What increases and lessens iman piety

In Islamic theology, Iman (faith) is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is believed to be a fundamental aspect of a Muslim's spiritual life. Here are some factors that can increase or lessen one's piety:

Factors that increase piety:

  1. Prayer (Salah): Regular prayer helps to cultivate a sense of devotion and closeness to Allah.
  2. Recitation of the Quran: Reading and reciting the Quran regularly can increase one's faith and understanding of Islamic teachings.
  3. Charity (Zakat): Giving to those in need can help to purify one's heart and increase one's sense of compassion and empathy.
  4. Fasting (Sawm): Fasting during Ramadan or other times can help to increase self-control, self-awareness, and spiritual growth.
  5. Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr): Constantly remembering and invoking Allah's name can help to increase one's faith and sense of connection to Him.
  6. Seeking knowledge (Ilm): Acquiring knowledge of Islamic teachings, history, and culture can increase one's understanding and appreciation of Islam.
  7. Sincere repentance (Tawbah): Seeking forgiveness for one's mistakes and making amends can help to purify one's heart and increase one's faith.
  8. Patience and perseverance: Enduring difficulties and challenges with patience and perseverance can help to increase one's faith and trust in Allah.
  9. Gratitude (Shukr): Expressing gratitude to Allah for His blessings and favors can help to increase one's faith and sense of contentment.
  10. Company of righteous people: Surrounding oneself with righteous and pious individuals can help to increase one's faith and inspire positive behavior.

Factors that lessen piety:

  1. Disobedience to Allah's commands: Ignoring or disobeying Allah's commands can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of disconnection from Him.
  2. Sin and transgression: Engaging in sinful behavior can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of guilt and shame.
  3. Worldly attachments: Becoming too attached to worldly things, such as wealth, status, or power, can distract one from their spiritual goals and decrease their faith.
  4. Neglect of prayer and other spiritual practices: Neglecting regular prayer, fasting, and other spiritual practices can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of spiritual stagnation.
  5. Association with evil or corrupt individuals: Surrounding oneself with individuals who engage in evil or corrupt behavior can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of moral compromise.
  6. Lack of gratitude: Failing to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings and favors can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of discontentment.
  7. Pride and arrogance: Displaying pride and arrogance can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of disconnection from Allah.
  8. Neglect of knowledge and education: Neglecting to acquire knowledge and education can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of ignorance.
  9. Disregard for the rights of others: Disregarding the rights of others, such as their property, honor, or life, can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of moral decay.
  10. Lack of self-reflection and introspection: Failing to reflect on one's actions and intentions can lead to a decrease in faith and a sense of spiritual stagnation.

It's important to note that these factors can vary from person to person, and what may increase or lessen piety for one individual may not be the same for another. Ultimately, the key to increasing piety is to cultivate a strong relationship with Allah through regular prayer, recitation of the Quran, and other spiritual practices.