The Meaning of Iman

Allah says;

“Those Who have faith in the Ghayb.”

Abu Jafar Ar-Razi said that Al-Ala bin Al-Musayyib bin Rafi narrated from Abu Ishaq that Abu Al-Ahwas said that Abdullah said,  "Iman is to trust.''

Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn Abbas said, (who have faith), means they trust.

Also, Ma`mar said that Az-Zuhri said, "Iman is the deeds.''

In addition, Abu Jafar Ar-Razi said that Ar-Rabi bin Anas said that,

`They have faith', means, they fear (Allah).

Ibn Jarir (At-Tabari) commented,

"The preferred 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 Qur'an, for instance, Allah the Exalted said,

“He trusts (yu'minu) in Allah, and trusts (yu'minu) in the believers.” (Surat At-Tawbah: 61)

Prophet Yusuf's brothers said to their father,

“But you will never believe us even when we speak the truth.” (Surat Yusuf: 17)

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.” (Surat At-Tin: 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, and we discussed them in the beginning of our explanation of Sahih Al-Bukhari, all favors are from Allah.

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).” (Surat Al-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).” (Surat Qaf: 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.” (Surat Fatir: 28).