Sunday, July 21, 2024

7 Steps to Become a Better Muslim







Indeed, "Hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah (SWT)" is derived from the Quran, Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:28). Dhikr, the remembrance of Allah, is a significant practice in Islam that brings peace and tranquility to the believer's heart.





Expressing gratitude through worship involves recognizing and appreciating the blessings and guidance provided by the Almighty. Performing acts of worship like Salah (prayer) is a fundamental way to show this gratitude in Islam. Salah helps strengthen the connection with Allah, and it's a means to thank Him for His countless blessings and seek His continued guidance and support.





Istighfar, or seeking forgiveness from Allah, is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth in Islam. It involves acknowledging one's mistakes and sins, repenting sincerely, and striving to improve oneself. By regularly practicing Istighfar, Muslims seek Allah's mercy and work towards becoming better individuals, both spiritually and morally.


Absolutely, supplication (dua) is a powerful and intimate way to communicate with Allah. Here are four meaningful duas for various aspects of life:

1. **Dua for Guidance and Righteousness:**
   - "رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ" 
   - "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (Quran 2:201)

2. **Dua for Relief from Hardship:**
   - "اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الهم والحزن، وأعوذ بك من العجز والكسل، وأعوذ بك من الجبن والبخل، وأعوذ بك من غلبة الدين وقهر الرجال."
   - "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, and I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from the burden of debts and the overpowering of men." (Sahih Bukhari)

3. **Dua for Forgiveness:**
   - "رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ"
   - "My Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established." (Quran 14:41)

4. **Dua for Health and Well-being:**
   - "اللهم إني أسألك العافية في الدنيا والآخرة"
   - "O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and in the Hereafter."

Feel free to speak to Allah in your own words, sharing your hopes, fears, and needs.




Indeed, consuming and earning only what is halal is fundamental in Islam. It ensures that one's livelihood and sustenance are in accordance with the principles set by Allah. Here are a few key points on this topic:

1. **Halal Earnings:**
   - Strive to ensure that your source of income is halal. This means engaging in honest work, avoiding deceit, and steering clear of prohibited activities such as interest-based transactions, gambling, and any form of fraud.

2. **Halal Consumption:**
   - Consume only halal foods, which are permissible according to Islamic law. This includes meat that has been slaughtered in the name of Allah and avoiding anything prohibited (haram) like pork and alcohol.

3. **Importance of Halal:**
   - The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of halal earnings and consumption. In a hadith, he mentioned that prayers of those who consume haram are not accepted: "Then he [the man] makes a mention of Allah, saying, 'O Lord, O Lord,' while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothes are unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully. How can he be answered?" (Sahih Muslim).

4. **Seeking Barakah:**
   - Earning and consuming halal brings blessings (barakah) into one's life. It leads to a sense of peace, contentment, and fulfillment, knowing that one's efforts are pleasing to Allah.

5. **Trust in Allah:**
   - Have trust in Allah that He will provide for you in halal ways. The Quran states, "And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect." (Quran 65:2-3).

Adhering to halal principles in earnings and consumption is a reflection of one's faith and commitment to living a righteous and ethical life.



Absolutely, reciting or listening to the Quran daily is a highly rewarding practice. Here are some key benefits and tips:

1. **Spiritual Nourishment:**
   - Reciting or listening to the Quran regularly keeps your heart and mind connected to Allah, providing spiritual nourishment and inner peace.

2. **Source of Guidance:**
   - The Quran offers guidance for all aspects of life. Regular interaction with its verses can help you navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and patience.

3. **Strengthening Faith:**
   - Daily recitation or listening reinforces your faith, reminding you of the principles and values of Islam.

4. **Memorization and Understanding:**
   - Consistent engagement with the Quran helps with memorization and a deeper understanding of its meanings.

5. **Blessings and Rewards:**
   - The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Recite the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Muslim).

**Tips for Daily Recitation or Listening:**

- **Set a Routine:**
  - Dedicate a specific time each day for recitation or listening. This could be after Fajr prayer, before going to bed, or during any quiet moment of the day.

- **Use Technology:**
  - Utilize Quran apps or online platforms that offer recitations and translations. Listening to renowned reciters can be motivating and spiritually uplifting.

- **Involve Family:**
  - Encourage family members to join you in reciting or listening. This fosters a spiritually enriching environment at home.

- **Focus on Quality:**
  - It’s not about the quantity but the quality of recitation. Even a few verses recited with understanding and reflection can have a profound impact.

- **Reflect on Verses:**
  - Take a few moments to reflect on the verses and their meanings. Ponder how they apply to your life and the lessons they impart.

Incorporating the Quran into your daily life brings numerous spiritual benefits and strengthens your connection with Allah.




Being kind to Allah's creation and to yourself is a fundamental principle in Islam, reflecting the values of compassion, mercy, and self-respect. Here are some ways to embody this principle:

1. **Kindness to Others:**
   - **Respect and Empathy:** Treat everyone with respect and empathy, regardless of their background or beliefs. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Sahih Bukhari).
   - **Acts of Charity:** Engage in acts of charity, whether through financial support, offering your time, or providing emotional support. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
   - **Forgiveness:** Be forgiving and overlook the faults of others. Holding grudges can harm relationships and your own peace of mind.
   - **Good Manners:** Practice good manners in all interactions. Simple gestures like smiling, being polite, and showing gratitude can spread positivity.

2. **Kindness to Animals and Nature:**
   - **Care for Animals:** Treat animals with kindness and ensure their well-being. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself." (Mishkat al-Masabih).
   - **Environmental Stewardship:** Protect the environment by reducing waste, conserving resources, and respecting nature. Islam teaches us to be stewards of the Earth.

3. **Kindness to Yourself:**
   - **Self-Care:** Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
   - **Positive Self-Talk:** Be mindful of how you speak to yourself. Encourage and uplift yourself with positive affirmations.
   - **Personal Growth:** Invest in your personal growth and development. Pursue knowledge, skills, and hobbies that enrich your life.
   - **Boundaries:** Set healthy boundaries to protect your well-being. Learn to say no when necessary and prioritize your needs.

4. **Spiritual Kindness:**
   - **Regular Worship:** Engage in regular worship and spiritual practices to maintain a strong connection with Allah. This provides inner peace and strength.
   - **Gratitude:** Practice gratitude by regularly reflecting on the blessings in your life. This fosters a positive outlook and contentment.
   - **Repentance and Forgiveness:** Seek forgiveness from Allah and forgive yourself for past mistakes. This allows for personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose.

Embodying kindness towards others and yourself creates a harmonious and fulfilling life, aligning with the teachings of Islam and fostering a compassionate community.