77 branches of Imane [12-16]

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

12. To love or hate someone solely because of Allah: the love and hate for the sake of Allah maintains the connection between people in the Ummah. It ensures that the ties of friendship and harmony among people are attained, so that they love one another, visit one another, are sincere towards one another, intermarry, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, thus attaining true Islamic brotherhood.

The prophet () said: “Indeed the strongest bond of faith is to love for the sake of Allah and hate for the sake of Allah.” [Musnad authenticated by al-Albaani] 

13. To execute all actions with the intention of deen (sincerity to Allah ) alone: actions with one’s own wills and desires such as to show off to other people are not considered part of Islam. It is by placing Allah in all that we do that validates the action and places His blessing in it.

“Allah does not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He imposes blame upon you for what your hearts intend. And Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.” 2:225

14. To regret and express remorse when a sin is committed: sincere and regret is part of what validates true repentance. The fact that one feels guilty for a sin shows belief in Allah.

The Messenger of Allah () said, “Regret is part of repentance.” [Ibn Majah authenticated by al-Albaani]

15. To fear Allah: our relationship with Allah consists of many factors, one of which is fear. To fear Allah’s power and punishment is extremely important in strengthening imane.

“O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].” 3:102

16. To hope for the mercy of Allah:  having hope and belief that Allah will have mercy on us is also part of belief in Allah Himself. Without believing in Allah’s mercy, we are invalidating His own decree upon Himself.

“And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say, ‘Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed upon Himself mercy: that any of you who does wrong out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself – indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.'” 6:54

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” 39:53

Allah knows best.

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