Episode 2: Your Faith Wears Out | The Faith Revival

Summary

In this episode of 'The Faith Revival,' the speaker discusses the natural ebb and flow of faith (iman), comparing it to a garment that wears out over time. He emphasizes the importance of regularly renewing one's faith by asking Allah for guidance and strength. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged believers to seek Allah's help in reviving their iman, reminding them that faith is their greatest asset. The video also highlights powerful supplications for increasing faith, certainty, and understanding, urging viewers to consistently pray for spiritual renewal and steadfastness.

Takeaways

• 🕌 Faith, or *iman*, naturally wears out over time, similar to how a garment loses its color after repeated washing.
• 📉 Experiencing fluctuations in faith is normal; it's not always tied to specific negative actions but can happen due to life's challenges.
• 🧠 To gauge where your *iman* needs strengthening, consider where your insecurities lie in your relationship with Allah.
• 🗝️ Regularly asking Allah to renew your *iman* is crucial, as He is the One who places faith in the heart and enables its growth.
• 📿 A key supplication to remember is: اللهم زدنا ايمانا و يقينا و فقها (O Allah, increase us in faith, conviction, and understanding).
• 🌟 Different experiences or reminders can revitalize faith, so stay open to new ways Allah may guide your heart.
• 🙏 The best *duaa* is one where you ask Allah for assistance in remembering, thanking, and worshiping Him properly: اللهم اعني على ذكرك و شكرك و حسن عبادتك.
• 💡 Understanding that faith is your greatest asset helps keep priorities in focus—without *iman*, worldly gains are meaningless.
• 🔄 Just as garments need upkeep, faith requires constant renewal and maintenance through prayer, *duaas*, and seeking knowledge.
• 🤲 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that simply asking Allah for guidance, like in the daily prayer supplication اهدنا الصرط المستقيم (Guide us to the straight path), strengthens *iman* over time.

Q & A

What does the Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) compare faith to in this hadith?

The Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) compares faith to a garment, which wears out over time just like clothes do when they are washed frequently.

How can a person recognize where they need to strengthen their faith?

A person can recognize where they need to strengthen their faith by identifying insecurities related to specific attributes of Allah and focusing on reestablishing their iman in those areas.

What does the hadith imply about the natural state of faith over time?

The hadith implies that faith naturally wears out over time, similar to how garments lose their color or get worn out, even with care.

What is the first step the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) recommends for renewing faith?

The first step the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) recommends for renewing faith is asking Allah through duaa, as He is the One who can revive and renew a person's faith.

What is a key supplication that Abdullah ibn Masud (radiAllahu anhu) used to ask for faith renewal?

Abdullah ibn Masud (radiAllahu anhu) used to say: 'اللهم زدنا ايمانا و يقينا و فقها', which translates to 'Oh Allah, increase us in faith, conviction, and understanding.'

Why is constantly asking Allah to renew faith important according to the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam)?

Constantly asking Allah to renew faith is important because faith is a person's most valuable asset. Without strong faith, worldly gains are meaningless, but with strong faith, a person can endure life’s challenges.

What additional benefit is gained by asking Allah to enable you in worship?

By asking Allah to enable you in worship, you recognize Him as the Enabler, meaning you rely on His strength to properly remember, thank, and worship Him, as taught in the duaa 'اللهم اعني على ذكرك و شكرك و حسن عبادتك'.

What does the phrase 'يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبى على دينك' mean and why is it significant?

The phrase 'يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبى على دينك' means 'Oh Turner of hearts, make my heart firm on Your religion.' It is significant because it acknowledges that only Allah can keep a person's heart firm in faith.

How does the prayer 'اهدنا الصرط المستقيم' relate to faith renewal?

The prayer 'اهدنا الصرط المستقيم' (Guide us to the straight path) in Surah Al-Fatiha is a constant request to Allah for guidance, which helps in keeping a person on the path of strong faith and righteousness.

What is the importance of asking for certainty (yaqeen) in addition to faith?

Asking for certainty (yaqeen) is important because it strengthens a person's conviction in Allah and His promises, ensuring that their faith remains strong and unwavering even in difficult times.