THE MEANING OF IMAN Iman is to trust. Ibn Jarir (At-Tabari) commented, The prefered view is that they be described as having faith in the Unseen by the tongue, deed and creed. In this case, fear of Allah is included in the general meaning of Iman, which necessitates following deeds of the tongue by implementation. Hence, Iman is a general term that includes affirming and believing in Allah, His Books and His Messengers, and realizing this affirmation through adhering to the implications of what the tongue utters and affirms. Linguistically, in the absolute sense, Iman merely means trust, and it is used to mean that sometimes in the Quran, for instance, Allah the Exalted said, He trusts (yuminu) in Allah, and trusts (yuminu) in the believers. (Sura Tawbah: 61) Further, the word Iman is sometimes mentioned along with deeds, such as Allah said, Save those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds. (Sura Tiin:6) However, when Iman is used in an unrestricted manner, it includes beliefs, deeds, and statements of the tongue.We should state here that Iman increases and decreases. There are many narrations and Hadiths on this subject. Some scholars explained that Iman means Khashyah (fear of Allah). For instance, Allah said; Verily, those who fear their Lord unseen (i.e. they do not see Him, nor His punishment in the Hereafter. (Sura Mulk:12), and, Who feared the Most Gracious (Allah) in the Ghayb (unseen) and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him and absolutely free from every kind of polytheism. (Sura Qaaf: 33). Fear is the core of Iman and knowledge, just as Allah the Exalted said, It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah. (Sura Faatir:28). AMEEN.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 10:29:03 +0000