How Can Muslims Maintain Their Faith amid Today’s Challenges?

Answered by Shaykh Bassem Itani

Question

Given the significant changes humanity is experiencing today, how can Muslims maintain their faith in difficult circumstances?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his Family, and all his Companions.

Fitna (Corruption)

We live in a time of widespread corruption and numerous trials and tribulations. Prohibited things have become more prevalent, and permissible things have become less.

These significant changes, with the distractions and temptations in many aspects of our lives, have led many Muslims toward atheism and many others to its brink. The truthful and trustworthy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) spoke of situations like our current times, saying:

“Hasten to perform righteous deeds before tribulations come like patches of a dark night when a man will be a believer in the morning and a disbeliever in the evening, or he will be a believer in the evening and a disbeliever in the morning, selling his religion for a worldly gain.” [Muslim]

He also said in another hadith:

“A time will come when holding onto one’s religion will be like holding a burning coal.” [Tirmidhi]

Steps

To preserve one’s faith in these times, a Muslim needs to take specific steps to maintain their belief and remain firm in their faith. Below are some important steps:

Seek Islamic Knowledge

Learn correct beliefs, supported by both rational and textual proofs, from qualified scholars. This strengthens one’s faith and enables one to refute misconceptions and false ideas prevalent in their environment. Allah (Most High) says:

“Say, (O Prophet,) ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know? None will be mindful (of this) except people of reason.’” [Quran, 39:9]

The stories in the Quran strengthen hearts and build determination, as illustrated in this verse:

“And We relate to you (O Prophet) the stories of the messengers to reassure your heart. And there has come to you in this (sûrah) the truth, a warning (to the disbelievers), and a reminder to the believers.” [Quran, 11:120]

Focus on the Stories of the Prophets in the Quran

Reflecting upon and understanding the stories of the Prophets strengthens a Muslim’s resolve through their perseverance, patience, and reliance on Allah (Most High). Allah says:

“In their stories there is truly a lesson for people of reason. This message cannot be a fabrication; rather, (it is) a confirmation of previous revelation, a detailed explanation of all things, a guide, and a mercy for people of faith.” [Quran, 12:111]

Prophetic Biography (Sira)

Delving deeply into his life allows a Muslim to emulate this noble Messenger in his stances, patience, and struggles with his adversaries. It helps one understand how they tried to divert him from his mission, yet he remained steadfast in his beliefs, unwavering even slightly. Allah (Most High) says:

“Indeed, this (Quran) is the recitation of a noble Messenger. It is not the prose of a poet (as you claim), (yet) you hardly have any faith. Nor is it the mumbling of a fortune-teller, (yet) you are hardly mindful. (It is) a revelation from the Lord of all worlds.” [Quran, 69:40-43]

Nurture the Soul with Spiritual Nourishment

It is crucial in these times to spiritually nourish oneself to be protected from moral and material trials. This strengthens the heart and brings tranquility to the soul, rectifying one’s actions.

This can be achieved by reciting the Quran, frequent remembrance (dhikr), supplication (dua), performing the night prayer (qiyam al-layl), and other acts of worship.

Faith is like a seed; if it is not nurtured with spiritual sustenance, it withers and eventually dies. If it is fed with spiritual nourishment, it becomes like a tree with firm roots in the earth and branches reaching the sky. Allah (Most High) says:

“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” [Quran, 13:28]

Seek Righteous Companionship

During these widespread tribulations, a Muslim needs good companionship, which protects one from slipping into misguidance and keeps one in an environment of faith.

This companionship encourages steadfastness in faith, drives one toward goodness and virtues, and connects one to the atmosphere of prayers in the mosques.

One should choose a pious companion who inspires faith-driven behavior and avoid the company of corrupt individuals who invite evil and immorality. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of a perfume-seller and a blacksmith. As for the perfume-seller, he will either give you some perfume, or you will buy it from him, or at least you will enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the blacksmith, he will either burn your clothes or you will get an unpleasant odor from him.” [Bukhari]

Summary

These are some steps a Muslim can take to preserve their faith and maintain their adherence to Islam in light of the significant changes occurring in humanity and the great tribulations of our time.

All praise is for Allah, Lord of all the worlds. May Allah protect us and you from trials, both apparent and hidden.

[Shaykh] Bassem Itani

Shaykh Dr. Bassem Hussayn Itani was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1965. He earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies in 2005. Among his mentors were Shaykh Muhammad Taha Sukkar, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, Shaykh Mulla Abdul ‘Alim al-Zinki, Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri, Shaykh Abdul Razzaq al-Halabi, Shaykh Dr. Mustafa Dib al-Bugha, Shaykh Dr. Wahba al-Zuhayli, Dr. Muhammad al-Zuhayli, and others, may Allah have mercy on them all.

Shaykh Itani has a rich background in both academic and administrative fields. He has held significant positions in many governmental and non-governmental institutions in Lebanon and abroad. This includes his role as a member of the Academic Committee at SeekersGuidance and a senior teacher with the free online global seminary.

From 2020 to 2021, he served as the Dean of the College of Da‘wa – University for Islamic Studies (Lebanon) – Postgraduate Studies. He was the Director of Dar Iqra for Islamic Sciences from 1998 to 2018. Shaykh Itani is a well-versed teacher in several academic subjects, including Fiqh, Usul, Aqida, and Tafsir. He has supervised and examined numerous Master’s and Doctoral theses at various universities and colleges in Lebanon.

His contributions to Islamic sciences are also evident in his writings and research. His notable works include “The Relied-upon Statements of Imam Zufar in the Hanafi School,” “Collective Ijtihad: The Sublimity of Thought in the 21st Century,” and “Custom and its Impact in Islamic Jurisprudence.” Shaykh Itani has actively participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars, both in Lebanon and internationally. He is linguistically adept, excelling in Arabic, proficient in French, and comfortably conversant in English.