Doubting Islam: A Healthy Step Toward Stronger Faith for Young People
Faith is a Journey
Faith is not a destination—it’s a journey. Like climbing a mountain, it’s a path of growth, challenges, and discovery. Along this journey, it’s natural to experience doubt, especially for young people navigating faith in today’s fast-paced and challenging world. But here’s the beautiful truth: doubt is not a sign of weakness in faith—it’s an opportunity to strengthen it. Even one of the greatest prophets, Ibrahim (AS), sought reassurance from Allah:
"My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead." Allah said, "Have you not believed?" Ibrahim replied, "Yes, but so my heart will be at ease.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:260)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded us of this truth when he said:
"We are more likely to doubt than Ibrahim when he said, ‘O Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This profound reminder highlights that doubting doesn’t diminish faith; rather, it’s an opportunity to grow closer to Allah by seeking understanding. If Ibrahim (AS), a Prophet and close friend of Allah, had moments of questioning, then it’s completely understandable that our youth may also feel uncertain at times—especially given the challenges of modern society. These doubts, however, can be transformative when handled correctly.
However, when young people ask challenging questions or express doubt, we often feel alarmed, fearing it reflects a loss of faith. In reality, these questions are a natural part of their development and a sign of their desire to understand their Creator deeply. Instead of reacting with fear, frustration and anger, we should approach these moments as opportunities to nurture their connection to Islam.
Adventure of Ibrahim (AS)
The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the four birds is a profound lesson in striving to strengthen faith and seeking clarity. Allah instructed Ibrahim to train four birds, place them on the peaks of different mountains, and then call them. When Ibrahim did so, the birds came back to him swiftly, demonstrating how everything recognises Allah (just as the birds recognised Ibrahim) and responds to His call, even to come back to life. This event is detailed in the Quran:
“And when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead,’ He said, ‘Do you not believe, then?’ ‘Yes,’ said Abraham, ‘but just to put my heart at rest.’ So God said, ‘Take four birds and train them to come back to you. Then place them on separate hilltops, call them back, and they will come flying to you: know that God is all powerful and wise.’” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:260)
This remarkable event teaches us the value of striving for clarity and certainty in our faith, just as Ibrahim sought reassurance from Allah. His “adventure” climbing mountains to fulfill Allah’s command mirrors the spiritual effort we must undertake to overcome doubts and grow in faith. It reminds us that faith is a process that involves effort, reflection, and trust in Allah.
Just as Ibrahim was reassured by witnessing Allah’s power, we too can find peace and certainty by connecting with Allah’s signs in the Quran and His creation.
Navigating Doubt: Seeking Allah’s Signs
Doubt can be cleared by reflecting on the signs of Allah in the Quran and His creation.
Signs in the Quran
The Quran itself is a miracle, filled with wisdom, guidance, and evidence of Allah’s infinite knowledge. It provides answers to life’s biggest questions and inspires a deeper connection to our Creator. Verses recounting the lives of the Prophets, descriptions of the hereafter, and Allah’s attributes open the heart to His majesty. When recited and understood, these words have a profound impact on the soul, as described:
”True believers are those whose hearts tremble with awe when God is mentioned, whose faith increases when His revelations are recited to them, who put their trust in their Lord, who keep up the prayer and give to others out of what We provide for them.” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:2-3)
By reflecting on the Quran with sincerity, one gains clarity, peace, and conviction. It becomes a source of reassurance, dispelling doubts and renewing belief.
Signs in Creation
The natural world is another manifestation of Allah’s power and mercy. The intricacy of ecosystems, the vastness of the universe, and the beauty of every sunset serve as reminders of His perfection. Every tree, wave, and star points toward the Creator.
Allah invites us to ponder His creation as a way of recognising His greatness and wisdom:
“He has subjected all that is in the heavens and the earth for your benefit, as a gift from Him. There truly are signs in this for those who reflect.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah 45:13)
When we reflect on nature, we witness the order and precision in Allah’s design, reinforcing that nothing is random or purposeless. These reflections can dissolve doubts, replacing them with awe and certainty. Allah says:
“There truly are signs in the creation of the heavens and earth, and in the alternation of night and day, for those with understanding, who remember God standing, sitting, and lying down, who reflect on the creation of the heavens and earth: ‘Our Lord! You have not created all this without purpose- You are far above that!- so protect us from the torment of the Fire.’" (Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:190-191)
Spending time in nature is a powerful way to connect with Allah’s signs. Walking through forests, climbing mountains, or sitting by rivers allows us to reflect on His grandeur and creative power. Every tree, every star, every gust of wind speaks of His glory. Standing amidst Allah’s magnificent creation fosters awe, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. Faith becomes more profound when we align heart, mind, and soul with the signs around us.
A Holistic Approach
By engaging with both the Quran and the natural world, faith is nurtured from all angles. The Quran provides spiritual guidance, while nature makes Allah’s power and mercy tangible. Together, they strengthen the heart, renew conviction, and bring about tranquility. Doubts are not signs of failure but rather invitations to seek Allah’s truth more deeply, and His signs are ever-present to guide us.
