Answer
Short Answer: Many people think they’re believers, but don’t care to check whether the description of true believers according to Allah apply to them or not. Also some of us say: “our belief is only in our hearts.” Whereas, Allah Himself said that believers have inward and outward qualities that must be manifested.
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What are the qualities of a true believer in light of the Quran?
You asked about a major issue indeed!
Many people think they’re believers, but don’t care to check whether the description of true believers according to Allah apply to them or not.
Also some of us say: “our belief is only in our hearts.” Whereas, Allah Himself said that believers have inward and outward qualities that must be manifested.
So, let’s take a look at some of the qualities of true believers as per the Quran.
Growing Faith, Regular Prayers & Charity
Allah says:
“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely –
The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend.
Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision.” (Quran 8: 2-4)
This means they:
- Fear Allah, continue seeking what pleases Him; and remembering Him increases them in faith and awe.
- They rely upon Him true reliance.
- They’re committed to their 5 daily prayers
- They spend regularly from whatever Allah has blessed them with.
They Don’t Doubt, & Strive Earnestly in the Cause of Allah
Allah says:
“The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.” (Quran 49:15)
This means they:
- Don’t indulge in doubts or reasons and environments that make them doubt their religion.
- They have unwavering faith in Allah and His Messenger. They don’t hesitate about true pure monotheism.
- They follow this true faith with striving in the cause of Allah with everything precious to them; their time, energy, money, talents…etc. They know that this faith and the eternal rewards are worth every effort and that if we present to Allah everything upon earth, it won’t measure up to the blessing of guidance or the eternal unlimited rewards He will grant believers.
Obeying the Prophet & following His judgment
Allah says:
“But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.” (Qur’an 4: 65)
This means:
- Those who say we only believe in the Quran but not Muhammad or the Sunnah, have negated their faith!
- Obeying the Messenger is as urgent as obeying Allah Himself. Allah made consulting the judgment of the Prophet a condition for true faith.
- It is necessary to study the Seerah of the Prophet and to follow His blessed Sunnah eagerly, and to go back to the Book and Sunnah in matters that we have questions about. Whatever Allah and His Messenger say will be the best judgment for true believers.
Passing Trials with Faith
“Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tried?
But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” (Qur’an 29: 2-3)
This means they:
- Know that this life is a test and everyone will be tested.
- Tests don’t make them lose their faith.
- They’re steadfast during hard times.
Following the 6 Acts of the Inheritors of Highest Paradise
Allah says in the Surat Al Mu’minoon (Chapter 23):
“( 1 ) Certainly will the believers have succeeded:
( 2 ) They who are during their prayer humbly submissive
( 3 ) And they who turn away from ill speech
( 4 ) And they who are observant of zakah
( 5 ) And they who guard their private parts
( 6 ) Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed –
( 7 ) But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors –
( 8 ) And they who are to their trusts and their promises attentive
( 9 ) And they who carefully maintain their prayers –
( 10 ) Those are the inheritors
( 11 ) Who will inherit al-Firdaus. They will abide therein eternally.”
For a detailed discussion of those verses, please read my previous article: Your Jannah To-Do List: 6 Tasks to Inherit Al-Firdaus (The Highest Paradise)
Final Word
The closeness of Allah Most High, The King, is not cheap.
If you want to earn a prestigious degree or high position, you put rigorous effort. We do that for a temporary world that will end. What about the eternal world that never ends and has WHATEVER you please with no effort, sadness, pain or sorrow forever?
Know that the succeeding is not due to our own strength or personal superiority. It is due to seeking Allah’s Help. No one can proceed on this path without Allah’s help.
Allah taught us in Surat Al Fatiha that we say in prayer 17 times a day: “It is You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”
So we will not succeed without Allah’s help.
This is to tell everyone that the path is very easy if you seek Allah’s Help. He will facilitate whatever you think is difficult or impossible.
All you have to do is be sincere and seek Him, and He will facilitate everything for you.
“Indeed, your efforts are diverse.
As for he who gives and fears Allah
And believes in the best [reward],
We will ease him toward ease.
But as for he who withholds and considers himself free of need
And denies the best [reward],
We will ease him toward difficulty.” (Quran 92: 4-10)
And Allah knows best
I hope this helps
Salam and please keep in touch.
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