The Qur’an outlines four progressive stages of submission (islam) and faith (imaan), each marking a deeper commitment in the journey of a believer. Although a person can attain the initial three stages of both submission and faith through personal effort, the final stage is a special gift bestowed by God. For the first three stages, submission is a legislative requirement.
- First Stage of Submission (Islam): This initial level involves a person’s acceptance of Divine commandments, directives, and prohibitions, even if faith hasn’t yet fully settled in their heart. One enters this stage by reciting the two testimonies (shahadatayn), affirming the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad.
- Second Stage of Submission: The next level requires a more sincere acceptance of the tenets of faith in detail, accompanied by consistent good deeds, even though occasional lapses may occur. This is reflected in the verse: O you who believe! Enter into submission, one and all, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan; surely he is your open enemy. (2:208) Here, God instructs believers to fully commit to submission, warning that without complete devotion, they might be led astray by Satan. This verse emphasizes following the islam prescribed by God and His Messenger, which encompasses all necessary laws for human well-being.
- Second Stage of Faith: At this level, faith deepens, as one not only believes but understands the faith through reasoning and clarity, as referenced in: The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then do not doubt, and strive with their wealth and lives in Allah’s way; they are the truthful ones. (49:15)
- Third Stage of Submission: With the second stage of faith fully internalized, a person’s soul matures, subduing any lower tendencies to pursue material or fleeting desires. At this stage, a person worships God with an acute awareness, as though seeing Him, and believes God is fully aware of him as well.
- Third Stage of Faith: This stage brings forth refined virtues such as contentment with Divine Decree, submission to God’s commands, patience, self-denial, and piety. The believer here surrenders fully to God’s will, like a servant faithfully obedient to a master.
- Fourth Stage of Submission: Having achieved the third stage of submission and faith, the believer now receives Divine Grace, allowing them to perceive that all dominion belongs solely to God. This realization is an exclusive gift from God, not attainable through personal endeavor alone. This elevated submission may be what Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail prayed for when they said: Our Lord! Make us submissive to You, and from our progeny, a community submissive to You, and show us our ways of devotion, and turn to us mercifully; surely You are the Oft-returning, the Merciful. (2:128) Their supplication was for a level of submission beyond their personal reach.
- Fourth Stage of Faith: In this final stage, the profound realization of God’s absolute power pervades the believer’s being. They attain certainty that nothing exists independently of God’s will, and no cause functions outside His permission. This certainty protects them from grief during hardships and fear in the face of danger. God’s commendation in verse 10:62 reflects this state: Indeed, the friends of Allah will have no fear, nor will they grieve.
These stages illustrate a journey from outward submission to profound, unwavering faith, each step strengthening the believer’s relationship with God.
Reference: Al-Mizan, English vol. 2
