How to Press the Reset Button on Faith

Hit the reset button.

I originally had learned about Islam bereft of its internal, spiritual dimension. I kept to subjects and interpretations that sounded authentic and authoritative, but after years they left me and many others in my circle feeling empty. It was then that I began to delve deeper into the tradition. It was then that I began to beg God to give me the opportunity to study the various sciences that preserved the light of the Divine.

One of the first pieces of advice I received while on this path was that one’s mental affirmations have an effect on how they perceive the Divine, and so clarifying one’s beliefs will benefit their faith. So, I began to study theology again — from scratch. Who was God? Why is His existence necessary? Who were the prophets? Did God have to send them, or was it a mercy from God that He did? Answering these questions caused major changes in my life, the first being my prayer.

As I spent days studying theology, I came across more and more realizations. When demanding situations presented, and I was told to be patient, I ceased thinking of it as useless advice but a realization that God had work to do and my impatience would disallow me from seeing it. I had hit the reset button, and now my perspective was changing.

Next: Why do we believe?