Does Iman mean weakness?

In fact, many are those who appear spiritless and look withdrawn giving people an impression that the concept of Iman (faith) in Islam means nothing but complete withdrawal from life and putting on fake appearance that has no relation with what is in inner self. This is the not the characteristic of a true believer. Islam does not sanction weakness or fake humbleness, for it is the religion of strength. As Islam highly commends humbleness and simplicity and reckons that as one of the traits of a true believer, it warns against passivity and laxity. Iman is a matter of heart; a conviction transformed in deeds. It does not mean feigning a deceptive appearance that has no relation with conviction. This is what Islam totally rejects. Iman calls for action, not idleness.  Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi states the following: “The true concept of Islam has nothing to do with such spiritlessnes or weakness. In fact, Iman (faith) has always been the source of strength and might, high morals, solemn appearance and strong personality.

Once, `Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, saw a man who, while performing prayer, was totally withdrawn and dispirited, as if coming from among the dead. `Umar reacted angrily to such attitude and said to the man: “Do not incorporate into our religious rites aspects of death…Submissiveness is that of the heart not of appearance.” `Umar was famous for his saying: “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from fake submissiveness?” People said: “What is fake submissiveness?” `Umar commented: “To have a humble body, but not a humble heart.” Ash-Shifa’ bint Abdullah saw some youth walking in a very bromidic way. So she asked: “Who are those people?” “They are ascetics.” She was answered. She commented: “`Umar, though a real ascetic, used to walk quickly, speak moderately, hit severely”, indicating that he was strong. While being the example of modesty and humbleness, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to walk quickly as if coming down from a hill. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, describes him saying: “I have never seen a person with a countenance brighter than that of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as if sun was shining in his face. I have never seen a person quicker in pacing than him, as if land is folded before his feet. We were doing our best to walk quickly while it was his norm.”