Faith and action is a subject that deserves deep reflection, because the relationship between the two cannot be broken. When a person believes in Allah, in the Day of Judgement, and in the message of the prophets, he receives a profound motivation to please his Creator, to walk on the straight path, and to prepare for his return to Him. Faith without action is like a lamp without light; and action without faith is like a body without a soul. Allah informs us in the Qur’an: “He who created life and death in order to test you, as to which of you is best in conduct; He is Mighty and Forgiving” (Al-Mulk 67: 3). This shows that existence itself is a test, an examination that humans must pass, and the principal criterion is the quality of their actions.
A
true believer practises his duties with sincerity. Unfortunately, many people
do not understand religion in its true sense; their lives remain empty, without
satisfaction. Some think that merely pronouncing the formula of faith or
bearing a Muslim name is enough to protect them; but they make no effort
through their actions to practise their religion, to obey what Allah has
commanded. This is a grievous illusion. The Qur’an describes those who neglect
the moral and spiritual code of truth: “They
took their religion as amusement and play, and the worldly life deceived them”
(Al-A’raf 7: 52)
Then
Allah says: “Today We will forget them, just as
they forgot the meeting of this Day” – This being a warning of the
seriousness of neglecting action.
Faith
and action are inseparable pillars. Allah says: “Those
who believe and do good deeds, We will not let their reward be lost”
(Al-Kahf 18: 31). Faith pushes a believer towards charity, justice, honesty,
and obedience. Without action, faith is hollow; without faith, action lacks
spiritual fragrance. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “The best among
you is the one with the best character” (Bukhari). This shows that moral
practice is an integral part of faith.
In
modern society, too many people treat religion as identity or tradition. But
Islam teaches that faith is responsibility. Allah warns: “Have you seen the one who denies the Judgement? It is he
who repulses the orphan and does not encourage feeding the poor”
(Al-Ma’un 107: 2-4). Neglect of action is a sign of weak faith. Faith must
manifest in charity, patience, honesty, respect, and justice.
There
is also a social dimension: when a community has faith without action, it
becomes weak; but when faith and action walk together, the community gets stronger.
Allah says: “Hold fast, all of you together, to
the rope of Allah, and do not be divided” (Al-Imran 3: 104). History
shows that Muslims prospered when they were sincere in faith and active in
action, but declined when they neglected practice.
Faith
and action also involve sacrifice. Allah says: “Those
who emigrated, were expelled from their homes, suffered harm for My cause,
fought and were killed – I will remove their sins and admit them into gardens
beneath which rivers flow. This is a reward from Allah, and with Allah is the
best reward.” (Al-Imran 3: 196)
The
companions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) embodied this truth: Abu Bakr (ra) with
generosity, Umar (ra) with justice, Uthman (ra) with modesty, and Ali (ra) with
courage and knowledge. Their faith was not mere words; it was lived through
action.
Thus,
faith and action must walk together. Faith without action leads to illusion and
laziness; action without faith leads to fatigue and hypocrisy. But when united,
they bring inner peace and eternal reward. Allah promises: “Those who believe and do good deeds will have gardens
beneath which rivers flow” (Al-Baqara 2: 26). The Holy Prophet
(pbuh) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good
or remain silent” (Bukhari, Muslim). Even simple actions reflect true
faith.
Therefore,
Muslims must unite sincere faith with righteous action. Good deeds done with
pure intention become investments for the Hereafter. Neglect leads to loss.
Islam calls us to sincerity, devotion, and practice – in worship, in daily
life, and in social responsibility. Faith and action together prepare the
believer for success in both worlds, with the pleasure of Allah and eternal
peace. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 08 May 2026~ 19 Dhu'l Qaddah 1447 AH Delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.