Am I Still Muslim If I Struggle with Islamic Rulings?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

I obey Allah out of fear of Hell, not out of love. Sometimes, I find some rulings difficult, even though I follow them.

I read that whoever hates what the Messenger brought is a disbeliever. Am I still a Muslim?

Answer

Let your heart be at rest. You are a believer. What you have described is not disbelief (kufr). It is the normal struggle of a sincere soul.

Let us begin with the line that worried you. It is true, but it does not apply to you. Disbelief is to reject what Allah revealed: to deem it false, to scorn it, or to refuse to submit to it. This is a choice of the will against revelation. [Bajuri, Tuhfat al-Murid `ala Jawharat al-Tawhid; Nablusi, Ra’ihat al-Janna Sharh Ida’at al-Dujunna]

But it is something else to accept the ruling, affirm its truth, and obey, even if your heart finds it heavy or difficult. The first is rebellion. The second is simply the human self (nafs), which recoils at hardship as the body recoils at bitter medicine, even as it swallows it.

The Companions’ Fear and the Prophet’s Clarification

The Companions (Allah be pleased with them) lived this. They came to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) and said they found in themselves thoughts too terrible to speak. He asked, “Have you really found that?” They said yes. He said, “That is pure faith.” [Muslim]

Imam Nawawi explains that their alarm at the thought was itself the proof of their faith — disbelief is to welcome such a thing, not to be pained by it. Your unease at your own recoil is, by the same measure, a sign of belief, not its loss. [Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim]

Obedience that feels difficult, yet you still obey, is faith. It is not the opposite.

Fear, Hope, Gratitude, and Love Are Four Wings of One Worship

Now, about your worry that you serve Allah out of fear and not love. Fear is a real door to Allah. The believer walks through it towards the other doors.

Worship stands on four things: fear (khawf), hope (raja), gratitude (shukr), and love (mahabba). You already have one. Ask Allah for the rest. Imam Qushayri explains these in his Risala (al-Risala al-Qushayriyya):

Fear (khawf) is the heart’s concern over what lies ahead — that some harm may befall it, or some good escape it. This is the healthy fear: the kind that drives a person to obedience and away from sin, never the fear that tips into despair of Allah’s mercy.

Hope (raja) is the attachment of the heart to something beloved that will come to be, and the masters distinguish it from idle wishing: hope is yoked to action, the expectation of good from Allah while one works toward it.

Gratitude (shukr) is the acknowledgment of the Bestower’s blessing in a manner of humble submission — to see that every good you have is His gift, and to bend low before the One who gave it.

Love (mahabba), Imam Qushayri writes, is a state the servant finds within his heart that is too subtle for words — and it draws him to prefer his Lord’s pleasure above all else.

See how these qualities grow into one another. Fear keeps you obeying. Then, look at what you have been given: your faith, your obedience, and even your concern about these matters. Gratitude begins to stir. Gratitude leads to love, for the heart loves the One who is good to it. Love makes the hard ruling lighter, because you trust the wisdom and mercy of the One who commanded it, even when you do not yet see it.

What to Do With This

Keep obeying — your fear-driven obedience is real worship and a genuine station, accepted by Allah. Then pray to be carried further: “O Allah, make me grateful to You, and make me love You and love what brings me near to You.”

When a ruling feels harsh, do not fight the feeling or act on it; bring it to Allah, ask Him to open your heart to His wisdom, and study the ruling with a trustworthy teacher so that understanding can soften what the raw feeling resists. The discomfort is not a verdict against your faith. It is the place where your faith is growing.

You are a Muslim. You are a believer. Keep walking towards Allah.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.