I am studying in the US for the past five years. I find myself a very weak Muslim. Yet I have always wanted to lead a pious life. Somehow I am not being able to overcome the evil within me and find that my Imān is dwindling. What should I do?

The greatest asset a person has is his Imān. To constantly think about improving it is something which really pleases the Almighty and which earns us His special help in this regard.

Here are a few measures which may prove helpful to you:

1) Take out some time regularly everyday to study the Qur’ān with specific stress on its meanings.

2) Develop a habit of gradually memorizing parts of the Qur’ān. Recite these parts in your daily prayers. This will make you feel closer to your Allah and will also make your prayers more involving. Needless to say that you should have an idea of all that you are reciting in your prayer.

3) Memorize the supplications (Ad‘iyah) of the Prophet (sws), and remember to recite them at appropriate times of the day.

4) Spend as much time as is possible in the company of pious people. Perhaps you will find such company at your local Islamic centre.

5) Whenever you feel depressed or low, recount the blessings of Allah which you have, and which others around you may not have.

May Allah always bless you with the concern of increasing your Imān -- as this in itself is a sign of Imān.