Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ
“The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though both contain goodness. Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not falter. If something afflicts you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such-and-such,’ but rather say, ‘Allah has decreed, and He does what He wills.’ For indeed the phrase ‘if only’ opens the door to the work of Shayṭān.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
“The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though both contain goodness. Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not falter. If something afflicts you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such-and-such,’ but rather say, ‘Allah has decreed, and He does what He wills.’ For indeed the phrase ‘if only’ opens the door to the work of Shayṭān.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Imam al-Nawawī explains:
“‘It opens the way for the work of Satan’ means that Shayṭān casts into the heart discontentment with the Divine Decree, and begins to tempt the believer through it.”
(Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2664)
“‘It opens the way for the work of Satan’ means that Shayṭān casts into the heart discontentment with the Divine Decree, and begins to tempt the believer through it.”
(Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2664)
Lesson: What Makes a ‘Strong Believer’?
The scholars mention that a “strong believer” is strong in every dimension of life—spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, financially, and socially. Strength in Islam is holistic.
The human being (insān) is composed of three essential components:
• Mind – cultivated through knowledge and learning
• Body – sustained through purity, health, and discipline
• Soul – nourished through worship, focus, and remembrance
To strengthen īmān—especially in times of fitan—one must work deliberately on the Wheel of Life, understanding that according to Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah, faith rises with righteous deeds (performed with sincerity and adherence to the Sunnah) and declines with sins, disobedience, and negligence.
1. Spirituality: Strengthening the Soul
Establish the daily prayers, especially Fajr in the masjid
• Increase Qiyām al-Layl / Tahajjud
• Recite the Qur’ān consistently
Qur’anic Evidence:
“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book, and establish the prayer. Indeed, the prayer restrains one from indecency and wrongdoing. And the remembrance of Allah is even greater. And Allah knows all that you do.” (29:45)
“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book, and establish the prayer. Indeed, the prayer restrains one from indecency and wrongdoing. And the remembrance of Allah is even greater. And Allah knows all that you do.” (29:45)
Avoid sins that weaken the heart and diminish īmān:
Music, cigarettes, illicit content, gheebah, namīmah, ribā, bad character, wasting time, and harmful company.
Music, cigarettes, illicit content, gheebah, namīmah, ribā, bad character, wasting time, and harmful company.
Practices:
• Make Du‘ā’ during sujūd
• Learn and invoke the Names of Allah
2. Finances and Money: Empowering Through Sadaqah
Give sadaqah regularly. Even a small act can transform someone’s life and place you permanently in their Du‘ā’.
Ensure all your financial dealings, investments, and income streams are 100% halāl. Barakah only rests on purity.
3. Business and Career: Purposeful Work
Your career reflects what you dedicate your life to. A strong believer ensures:
• Their work is halāl
• Their intentions are purified
• Their skills serve the ummah and humanity
Their profession becomes a path of worship and excellence
4. Health: The Body Has a Right Over You
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) taught that the body has rights.
A strong believer prioritises:
A strong believer prioritises:
• Exercise
• Healthy nutrition
• Adequate sleep
• Physical discipline
A healthy body supports a strong heart and sustained worship.
A healthy body supports a strong heart and sustained worship.
5. Relationships: Rights, Mercy, and Responsibility
Your spouse, children, parents, and extended family all have rights. Strength is shown through:
• Good character
• Fulfilment of responsibilities
• Maintaining ties
• Emotional intelligence
• Patience and mercy
6. Companionship: The Power of Righteous Friends
Choose righteous and uplifting companions.
The Qur’ān highlights companionship in Sūrat al-Kahf—even the dog is mentioned due to its association with righteous youth.
The story of Hanzalah (رضي الله عنه) illustrates how companionship affects the heart and īmān.
7. Fun and Enjoyment: Finding Joy in Worship
Over time, the strong believer reaches a state where:
Worship becomes sweet
Obedience becomes fulfilling
Serving Allah becomes a source of joy, not burden
This is a sign of spiritual maturity.
8. Personal Growth & Development
Invest in your future and in your soul:
• Hajj and ‘Umrah
• Seeking knowledge (Qur’ān, Ḥadīth, Arabic)
• Personal development
• Self-reflection and mindset refinement
• Knowledge elevates a believer and strengthens every dimension of life.
The Story of Hanzalah (رضي الله عنه): A Psychological Insight into Faith
The narration of Hanzalah al-Usayyidī (رضي الله عنه), one of the scribes of the Prophet (ﷺ), illustrates the natural fluctuations of faith. He expressed that when with the Prophet (ﷺ), his heart felt fully alive—yet when returning to daily life, the intensity would lessen.
The Prophet (ﷺ) responded:
“If you were to remain in the state you are in when with me, the angels would shake hands with you in your beds and in the streets. But, O Hanzalah, there is a time for this and a time for that.” (Muslim)
This narration demonstrates:
• Faith naturally fluctuates
• Balance is essential
• Sustained remembrance strengthens īmān
• Worldly responsibilities are part of the human condition
• The believer strives for consistency, not perfection