Connecting with the Prophet Muhammad
A crucial part of strengthening faith is knowing and loving the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His life exemplifies resilience, guidance, and devotion to Allah. The Quran itself speaks about the profound wisdom and kindness of the Prophet:
“A Messenger has come to you from among yourselves. Your suffering distresses him: he is deeply concerned for you and full of kindness and mercy towards the believers.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:128)
This verse highlights the Prophet’s compassion and genuine care for his people. He bore immense hardship to deliver Allah’s message, always prioritising the well-being of his followers and guiding them with patience and love. For young people, reflecting on this level of dedication inspires a deep connection with his mission and character.
The Prophet’s character was so exemplary that Allah asked people to reflect on him:
“Say [Prophet], ‘I advise you to do one thing only: stand before God, in pairs or singly, and think: there is no sign of madness in your companion [the Prophet]—he is only warning you before severe suffering arrives.’” (Surah Saba 34:46)
Through these verses, Allah invites us to ponder the integrity and sincerity of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His unwavering commitment to truth and his selflessness in delivering Allah’s message prove his noble character and establish him as a guide for all generations.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “Whoever has three traits within himself will find the sweetness of faith: one who loves Allah and His Messenger more than anything else, one who loves a servant only for the sake of Allah, and one who hates to turn back to unbelief after Allah has saved him, just as he hates to be thrown into the fire.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This Hadith underscores the essential role of love for Allah and His Messenger in cultivating faith. For young people, understanding the Prophet’s mercy, character, and wisdom helps transform doubt into conviction and love into devotion.
By reflecting on the Quran’s portrayal of the Prophet and studying his life, we learn how to navigate challenges and grow spiritually. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not just a historical figure but a living example of how faith is practiced, doubts are dispelled, and believers are led toward Allah’s light.
Faith through Brotherhood/Sisterhood and Love
Faith flourishes in a community built on compassion, love, and shared purpose. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) beautifully likened believers to “bricks of a building, each part strengthening the other” (Sahih Al-Bukhari). This Hadith highlights the essential role of mutual support and unity in building a strong foundation of faith.
Allah also emphasises the importance of community:
“The believers, both men and women, support each other; they order what is right and forbid what is wrong; they keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms; they obey God and His Messenger. God will give His mercy to such people: God is almighty and wise.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:71)
This verse illustrates the interconnectedness of believers and their shared responsibility to uphold what is right and support one another through prayer, charity, and obedience to Allah. For young people especially, being part of a nurturing and faithful community provides a sense of belonging, purpose, and encouragement as they navigate questions and doubts about their faith.
As mentioned earlier, loving others for the sake of Allah is one of the ways to experience the sweetness of faith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded us of this when he said: “Whoever has three traits within himself will find the sweetness of faith: …one who loves a servant only for the sake of Allah…” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Compassionate and sincere connections allow us to deepen our love for Allah while fostering mutual growth in spirituality. By building communities rooted in brotherhood and sisterhood, we create spaces where doubts are addressed with kindness, questions are answered with wisdom, and faith is strengthened collectively. In such environments, young people are empowered to develop their relationship with Allah and contribute meaningfully to the Muslim Ummah.
The Role of Reason in Strengthening Faith
Islam encourages the use of intellect to reflect, ponder, and reason about the Quran, creation, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah repeatedly calls upon believers to engage their minds, emphasising that reasoning is essential to faith. He warns against neglecting this gift:
“The worst creatures in God’s eyes are those who are [wilfully] deaf and dumb, who do not reason.” (Surah Al-Anfāl 8:22)
This verse highlights the importance of intellectual engagement in distinguishing truth from falsehood. Faith, far from being blind, is enriched by thought and reflection.
Allah also connects belief with the use of reason, stating:
“No soul can believe except by God’s will, and He brings disgrace on those who do not use their reason.” (Surah Yunus 10:100)
Thus, reasoning is not merely an intellectual exercise but a pathway to divine guidance. The Quran itself invites contemplation:
“Will they not think about this Quran? If it had been from anyone other than God, they would have found much inconsistency in it.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:82)
This verse encourages believers to critically examine the Quran, as its divine origin is evident through its consistency and wisdom. Furthermore, the Quran warns against closing one’s heart to its profound messages:
“Will they not contemplate the Quran? Do they have locks on their hearts?” (Surah Muhammad 47:24)
Through reasoning, believers unlock deeper understanding and connection to Allah. By observing creation, pondering Quranic verses, and reflecting on the Prophet’s life, young people can strengthen their faith and dispel doubts. Faith is not isolated from intellect; it is fortified by it, transforming doubt into conviction through sincere thought and reflection.
Conclusion
Faith is a journey of growth and discovery, and even the greatest of believers, like Prophet Ibrahim (AS), sought reassurance from Allah. His story reminds us that seeking clarity and overcoming doubt is a vital part of strengthening our connection to Allah. Similarly, we are deeply grateful to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for his kindness in acknowledging our human tendency to doubt and guiding us with wisdom. By encouraging our young people to explore their doubts through reflecting on Allah’s signs in the Quran and creation, connecting with the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life and teachings, and fostering loving, supportive communities, we can help them transform their uncertainties into powerful moments of growth. At the core of faith is reflection and gratitude—a recognition that Allah’s design is perfect and that everything around us is a reminder of His mercy and greatness. We must encourage young people to embrace their doubts, as they are stepping stones on the beautiful path toward sweetness of faith and a deeper relationship with their Creator. Faith is a journey, and every step matters.
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