The Depth of Faith is Seen in Calmness Amid Trials

The Depth of Faith is Seen in Calmness Amid Trials

By Shamsi Ali Al-Nuyorki*

In an age filled with noise, people are easily dazzled by beautiful words about faith and piety, yet forget to weigh the depth of the soul behind them. But true faith lies not in eloquence of speech, but in the serenity and clarity of the heart. From there radiates the real light of faith: knowledge, deeds, and genuine devotion.

A person may speak fluently about faith and piety. His tongue is sweet, his words well-crafted, even able to move others to tears. Yet he may crumble when trials befalls him. And there may be one who is clumsy with words, but whose heart is firm like a mountain. Steadfast and calm in the face of trial, still leaning on God in his silence.

That firmness and calmness of bearing, that is the true measure of a person’s faith and piety. The image seems to strike our awareness: this is the mirror of what faith really is. That faith is not merely in words, but in what resides in the heart and is reflected in deed and character.

In “Kitab Al-Kaba’ir”, Imam Adz-Dzahabi narrates that Ibn Mas‘ud once said: “Whoever acquires religious knowledge but does not act upon it, his arrogance only increases.” This reminds us that knowledge without action can become a source of disaster. It makes a person feel superior, when in fact he is low in the sight of the Divine.

Allah reminds us: By time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience. (QS. Al-‘Asr: 1–3)

This surah, which Imam Ash-Shafi‘i said would suffice if it were the only one Allah had revealed, affirms that salvation from loss requires faith accompanied by deeds. And those deeds must be built upon patience when life is shaken by trials.

In daily life, trials often arrive unannounced. Loss, failure, insult, even betrayal can come from unexpected directions. It is at that point that the quality of faith and piety is tested. One who is only loud in speech may collapse. But one whose heart is filled with faith will remain firm and strong. He does not complain much, because he is certain that every decree carries wisdom and mercy from the Merciful.

This also reminds the Prophet du’a (supplication), which he did not merely ask for knowledge, but for beneficial one: “‘ilman naafi‘an”, knowledge that is acted upon. Knowledge that is not practiced becomes a burden; it can even harden the heart. A heart that is not humble will find it hard to be calm, and a soul that is never content will always be restless.

Calmness in life does not necessarily mean having no problems. Calmness is the ability to remain steady and shaken in the midst of the storm. Like a deep ocean: the surface may be wavy, but the depths remain still. A person like this does not panic easily, does not rush into decisions, and does not lose direction when trials struck.

So if today you are still quick to be impressed by words, learn to look deeper. See how a person behaves when tested. See how he guards his tongue when angry. See how he remains grateful when he loses. There lies the measure of depth in faith and solidity in “taqwa”

In a world addicted to outrage, be in awe of those who are calm. Their silence often carries more value and strength than the loudest noise and sweet words.

Jamaica Hills, April 15, 2026

*Director, Jamaica Muslim Center & President, Nusantara Foundation