In this article, we aim to clarify the concept of strength in Islam, where strength is comprehensively manifested in several aspects including spiritual, social, and physical dimensions. We highlight how faith, ethics, the body, and charitable work can intertwine to form a strong foundation for the Muslim individual.
We will focus on some key points that enhance strength in the light of the Holy Quran and discuss how a believer can be strong in their faith, personal and social development. We will also take a look at the practical plan laid out by the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) to achieve strength and excellence.
In an attempt to understand the meaning of strength in Islam, we explore together how strong faith and noble ethics can contribute to building a distinguished and effective individual in developing society. Let’s be part of this journey aimed at enhancing the values of Islam and achieving strength in all aspects of life.
Concept of Strength in Islam
Linguistically, strength means the intensity of will.
In religious terms, it is what distinguishes a person in physical and mental characteristics to be an active element in building their nation and civilization.
Strength in Islam is multi-faceted, extending from physical strength to include spiritual strength, and the strength of faith that motivates its possessor to perform their duties perfectly and avoid sins.
Types of Strength
- Strength of Faith: This is the basis of differentiation among people. A strong believer is more capable of fulfilling their duties than a weak believer, who may be led by their weak faith to neglect duties and commit some sins.
- Strength of Belief: This enables its possessor to submit to the command of Allah Almighty, endure hardships, and face difficulties.
- Strength of Knowledge: One of the most important foundations of Islamic civilization and the first thing called for by Sharia and revealed in the Quran in Allah’s words (Read in the name of your Lord who created).
- Strength of Will and Steadfastness
The poet said:
- Wishes alone can’t achieve desires, But the world is won by those who dare. Nothing’s too hard for people to acquire, If they face the challenge with courage and flair
Material Strength: Manifested in physical strength, military power, economic strength, etc.
Every one of us strives to possess aspects of strength on both the individual and societal levels. Therefore, in the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him), we have a good example, where he guided and directed us to the practical plan through which we can be strong on all levels.
The Prophet’s (may peace be upon him) Plan for Achieving Strength
The Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) laid out a comprehensive plan to achieve strength in all aspects, based on listening to Allah’s revelation and applying it in daily life, including enhancing faith and ethics, stimulating learning and knowledge, and promoting unity
and cooperation in society.
Hadith on Strength
The Prophetic hadiths on strength highlight a comprehensive concept that goes beyond physical strength to include psychological and spiritual strength.
In one of the well-known hadiths ,Narrated by Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.
Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not give up. If something befalls you, do not say: ‘If only I had done this or that,’ but rather say: ‘Allah has decreed, and what He wills, He does;’ for ‘if’ opens the door to the work of Satan.” Reported by Muslim.
How to Become Strong?
There are important points that yield fundamental concepts that enhance the individual’s strength, which in turn contributes to enhancing the concept of strength socially, including:
Eager for Beneficial Work
In religion: Enhancing worship and closeness to Allah to achieve spiritual strength.
In worldly life: Investing effort in works that benefit the individual and society towards seeking knowledge and developing the land.
Seeking Help from Allah Almighty
Dependence and Delegation: Relying on Allah in all matters and avoiding arrogance {It is You we worship and You we ask for help}.
Freeing Oneself from Laziness and Inactivity
Activity and Diligence: Motivating oneself to be active and constantly striving to achieve goals.
Freeing Oneself from Despair and Regret
Trust in Allah’s Decree: Accepting life’s hardships with confidence in Allah’s decree and optimism for good.
Hope and Faith: Motivating oneself with hope and relying on faith to achieve goals.
Contentment with Allah’s Will
Proper Acceptance: Appreciating what Allah has apportioned and being content with one’s lot in a serene spirit. Narrated by Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan: The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: “Amazing is the affair of the believer, for there is good for him in every matter, and this is not the case with anyone except the believer: If he is happy, he thanks Allah, and that is good for him, and if he is harmed, he shows patience, and that is good for him.” Reported by Muslim.
Continuous Development
Innovation and Learning: Striving for self-improvement through continuous learning and using creativity to solve problems.
Enhancing Communication and Cooperation
Building Relationships: Encouraging effective communication and building positive relationships with others.
Stimulating Collective Work
Unity and Integration: Emphasizing the importance of integration and cooperation in society to achieve collective strength.
Maintaining Ethics
Integrity and Honesty: Committing to ethics and integrity in all actions and relationships.
Continuously Applying Islamic Principles
Achieving Balance: Continuously employing Islamic principles in all aspects of life contributes to achieving balance in life and society.
At the end of this enjoyable journey into the world of strength in Islam, we see the importance of activating this concept in our daily lives. Through our comprehensive understanding of the dimensions of strength and drawing lessons from the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him), we find an opportunity to elevate our performance and make an effective contribution to the advancement of our society.
Let the application of these values and concepts be part of our daily lives. Let’s be part of a positive transformation towards a promising future that reflects our adoption of our religion’s values, with dedication and commitment to contributing to good. Each individual can play an influential role in building a society based on values and progress.
Let us work hard and arm ourselves with the spirit of faith and will, achieving balance between aspects of our lives, and looking forward to our efforts having a positive impact that enhances development and prosperity.
We ask Allah to guide and grant us success in achieving His pleasure.
Author: Mr. Muhammad Nour Al-Bakour, Islamic Education Teacher at Masarat Initiative
