Islam is not a JUST a noun, it is a verb. This means that Islam is not just a belief, but an ongoing activity. Worship of God in Islam is a state of mind, and beliefs and actions are what produce states of mind. Being a Muslim is therefore not a private belief, but a constitutive activity in the world.

When we talk about putting faith into action in Islam, this is not an option. It is not a choice where one choses to do it or not, it is an obligation that is made directly by God upon humankind.

If a person has to abstain from pork or alcohol, and has to pray five times a day and fast during the holy month of Ramadan, he or she cannot exercise choice and decide not to do it. If one fails to do so, then he or she has disobeyed God, broken the covenant and fallen into a sinful state.

Obligations also help maintain a healthy believing community. Islam establishes a series of obligations between all humans, including men, women, adults, children, Muslim and non-Muslim, all so that there may be a proper equilibrium. A healthy community (both spiritually and materially) is where a healthy spiritual heart grows.

Action also proves one’s faith. It is when God gives us a series of obligations to fulfill, which, when we fulfill them, our devotion to Him is proven. It is thus in the realm of action that a real Muslim and a real believer stands out.