Allah (swt) in these verses state five attributes which define the faith of the believers, arranged according to doctrinal and physical aspects. The doctrinal attribute relates to the heart:

( إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ ) (The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful): One might ask: ‘Does that not contradict another saying of Allah (swt):

 الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

(Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”) (Ar-Ra’d: 28)

In fact, there is not any contradiction between the two verses. The fear arises from the remembrance of the supremacy of Allah’s Attributes of Majesty and the contentment of restful heart results from being reminded of the compassion of Allah’s Attributes of Beauty. Thus, when punishment is mentioned, their hearts are filled with fear. Conversely, when mercy and Paradise are mentioned, their hearts find tranquility. This verse: (The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful), signifies that these hearts react when Allah (swt) is mentioned, establishing a barrier between them and His Attributes of Majesty.

( وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا ) (and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith): Does faith increase or decrease? Since faith is a matter of the heart; represents a doctrine which is deeply rooted in the heart; thus, how does it increase or decrease? Belief concerns the unseen matters. However, when Allah (swt) says in the Holy Quran: (and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith), it means that upon hearing a verse like:

 وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ

(And establish prayer) (Al-Baqara: 43)

Our faith increases by performing prayer because we have thereby obeyed a religious obligation. Thus, obeying such Divine commands strengthens our faith. Therefore, faith can be considered to increase or decrease; when we adhere to its obligations then it increases, as these obligations are acts of faith.

Thirdly: ( وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ) (and upon their Lord they rely). The believer appoints Allah (swt) as his guardian. (Relying on) is a work of the heart, a sense of trust that Allah (swt) is the Creator of means and causes. However, there are conditions for Allah (swt) to be our refuge. These include adhering to Allah’s (swt) commands and taking practical steps. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that a man said:

“O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?” He said: “Tie it and rely (upon Allah).”[1]

Therefore, we take the necessary steps while relying on the One (swt) Who causes those steps to be effective. Thus, these are three doctrinal attributes of the believers, all related to the actions of the heart.

[1] Sunan At-Termidhi, Chapters on the description of the Day of Judgement, Ar-Riqaq, and Al-Wara’, no. 2517.