Who is Momin?
According to Islamic belief, a ‘Momin’ is someone who truly believes. This person follows Islam and has deep faith that shapes their entire life. They live in a way that shows they completely trust and obey Allah (SWT). The Quran uses the term ‘Momin‘ and also describes the traits of a Momin.
A momin fully follows Islam’s core beliefs, including the oneness of Allah (SWT), the teachings of the Prophets, the Holy Books, the Day of Judgment, and accepting Allah’s (SWT) will. However, being a momin is not just about belief; it also involves action. Living as a momin means practicing the five pillars of Islam.
A saying from the Prophet Muhammad beautifully explains the nature of a Momin.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one from whom the people’s lives and wealth are safe.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i 4995]
This shows that Momin’s faith is not just personal; it also spreads goodness and security to others.
Note: "Al-Mu'min" is one of the names of Allah (SWT)."Al-Mu'minun" is the 23rd chapter of the Quran. Momin is also used as the name of a Muslim.
Traits of a Momin
In Islam, a momin is seen as a guiding light who leads the faithful toward righteousness. A momin’s traits include those that benefit personal and spiritual growth and improve the wider community. These traits are consistently emphasized throughout the Quran and Hadith as foundational to the character of a devout Muslim.
Now, let’s explore these traits of Momin in Islam according to the Holy Quran;
1. Belief in the Unseen (Iman Bil Ghayb)
Belief in the unseen is a fundamental attribute of a believer. It involves trusting in the existence of beings and realities beyond human perception, such as belief in angels, jinn, Jannah, and Jahannam. This belief fosters a strong faith and reliance on Allah (SWT), guiding believers through life’s challenges with trust and inner peace.
It exemplifies Momin’s acceptance of divine wisdom, even without physical proof, supporting their spiritual basis.
Allah Almighty says in the Quran,
2. Establishing Prayer (Salat)
Prayer is the spiritual backbone for a Momin, constantly reminding them of their connection to Allah (SWT). It is a daily reminder of their bond with Allah (SWT) and more than just a ritual; it is a heartfelt act of worship that brings structure and humility to their day. Regular prayers support Momin’s dedication to Allah (SWT), bringing inner strength and patience that affect their entire lives. This practice grows discipline and guides them to live peacefully with divine intentions.
This Trait of Momin is also mentioned in the Quran;
In another place, Allah (SWT) said,
For more information, visit the following blog posts:
- Five Daily Prayers in Islam.
- A Comprehensive Guide to Prayer in Islam.
- How to Pray Salah.
- How to Make up for Qada (Missed) Prayers.
3. Spending in Charity (Zakat)
Zakat, the mandatory act of giving wealth annually, is the fourth pillar of Islam. It purifies wealth and strengthens Muslim communities through social responsibility. Charity in Islam is a voluntary act (Sadaqah) to help those in need and express gratitude to Allah Almighty. By giving Zakat and other voluntary donations, Muslims cleanse their wealth and work towards lessening social disparities. This generosity builds community bonds and ensures everyone’s needs are met, acting as a tangible expression of faith and thankfulness to Allah (SWT).
Allah Almighty mentions this trait among the Traits of Momin in the Quran;
For comprehensive information about Zakat, Sadaqah, and charity, visit these blog posts:
- Islamic Charity: Sadaqah, Zakat, and More
- Comprehensive Guide to Islamic Donation and Charitable Giving
- Acts of Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam
4. Belief in Revelation
Belief in revelation is a fundamental pillar of Islam. It refers to the belief that Allah (SWT) communicates with humanity through chosen Messengers, primarily Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), delivering divine guidance and teachings. This revelation forms the foundation of Islamic scripture (Quran) and shapes Muslim beliefs and practices. Muslims believe in four Holy books. Accepting the teachings of the Quran is key, as they inform a believer’s views on life, ethics, and purpose. Regularly connecting with the Quran deepens spiritual guidance, enhancing their ethical and spiritual direction.
Allah Almighty says in the Quran,
5. Certainty in the Hereafter (Akhirah)
The belief in Akhirah fosters a sense of accountability for one’s actions in this life. Knowing they will be judged by Allah (SWT) motivates Momins to live righteously. Akhirah provides hope and comfort, especially during times of hardship. Muslims believe that good deeds in this life will be rewarded in the Hereafter. The certainty of the Hereafter imbues life with a deeper purpose. It encourages Muslims to strive for good deeds and live a life pleasing to Allah (SWT).
Allah Almighty says in the Quran this trait of Momin,
For more exploration of the day of judgment, visit this blog: Day of Judgement in Islam – Signs of Qiyamah.
6. Observing Fasting (Sawm)
Sawm is the fourth Pillar of Islam, making it a mandatory act of worship for Muslims. Fasting during Ramadan and other times is a deep show of faith and self-discipline. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, sexual activity, and anything that substitutes them from dawn until sunset. For a Momin, fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about purifying thoughts and actions. These traits of Momin help to develop control over desires and improve spiritual clarity.
Our website has a particular category dedicated to fasting and Ramadan. It covers everything from when and how to fast to its importance. We also share stories and traditions that help people understand and enjoy this special time of year.
