Thus, sincerity in devotion serves as both a protection against falsehood and a mark of those who remain steadfast on the straight path. It is the difference between those who uphold the truth and those who fall into idolatry, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Prioritizing anything or anyone above God—whether it be wealth, status, relationships, or even personal desires—dilutes this sincerity. The Quran warns against those who set up rivals to God, loving them as they should love Him alone:
2:165 Yet, some people set up idols to rival GOD, and love them as if they are GOD. Those who believe love GOD the most. If only the transgressors could see themselves when they see the retribution! They will realize then that all power belongs to GOD alone, and that GOD’s retribution is awesome.
True devotion is the foundation of submission. It is a state where nothing competes with God for our love, trust, or reliance. To be sincere in faith means to remove all barriers between oneself and God, ensuring that worship is free from any form of association, pretense, or ulterior motive. This absolute devotion is what leads to success in both this life and the Hereafter.
7. Truthfulness (Sidq)
Truthfulness in Submission is not merely about speaking the truth; it is a perpetual state of being that extends to one’s thoughts, actions, intentions, and self-awareness. The Quran warns,
2:42 Do not confound the truth with falsehood, nor shall you conceal the truth, knowingly.
A true submitter embodies honesty at all times, ensuring that their thoughts align with reality, their beliefs are sincere, their emotions are genuine, and their actions reflect integrity. This means being honest with oneself by recognizing personal flaws, shortcomings, and biases rather than living in denial. It also requires sincerity in intentions, where good deeds are done solely for God’s sake rather than for praise, status, or personal gain.
One of the most famous Russian novelist quotes about truth comes from Fyodor Dostoevsky:
“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others.”
— The Brothers Karamazov
This quote highlights the danger of self-deception and how it erodes one’s ability to perceive truth. Dostoevsky often explored themes of truth, morality, and human nature in his works.
35:8 Note the one whose evil work is adorned in his eyes, until he thinks that it is righteous. GOD thus sends astray whoever wills (to go astray), and He guides whoever wills (to be guided). Therefore, do not grieve over them. GOD is fully aware of everything they do.
In relationships, trustworthiness and reliability must be upheld, with no room for deception, exaggeration, or manipulation. Similarly, honesty in conveying knowledge is essential, ensuring that truth is never distorted to serve personal agendas.
33:24 GOD will surely recompense the truthful for their truthfulness, and will punish the hypocrites, if He so wills, or redeem them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
Living in a state of complete truthfulness brings profound implications, and strengthens one’s connection with God. It also provides an unshakable moral compass, allowing a submitter to stand firm on justice, even when it goes against personal interests. Truthfulness frees the heart from fear and anxiety, as deception requires constant effort to maintain, whereas honesty brings peace and clarity. In society, a foundation built on truth fosters trust, stability, and justice. For a true submitter, truthfulness is not just an ethical guideline but the very essence of faith, shaping their every decision, interaction, and way of life.
8. Trust in God ( tawakkul)
Trust in God ( tawakkul) is not merely a response to hardship but a continuous state of mind that a true submitter maintains at all times. It is an unwavering reliance on God’s wisdom, power, and mercy, guiding every decision, action, and emotional state. The Quran instructs:
3:122 Two groups among you almost failed, but GOD was their Lord. In GOD the believers shall trust.
This emphasizes that faith is incomplete without a deep trust in God’s plan. True tawakkul means understanding that while human effort is necessary, the ultimate outcome is always in God’s hands. This trust provides inner peace, resilience, and clarity, freeing a person from excessive worry about the uncertainties of life.
A submitter who truly relies on God does not allow fear, doubt, or anxiety to consume them. Instead, they find strength in the assurance that God is in control and running everything.
65:3 And will provide for him whence he never expected. Anyone who trusts in GOD, He suffices him. GOD’s commands are done. GOD has decreed for everything its fate.
This means that regardless of external circumstances, one remains content, knowing that God’s wisdom prevails. Tawakkul does not mean passivity or neglecting responsibility; rather, it means exerting effort while surrendering the results to God with complete confidence. It fosters courage, as one no longer hesitates due to fear of failure, recognizing that success and hardship are both part of God’s divine decree. It also cultivates patience, as a submitter understands that delays, difficulties, and unexpected outcomes are all part of a greater plan.
33:48 Do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites, disregard their insults, and put your trust in GOD; GOD suffices as an advocate.
Trusting in God transforms how one approaches life, replacing anxiety with serenity and fear with conviction. It strengthens faith, as reliance on God deepens a person’s connection with Him, making every challenge a reminder of divine wisdom rather than a cause for despair. This trust is the key to true liberation—liberation from doubt, from excessive attachment to worldly concerns, and from the illusion of control. A person who embodies tawakkul lives with a heart full of peace, knowing that no matter what happens, they are under the care of the Most Merciful.
Conclusion
The commands outlined in the Quran are not mere instructions to be followed when convenient; they are perpetual principles that shape every moment of a submitter’s life. These commands— tawhid (God’s absolute oneness), taqwa (God-consciousness), dhikr (remembrance of God), shukr (gratitude), sabr (steadfastness), ikhlas (absolute devotion), sidq (truthfulness), and tawakkul (trust in God)—are not temporary actions but constant states of being. They define the very essence of faith, guiding one’s thoughts, emotions, and interactions with the world.
True submission is not measured by ritual compliance alone but by the degree to which a person internalizes and lives by these divine commands. Faith is not static; it requires continuous refinement, vigilance, and sincerity. A submitter who truly embraces these principles does not waver in devotion based on external circumstances, nor do they compartmentalize their faith to specific moments of worship. Instead, they live in a state of complete reliance on, obedience to, and awareness of God—at every moment and in every situation.
By upholding these principles, a submitter maintains an unbroken connection with God, ensuring that their life remains aligned with divine guidance. These are not just acts of righteousness but the core of what it means to be a true servant of God. They provide clarity in uncertainty, strength in adversity, humility in success, and peace in all circumstances. A life lived in accordance with these commands is a life of true fulfillment, unwavering faith, and ultimate success in both this world and the Hereafter.