Keep Your Faith Alive
“Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
Qur’an 13:28
It is said that “… if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude”.
We have to spare some time in our days and nights to sustain our faith, and connect back to our lord, be it through making salah, engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), reciting the Qur’an, or pouring your heart out in prayer (du’ah).
All of the above can be a means of peace and tranquility. Making your salah will improve your health, and that is something that has been proven in various studies. It also ensures that you keep a constant connection with Allah. Calling out to Allah in prayer (du’ah) is therapeutic, and I speak from experience.
Whenever you feel like no one can understand your situation, try sitting down, making du’ah and you will definitely feel much calmer afterwards. If we pray properly and sincerely, we will attain true peace In Sha Allah.
Be Grateful
“ If you are grateful, I will most certainly give you more.” (Qur’an 14:7)
I know that this may not always be the easiest thing, but do cultivate an attitude of gratitude. It has been shown in clinical studies that practicing gratitude reduces stress, improves sleep, alleviates depression, and improves our quality of life.
We can never count on Allah’s blessings. Be grateful for everything you possess including your wealth, health, intellectual abilities, and specially for life. Allah SWT explains in the Qur’an that the people who truly worship Him are those who are grateful to Him. If we appreciate Allah’s favors, He has promised increased Rahma or mercy for us.
Reflect On Nature
“And the earth- we spread it out and cast therein firmly set mountains and made grow therein (something) of every beautiful kind, giving insight and a reminder for every servant who turns to Allah.” (Qur’an 50:7-8)
Observing and reflecting upon nature is an extremely important aspect of one’s spiritual journey.
When people feel anxious and stressed out, what do they normally do? They go for a walk; they go get some fresh air. If you are feeling low or stressed, look around yourself, the sky, the plants, the mountains, and how all were created in perfection. Spending time in nature costs you nothing and it has so many benefits. Being in nature is good for your brain. Exposure to natural beauty triggers feelings of awe which in turn gives us a mental boost. It also allows our brain’s command centre to dial down and rest, which is restorative. All aspects of nature originate from one of the beautiful names of Allah. So, one of the ways to get to know Allah and his power is simply by looking around us.
Be Mindful and Meditate
“So you may be mindful.” (Qur’an 16:90)
Mindfulness in Islam is “a conscious state of awareness of Allah and our inner states in relation to Him”.
Dhikr in the Qur’an is often translated as mindfulness. It is certainly genuine mindfulness, because it is mindfulness of Allah. Science has proven that mindfulness exercises have several health and wellness benefits. On the other hand, meditation can be done in many ways and for many purposes.
It is a means of calming, stress relief, and slowing down our thoughts. Meditation is a practice that was done by our Prophet (S.A.W.) as He used to meditate in the Cave of Hira. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or super stressed, remember to slow down, pause everything, and practice mindfulness and meditate. Islam is a beautiful religion that teaches us about caring for ourselves. Do not ever be helpless, pick yourself up, try to grow, and take out time for self-care. I hope you can all benefit from this In Sha Allah.