The Quran about faith 1

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful

The history of mankind is accomplished under the influence of faith. Faith can have different forms and expressions, which does not prevent it from being the starting point for changing the existing situation.

With the advent of the Koran, people were given an alternative meaning to the concept of “faith.” The Arabic root of this term is the following words: “amuna, amina, amana” meaning “to be faithful, reliable, safe, secure, prosperous, to trust, to believe.”

In order to better understand these meanings, let’s turn to the Koran, where the words from these roots are used:

And certainly did the owners of stone rooms deny the messengers. We gave them Our signs, but from them they were turning away. And they used to carve houses from the mountains, feeling secure (aaminiina). (15:80-82)

When their brother Salih said to them

“Will you not beware? Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger. So beware of God and obey me. And I do not ask you for it any reward. My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds. Will you be left in what is here, secure (aaminiina) within gardens and springs and fields of increasing crops and houses carved artfully in the mountains? (26:142-148)

But when he came to it, he was called from the right side of the nullah, in a blessed valley among the trees,

“O Moses, indeed I am God, Lord of the worlds! Throw down your staff.”

But when he saw it writhing he turned back, as if he was mad.  

“O Moses, approach and fear not. Indeed, you are of the secure (aaminiina). (28:30-31)

And We placed between them and the cities which We had blessed outer cities. And there We determined the path: “Travel between them by night or day in safety (aaminiiina)!” (34:18)

Certainly has God showed to His messenger the vision in truth.

You will surely enter forbidden for battles place for earthly worship, if God wills, in safety (aaminiiina), with your heads shaved and shortened, not fearing.

He knew what you did not know and has arranged before that a conquest near. (48:27)

The consent of the Quraysh!

They agreed to travel in summer and winter!

Let them worship the Lord of this house,

Who has fed them during hunger and made them secure (aamanuhum) from fear. (106:1-4)

The above signs show that the main feature of understanding “faith” is a qualitative state – a state of security. According to the Quran, Mecca was exactly personified with universal security, which led to the ban on battles between the warring parties during the visit to the House of God:

When We made the firmly established house a secure (amnan) place for meeting people, We prescribed: “And take from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer!.”

We charged Abraham and Ishmael: “Purify My house for those circling, devoting, kneeling and prostrating.” (2:125)

They say, “If we were to follow the Guidance with you, we would be swept from our land.”

Have we not strengthened them by forbidding battles for security (aaminan)?

Where the fruits of all things gather as favour from Us, but most of them do not know. (28:57)

Have they not seen that We made forbidden place safe (aaminan), while people are being taken away all around them? Then in vainness do they believe, and from the favour of God they closed themselves? (29:67)

 

The state of safety can be expressed in a state of prosperity:

…And when you are in prosperity (amintum), then who uses the visit for pilgrimage, can sacrifice an animal within own means… (2:196)

And if you fear anything, then you can pray on foot or riding. But when you are secure (amintum), then remember God, as He has taught you that which you did not know. (2:239)

 

In a natural way, security and prosperity are synonymous with trust:

And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then give a pledge. And if one of you entrusts (amina) another, then let him who is entrusted (autumina) return what is pledged. Let him beware God, his Lord! And do not conceal testimony, for whoever conceals it – his heart is indeed sinful. Indeed, God is Knowing of what you do. (2:283)

 

Security status can describe the upcoming event:

And when there comes to them secure (amni) or dangerous deed, they are discontented about it. But if they had referred it back to the messenger or to those of authority among them, then the ones who research would have known about it. And if not for the preference of God upon you and His mercy, you would have followed the disobedient, except for a few. (4:83)

 

Also, security can act as the result of activities:

God has promised those who have believed among you and corrected themselves that He will surely grant them succession upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them. He will surely strengthen them in fulfilment of the duty, which He has approved for them. He will surely substitute their fear to security (amnan), saying:

“They worship Me, not associating any partners with Me.

But those who close themselves after that – are the apostates. (24:55)

 

One result is different from another one. Human activities can also lead to a lack of security:

And how should I fear what you associate while you do not fear that you have associated with God that for which He has not sent down to you any authority? So which of the two parties has more true faith, if you should know?

They who believe and do not mix their belief with obscurity – those are in security (amnu), and they are guided. (6:81-82)

 

Then, did the people of the cities feel secure (amina) from Our power coming to them at night while they were asleep?

Or did the people of the cities feel secure (amina) from Our power coming to them in the morning while they were at play?

Then did they feel secure (aminu) from the cunning of God? But no one feels secure from the cunning of God except the losing people. (7:97-99)

Then do they feel secure (faminu) that there will not come to them an overwhelming of the punishment of God?! Or that the hour will not come upon them suddenly while they do not perceive? (12:107)

Then, do those who have planned evil deeds feel secure (faminu)? Indeed, God will cause the earth to swallow them or the punishment will come upon them from where they do not know? (16:45)

Then do you feel secure (amintum) because a part of the land will fall with you or a violent storm will be sent upon you, and then you would not find for yourselves a guardian?

Or do you feel secure (amintum) because you will return there again? Then hurricane of wind will be send upon you and you will be sunk because you were closed? Then you would not find therein from Us a guide. (17:68-69)

Does the one who is in the sky give you security (amintum) from the land that will fall with you, when it will be moving?

Does the one who is in the sky give you security (amintum) from the violent storm that will be sent against you and you will know how the warning is. (67:16-17)

Everything described relates to possible manifestations in this life, and in the next stage the desired result, of course, will be the security in Paradise:

Indeed, the circumspect will be within gardens and springs! They will be told: “Enter it in peace and security (aamiina)!” (15:45-46)

Whoever comes with a good deed will have better than it, and they, from the terror of that day, will be safe (aaminuna). (27:89)

We will give them a couple with black eyes. They will call therein for every fruit in security (aaminiina). (44:54-55)