The 10 Practices of a Faithful Heart

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Indeed, the reward of deeds depends upon intentions.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1)
Below are some of the significant internal actions of a believing servant (Mu’min):

1. Ikhlas (Sincerity)

After faith, the primary action of the heart for a believer is sincerity (ikhlas). Sincerity means performing any act solely for Allah, seeking His pleasure and not caring about the opinion of others.
The Qur’an states:

“They were commanded to worship Allah, being sincere in faith, establishing prayer, and giving zakah; that is the correct religion.”
(Surah Al-Bayyinah, Ayah: 5)

Another verse:

“Say, ‘My prayer, my worship, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of all worlds. He has no partner, and I am dedicated to Him alone. I am the first among those who submit.’”
(Surah Al-An’am, Ayah: 162-163)

2. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

Tawakkul is placing complete trust and reliance on Allah in every situation.

“And if they turn away, then say, ‘Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’”
(Surah At-Tawbah, Ayah: 129)

3. Raja (Hope)

Raja is always expecting good from Allah and never despairing.

“Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for only the disbelievers despair of Allah’s mercy.”
(Surah Yusuf, Ayah: 87)

4. Khawf (Fear)

Khawf is maintaining fear of Allah in the heart.
Allama Ibn Qudamah (RA) said: “Fear is Allah’s whip through which He guides His servants to knowledge and actions, so that they may draw near to Him. Allah-fearing is the lamp of the heart through which one perceives good and evil.”

“Among Allah’s servants, only those with knowledge truly fear Him.”
(Surah Fatir, Ayah: 28)

5. Shukr (Gratitude)

Shukr is remembering Allah’s blessings and expressing gratitude.

“Remember, if you are grateful, I will surely increase you; but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe.”
(Surah Ibrahim, Ayah: 7)

6. Rida (Contentment)

Rida or contentment has two aspects:

1. Being satisfied with Allah’s decrees.

2. Seeking Allah’s pleasure through one’s own deeds.

“There are some who devote themselves for Allah’s pleasure; Allah is Most Compassionate to His servants.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah: 207)

7. Sabr (Patience)

Sabr is a believer’s virtue in facing trials and tribulations.

“O you who believe! Be patient, compete in patience, and remain ever ready for battle. Fear Allah so that you may succeed.”
(Surah Al-Imran, Ayah: 200)
 

8. Muhasaba (Self-accountability)

Islam encourages self-reflection or muhasaba, which prevents sin and allows self-purification.

“The Day everyone will see what good they have done and what evil, they will wish there was a great distance between them and their deeds. Allah warns you about Himself. Allah is Most Kind to His servants.”
(Surah Al-Imran, Ayah: 30)
 

9. Tafakkur (Contemplation)

Tafakkur is reflecting on Allah’s greatness and creation. By pondering creation, one recognizes Allah.

“Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying, ‘Our Lord, You did not create this in vain; glory be to You, protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’”
(Surah Al-Imran, Ayah: 191)
 

10. Mahabbah (Love)

Mahabbah is loving Allah and using that love as a measure to love others.

“Among people are those who take others as equals to Allah and love them as they love Allah; but those who believe love Allah the most.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah: 165)

These ten internal actions of the heart form the foundation of a believer’s inner spirituality and directly influence external deeds and worship.