Assistant Lecturer Hassan Abdulhadi Al-Lami – College of Islamic Sciences – University of Karbala

Faith is subject to increase and decrease. When a person’s faith diminishes, they are described as having weak faith. The causes of weakened faith are numerous, foremost among them being the pursuit of one’s desires, indulgence in the temptations of instincts, the whispers of devils, and the allurements and adornments of this worldly life. Thus, the believer experiences a struggle between their desires and their piety.

If the believer is diligent in nurturing their faith and elevating their spiritual status, they will develop immunity against succumbing to temptations. Their faith will become strong and firmly rooted. So, how can we maintain our faith, increase its strength, and benefit from its blessings to protect us from falling into the quagmires of vice and immorality, or being overwhelmed by the doubts propagated by atheists and skeptics of true beliefs?

Amid these surrounding temptations and the diverse intellectual currents that cause negligence and weaken our faith, we are in dire need of continuous and consistent replenishment from the pure fountains of faith.

As Imam Hassan bin Ali (peace be upon them) said:
“The believer must equip themselves.”

So, what are the fountains of faith that provide us with spiritual energy, helping us adhere to religion and remain steadfast on the path of Sharia?

1. The First Fountain: The Creator’s Message to You – The Holy Qur’an
   Read it with love and understanding.
2. The Second Fountain: Night Prayer (Qiyam al-Layl)
   The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said:
   “You must observe the night prayer, for it is the practice of the righteous before you. Indeed, the night prayer is a means of drawing closer to Allah and a deterrent from sin.”
3. The Third Fountain: Seeking Forgiveness
   Initiate seeking forgiveness and repentance after every sin.
   The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said:
   “Glad tidings to those who find in their record of deeds on the Day of Judgment the phrase ‘I seek forgiveness from Allah’ under every sin.”
4. The Fourth Fountain: Righteous Friends and Companions
   The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said:
   “Sit with the righteous. If you do good, they will praise you, and if you err, they will not criticize you harshly.”
5. The Fifth Fountain: Self-Accountability
   Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:
   “The fruit of self-accountability is the reform of the self.”
6. The Sixth Fountain: Daily Meditation and Reflection
   Dedicate 20 to 30 minutes each day for contemplation.
   Imam Hassan (peace be upon him) said:
   “You must engage in reflection, for it is the life of the insightful heart and the keys to the gates of wisdom.”
7. The Seventh Fountain: Admonitions
   Admonitions play a significant role in refining the soul and strengthening faith.
   Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:
   “Admonitions are the life of hearts.”
8. The Eighth Fountain: Supplication (Du’a)
   Supplication is the ascension of the soul, the weapon of the believer, and the best form of worship.