward with their Lord: no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” (Al-Baqarah: 112)
3. A fortress against evil. Allah (SWT) said: And she said, ‘Come to me,’ and he replied, God forbid! My master has been good to me; wrongdoers never prosper.” (Yusuf: 23)
4. A source of peace. Allah (SWT) said:’ It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers, that they may add faith to their faith.” (Al-Fath: 4)
How can one cultivate a strong faith?
A contemporary Muslim scholar, Dr. Yusuf Al-Qardhawi, thinks that the most efficacious approach to cultivating a strong faith is through the acquisition of knowledge of matters of faith (aqidah) in a manner that emphasizes the spirit of inquiry instead of mere rote learning. To him, an Islamic education should drive a student to inquire further and reflect on the greatness of Allah (SWT), while continuing to do good. This approach includes:
1. teaching aqidah using the Qur’anic approach
2. Combining both textual and observational evidence to cultivate faith
3. Using techniques in rationalizing from the Holy Qur’an
4. Using modern scientific findings to reinforce faith
Rooting faith in facts, not superstition
5. Reflecting and thinking critically
6. Using faith to enjoin good and cooperation, and reject fragmentation.
This approach is certainly relevant to the present context. Such an approach has to be translated into the curriculum for teaching the Islamic faith. Moreover, science and technology are developing at an astonishing rate. Current research findings do not contradict the Holy Qur’an, but instead, support and expand on the Qur’anic arguments. Allah (SWT) said: “We shall show them Our signs in every region of the earth and in themselves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord witnesses everything?” (Fussilat: 53)
MUIS
