Answer
Salaam Alaykum; Thanks for sending us your question, we really appreciate it.
First of all, let me start by saying that the fact you are worried about your faith, and that you want to die as a Muslim, is itself a sign of faith. Disbelief is comfortable with disbelief. A heart that fears losing Allah has already turned toward Him.
And now let’s define faith, as you inquired (in your question) that you would like to know what Iman is…
What’s Iman (Faith)?
In the Arabic language, the word “iman” is a religious perception that settles in heart and translates into action. So the core aspect of Iman is that the more actions (done with sincerity) you take, the more you will build strong iman and increase in all the positive emotions that come along with it
Faith is not a constant emotional high or a permanent feeling of certainty. Faith is to recognize the truth, accept it, and choose Allah — even when the heart feels heavy or confused. Faith lives in the heart, is affirmed by the tongue, and is proven by turning back to Allah again and again.
How Iman Becomes Pure and Unblemished
Iman is not a static possession that one either has or lacks; rather, it is a living reality that grows, weakens, becomes illuminated, or becomes clouded. Allah tells us clearly:
“So that they may increase in faith along with their faith.” (Qur’an 48:4)
This verse alone shows that iman is meant to grow. But growth requires care, protection, and purification—just as a heart requires protection from diseases if it is to remain alive.
Understanding the Nature of Iman
Muslim scholars unanimously agreed that iman consists of belief in the heart, speech of the tongue, and actions of the limbs, and that it increases with obedience and decreases with sin.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Iman has over seventy branches, the highest of them is saying ‘La ilaha illa Allah,’ and the lowest of them is removing harm from the road.(Sahih Muslim, 35) This hadith shows that iman is comprehensive: it includes creed, worship, character, and conduct.
A person seeking pure iman must therefore care about all of these dimensions—not only beliefs, but also actions and manners.
The purification of iman starts with the heart, because it is the command center of faith. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Indeed, in the body there is a piece of flesh: if it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart.(Bukhari & Muslim)
Allah describes the ultimate success as belonging to those who meet Him with a sound heart, He says in the Qur’an: “The Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit, except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Qur’an 26:88–89)
Sincerity (Ikhlas): The Foundation of Pure Faith
No deed, no belief, and no act of worship can purify iman without sincerity. Allah says: “And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion.” (Qur’an 98:5)
And the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Actions are only by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended (in terms of reward and how it’s considered in the eyes of Shariah).” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Pure iman means that one’s faith is not mixed with: Showing off, Seeking praise, Following desires over truth
A true believer constantly asks: “Am I doing this for Allah, or for something else?” This self-accountability polishes faith until it becomes unblemished.
Consistent Worship: Feeding the Soul
Iman is nourished through acts of worship, especially those done consistently, even if small. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small” (Bukhari & Muslim)
A heart that remembers Allah frequently does not easily become stained by sins.
Repentance: Washing Away the Stains
Even sincere believers fall into sin—but what preserves the purity of iman is immediate repentance. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “When a servant commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents, seeks forgiveness, and stops, his heart is polished clean.”(Tirmidhi, Hasan)
Allah in His mercy, invites us constantly:
“O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah.”(Qur’an 39:53)
Repentance is not a sign of weak faith—it is a sign of living faith.
Good Character: The Visible Fruit of Pure Iman
Pure iman manifests outwardly as beautiful character. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character.” (Tirmidhi) And he also said: “I was sent only to perfect good character.” (Musnad Ahmad)
Truthfulness, patience, mercy, humility, and forgiveness are not “extra” virtues—they are proofs of iman.
I hope this helps answer the question.