How can faith be strengthened and the feeling of not struggling or striving be overcome, despite performing the fundamentals of Islam such as prayer and fasting?

To strengthen faith, it is recommended to read the Quran, listen to its recitation, and ponder its meanings. It is also advised to frequently remember Allah through the invocations (adhkar) mentioned in authentic hadiths, and to review books such as "Al-Kalam At-Tayyib" (Goodly Sayings), "Al-Wabil As-Sayyib" (The Abundant Rain), "Riyadh As-Salihin" (Gardens of the Righteous), and "Al-Adhkar An-Nawawiyyah" (An-Nawawi's Book of Remembrances).

One must maintain the pillars of Islam, such as prayer and fasting, while hoping for Allah's mercy and relying on Him. Indeed, the believers are those "who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts feel fear, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely. The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend."

Faith increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience. Therefore, be diligent in performing prayers on time, in congregation in mosques, and in paying zakat. Accompany good and righteous people so they may be a support for you, and avoid people of innovation and disobedience. Increase in performing supererogatory good deeds, and turn to Allah, asking Him for success. By doing so, faith will increase, and you will attain excellence (ihsan) and uprightness.