7. Patience and Perseverance
Patience and perseverance, often referred to as Sabr in Islam, are vital qualities for a Momin. He sees life’s challenges as tests from Allah (SWT), and staying true and strong shows their trust in Allah Almighty’s plan. He helps them stay true to their faith and maintain a strong character no matter what happens.
For more information, visit the following blog;
8. Truthfulness and Integrity
Truthfulness and integrity, referred to as Sidq and Istiqamah, are fundamental values in Islam that go hand in hand. A momin values honesty and doing the right thing, which builds trust and fairness in the community. Living a life that follows Islamic teachings, a momin’s words are always honest, helping to build strong, trusting relationships.
Allah (SWT) says this trait in The Quran;
9. Forgiveness and Mercy
Forgiveness and mercy, known as Al-Ghafur (the Forgiving) and Al-Rahim (the Most Merciful), are two of Allah’s (SWT) most important attributes, and they are also crucial qualities for Momin to cultivate. The Forgiveness helps believers let go of hard feelings and avoid the harm long-lasting anger can cause. Mercy leads to acts of kindness and understanding, even when things are tough. These traits of Momin help create a peaceful and cooperative atmosphere in communities and personal relationships.
Allah (SWT) said about the Momin traits in the Quran,
10. Humility
Humility, known as Tawadhu, is a core virtue highly valued in Islam and considered a cornerstone of Islamic character. It reflects a believer’s understanding that all blessings and abilities come from Allah (SWT). Humility promotes positive qualities like kindness, compassion, and generosity. It also creates a more pleasant community where people respectfully treat each other.
This Attribute is also mentioned in the Quran;
11. Successful Believers (Qad Aflaha al-Mu’minun)
This verse (Quran 23:1) sets the stage for describing the qualities of truly successful people. It reminds us that real achievement lies in spiritual fulfillment and adherence to the divine commandments. For a Momin, success is defined not by worldly standards but by the richness of their spiritual life and their impact on others.
The Traits of Momin are also mentioned in the Quran,
12. Avoidance of Distractions
Avoiding distractions is an important aspect of living a successful life according to Islamic principles. In today’s world full of dispersion, needs to stay focused on spiritual objectives. A Momin focuses on their spiritual duties and avoids short-term distractions. This focus helps them lead a purpose-filled life and a strong connection with the divine.
Allah (SWT) said in the Quran about this trait of Momin,
13. Modesty and Chastity
Modesty and chastity are important qualities that guide how a Momin behaves and interacts with others. By choosing modesty in actions and attire, a Momin shows respect for themselves and others, which helps maintain respect and lessens social tension. Chastity maintains the integrity of relationships and supports moral standards, which are crucial for maintaining purity.
Allah Almighty also says about this attribute of Momin,
14. Avoidance of Sinful Acts
Avoiding sinful acts is a core principle in Islam, guiding Muslims towards a life pleasing to Allah (SWT) and leading to success in the Hereafter. A Momin actively avoids committing sins, whether they are considered major or minor. This careful avoidance is one of the key traits of a Momin, as it helps them stay on a path of righteousness and protects them from engaging in harmful behavior. It signifies their dedication to living by Allah’s guidance, strengthening their spiritual integrity.
Allah (SWT) said in the Quran,
15. Striving in the Cause of Allah Almighty
Striving for the cause of Allah Almighty, also known as Jihad, is a broad concept in Islam that encompasses various forms of effort and struggle. This striving isn’t just about fighting; it includes a variety of actions, such as educating others about Islam and opposing injustice. A Momin takes an active stance in life, always working to encourage what is good and prevent what is wrong, following the teachings of Islam.
For more information about Jihad, visit this blog post: Islamic Jihaad – Concept of Jihad in Islam.
Each characteristic focuses on developing a person’s whole character, guiding their actions to be righteous, serve the community, and find spiritual fulfillment. These characteristics are all connected to help lead a balanced and thoughtful life following Islamic teachings.
Difference between Muslim and Momin
A Muslim is someone who has submitted to the will of Allah (SWT) and follows the religion of Islam. On the other hand, a Momin is a believer who has not only accepted Islam but also has true faith and belief in the heart. Essentially, all Momins are Muslims, but not all Muslims are necessarily Momins. The difference lies in the depth of faith and following Islamic teachings in your daily life.
Conclusion
The traits of a Momin, as outlined in the Quran, offer a profound opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. These characteristics act as guiding lights, leading us to a life filled with faith, goodness, and kindness. Thinking about honesty, patience, thankfulness, and modesty encourages us to look within ourselves and aim for higher spiritual growth.
To truly follow these qualities, we must put in effort and be aware. It’s about more than just understanding their value; it’s about bringing them into our everyday actions, choices, and how we treat others. As we do this, we not only grow stronger in our beliefs but also make a positive impact on the people around us and our wider community.
May Allah (SWT) guide us all on this journey of self-improvement and grant us the strength to follow the traits of a Momin in our thoughts, actions, and interactions, Ameen.
