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Imanometer is a metaphysical machine, which serves as a self-assessment appliance for detecting any rise or fall in the camber of faith. It is defined“A conglomerate of virtual wheel of patience and six gears of the article of faith with calibrated scales of five pillars of Islam.”This device works on how consistent; any of the degree of measurements is practiced with sincerity, it flags a defective Iman at the slightest change (fluctuation) in conviction; it readers are never biased. A rise in faith never goes undetected, it engines never wears. This matchless gadget is on no account gloomed by a reclusive lifestyle, it does not reckon with attires, nor does it flinch at a gorgeous look at it. Its operation is highly sophisticated, measuring the slightest change in the alacrity of Iman like the speedometer and its droopiness like the application of brakes (sins, evil desires). Its only interest is what is in the heart more preferably the pure heart. The following are some of the scales of measuring one’s faith, which connotes an ideal state of Iman, they are; patience, remembrance of ALLAH, Love of the Prophet (SAW), dress code, remembrance of Death, and adherence to the pillars of Islam, seeking Islamic knowledge, truthfulness, certitude, carrying out good deeds etc. While on the contrary, these are some of the scales of determining a defective Iman: they are disbelief in the six articles of faith, listening to music, fornicating, telling lies, stealing, gambling, backbiting & slandering, drinking alcohol and other forms of sin.
SCALE OF DETERMINING A PERFECT IMAN
PATIENCE:Patience is the virtue of the righteous ones. Patience is the half of Iman that is why it is the key to happiness and contentment. Fretting about things, we cannot change! How helpless we are in face of trials but being patient and allowing situations to run their course according to Allah’s will. Patience seems unfeasible because of the whispers and whims of our satanic desires to take advantage of a minor spat just to display boxing flairs, and not as a mechanism of self-defense. Patience is seen stupid sometimes which is because to every situation that transpires,ALLAH has the knowledge of it, so the true believers give in their best, bearing it in mind that ALLAH (SWT) always has a plan; a way out. The degree of patience determines the sincerity in loving ALLAH (SWT). Many claim to love ALLAH (SWT) but when ALLAH tests them with hardship, they forget the essence of Love. No one can adhere to the love of ALLAH except those who are patient and persevering(As–Sabireen). The good or evil that comes their way, they do not seem to care. To their souls, all it drawn to is patience. ALLAH says:
“truly we found him full of patience and constancy. How excellent in our service! Ever did he turn (to us)!
(Quran 38:44)
REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH:This remembrance cleanses the heart, eschews it from all kind of evil intentions and it increases Iman. Allah says;
“remember me and I shall remember you. Be grateful unto me and deny me not” (Quran 2:152).
This clarifies that the constancy in the remembrance of ALLAH results in getting closer to ALLAH (SWT) and increasing our trust in him. Pondering over ALLAH’s signs and his obvious greatness brings nothing but satisfaction to the heart; it yearns for nothing more than thinking about ALLAH, the lord of the worlds. Recitation of the Quran and contemplation on its meanings,dhikr, azkars etc. These create a strong bond between a true believer and his lord.
DRESS CODE:Islam is a complete way of life, which addresses all aspects of being. As the popular saying goes; “you are what you wear” which means that your physical appearance is the product of your intent and conviction. Since action is a reflection of belief, therefore, a Muslimah/Muslim is not expected to wear a tight fitted cloth that reveals the body, smearing her/his whole face with gloss (make up) like a painter, with fat lips that glisters like gold. Embracing the dress style of the misled (fashion craze) (not because of Ignorance) is a clear sign of straying away from the Sunnah,even ISLAM. (Haya) modesty is a branch of faith (Iman) and a sign of respect for oneself and other. Therefore, the adoption of Islamic Dress code(e.g. Hijab, Niqqab, Jilbab, not dragging the garment/trousers below the ankle etc.)increases the level of Iman, which fosters the development of good character and constitutes being a modest model for others to emulate.
REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH:Death marks the end of all creatures in this worldly life, and paves the way for the next life, where man shall taste the fruits of his deeds, whether sweet or acidic. The panic of its bitter experience is inextinguishable in the heart of the true believer. A true believer is mindful of death and is not engrossed with the charming coquetries of the world knowing that he will be accountable for everything he does. The remembrance of death creates a barrier against sins, and other dwindling misdemeanors, which proportionally increases Iman i.e. the more frequent the remembrance, the higher the faith (Iman).