How Do I Become a Sincere Muslim?
Answered by Imam Yama Niazi
Question
What steps should I take to become a more sincere Muslim whose actions and intentions are only for Allah?
I want to be concerned only with what Allah thinks about me. I don’t want to be worried about trying to impress other people or get worked up about what they may say about me? How can I prevent having ulterior motives alongside or instead of pleasing Allah in all my actions and decisions in life?
Answer
May Allah bless you and thank you for this great question.
The path to becoming sincere and pious should be the goal of every true believer. Every Muslim strives daily to become devoted and beloved to Allah, Most High.
A faithful follower of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is the one who follows him in all of his teachings. That was the way of the companions and the pious who followed them afterward.
Allah says about the soul and the importance of its purification: “Successful indeed is the one who purifies their soul, and doomed is the one who corrupts it!” [Quran, 91:9-10]
The path is in learning sacred knowledge, applying the teachings in your life, striving spiritually against the inclinations of the ego, and being in good company.
Allah commands us in the Quran to be the truthful ones: “O, believers! Be mindful of Allah and be with the truthful.” [Quran, 9:119]
Lifelong Struggle
Striving to be more pious every day is a lifelong struggle like anything else in life that you want to master. Knowledge is the most excellent tool that will assist us in attaining purity and sincerity. Ultimately Allah is the one who grants success and righteousness to those He sees worthy.
Allah is the one who grants success.
[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the USA for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “the blessed tree,” a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken on many Muslim platforms throughout the USA and Canada and conducted programs in local communities in North America. He is an instructor at SeekersGuidance.
