Simple ways to become a practicing Muslimah

Our world has changed so much and there’s constant pressure on us to run with it. We are working hard to make a living but forget to live. We are so engrossed in this race that even worship turns mechanical sometimes. How then do we break this cycle of worldly engagements, and fix our priorities?

Here are a few ways we can try to keep the spiritual side of ours alive and more active..

1. Being patient

This isn’t as easy as it sounds. However, the best way to control our frustration during trials is to feel blessed. If we try to imagine the state of those people who are suffering all over the world, and who are in a worse position than us, we will be more grateful and content.

The Prophet  ﷺ said:

“Look to those below you and not to those above, as it is more suitable to remember the blessings of Allah granted to you.”

(Bukhari & Muslim)

2. Expressing Gratitude

We should never think twice to say thank you to our spouses, parents and immediate family members. It  might feel awkward but everyone loves to be appreciated. Not to forget, kids learn from us. We owe a smile and a thank you even to the maid who actually eases lot of our work for us.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah”1

(Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

3. Giving rightful attention

Giving time to those around us is very important. We feel that since cooking, cleaning, washing etc. also comprises of time given to the family, it should be enough. But the fact is that, nothing is close to our physical presence and a kind word or two. Humans crave emotions, and that is why it is important to let our presence felt too.

4. Facing trials with courage:

Running away from problems seeking peace is not a solution. Facing our trials and difficulties is the first step to finding a plausible solution. The more we run away from a problem, the bigger and scarier it appears. We as Muslims have the biggest power to combat our difficulties, and that is the power of dua. Once we give up our problems to Allah and rely on Him completely, we’ve already starting moving towards ease.

“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”

(Quran 13:28)

Pour out all worries to the only One who has the solution to all problems and it will give a sense of peace like nothing else.  

5. Being strong

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allâh than the weak believer, while there is good in both.”

[Majmû’ al-Fatâwâ (12/479)

We must try to be strong believers, both emotionally and physically. Keeping ourselves healthy is also required to fulfill the rights of Allah and His creation. A strong believer is always better than a weak one as he can take a stand and be of much more benefit to the Ummah.

       6. Actions speak

Small gestures, like leaving a washroom neat for the others to use, tidying up your hotel room before check out (leaving a thank you slip is even better), saying sorry for the mess your baby creates in a restaurant, are all traits of a good believer. It does not give any tangible benefits, but gives you a positive feeling and not to forget, a lot of rewards.

7. Accountability:

We tend to find differences easily and judge people within seconds, but we forget that it is important to first scrutinize our own actions to be a good believer. No one is free of faults, but the one who keeps a check of his/her own actions is the best believer.

It is mentioned in the Qur’an:

“Allah knows (all) that is in your hearts”

(Qu’ran, 33:51)

Let’s make dua and keep striving to beautify our hearts.

8. Fighting depression:

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى), says:

“Secret counsels [conspiracies] are only from Shaytaan [Satan], in order that he may cause grief to the believers”

(Qur’an 58: 10)

Everything happens according to Allah’s plan and trusting “He is the best of Planners” should keep us calm. When something happens that is against our wishes, or it is something we dislike immensely, always remember that it was decreed by the One Who is the best Planner of affairs. Never question the decree of Allah, and try to find contentment in His decisions

9. Happiness in the air:

We only need to sense it. Materialism, likes and comments on social networks, fame, fashion, movies, world trips are some of the means by which people try to buy happiness when happiness is something which cannot be bought. Happiness comes as a part and parcel of a peaceful life, and by means of surrendering oneself to the will of Allah. .

10. Optimism

The most essential part of being a Muslim is placing utmost trust in Allah.

“How amazing is the affair of the believer. There is good for him in everything and that is for no one but the believer. If good times come his way, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him, and if hardship comes his way, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.”

[Muslim]

No worries or problems are permanent, for this world itself is temporary and so are we.

We are people of Alhamdullilah!!

We are all blessed with something or the other, spend it in the cause of Allah. It does not necessarily have to be money. It could be anything that could benefit people. Helping people through knowledge, charity, a good word, or just a smile to make their day better. All these come in sadqa. Dig, find the treasure and nourish it. I still remember my father telling me: “It’s not how long you lived but how you lived that matters”.

May Allah bless us all with a beautiful and happy life here and in hereafter...

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