1. Read the Qur’an Regularly
- Make a habit of reading the Qur’an every day, even if only for a few minutes. Understanding the Qur’an is crucial for strengthening your faith. If possible, learn Arabic to understand the text in its original language. Recite verses aloud and reflect on their meanings in your life.
2. Fulfill the Five Pillars of Islam
- Shahada (Faith): The declaration that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
- Salah (Prayer): Perform the five daily prayers on time.
- Sawm (Fasting): Fast during the month of Ramadan to purify yourself spiritually.
- Zakat (Charity): Donate 2.5% of your income to those in need.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): If able, visit Mecca once in your lifetime for the pilgrimage.
3. Pray Beyond the Minimum Requirements
- While the five obligatory prayers are important, adding extra voluntary prayers (like Sunnah or Nafl prayers) will strengthen your relationship with Allah. Attending mosque for prayers with others is highly encouraged for men.
4. Develop a Strong Daily Routine of Prayer
- Make prayer a regular part of your daily life. Spend time in Tahajjud (night prayers) and include personal supplications (dua) for guidance, help, and gratitude. Repent for your mistakes and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
5. Donate Time and Money to Those in Need
- Go beyond the obligatory 2.5% donation to charity. Volunteer your time and skills to help others. If you have expertise, use it for good causes, whether through teaching, legal advice, or other services that benefit the community.
6. Contribute to Your Community’s Needs
- Help your community fulfill collective responsibilities (fard al-kifaya), such as conducting funeral prayers or helping to feed the poor. If you see a gap in your community’s work, step forward to fill it.
Affirm Your Identity as a Muslim
7. Stand Up for Yourself and Other Muslims
- Defend your faith and others when faced with negative stereotypes or Islamophobic comments. Be confident in standing up for what is right and educating others about Islam, especially when misunderstandings arise.
8. Dress to Reflect Your Faith
- Dress modestly and in a way that expresses your identity as a Muslim. Follow the guidelines of hijab, whether in your clothing or behavior, to show your commitment to your faith.
9. Join or Start a Group for Muslims
- Participate in or create a youth group, study group, or volunteer organization for Muslims. These groups help you learn, grow, and strengthen your faith together with others. Encourage each other in your religious journey and work on community projects to benefit others.
10. Try your best to fulfill All Sunnah
- learn all Sunnat from Hadith, Quran & Follow Tabligi Jamat.
How to Become a good Muslim
1. Build Consistency in Your Worship
- You’re already praying five times a day and reading the Qur’an, which is great! Consistency is key in Islam. Try to improve the quality of your prayers (Salah) by focusing on concentration and understanding the meaning of what you’re reciting.
- Reflect on the purpose of each prayer and how it strengthens your connection with Allah. The more sincere you are in your worship, the more you will feel that closeness.
2. Gratitude and Reflection
- Acknowledge the many blessings Allah has given you. As shared in the story, Allah loves you more than anyone can, and He has provided you with everything, even your ability to pray. When you reflect on the blessings Allah has given you, you’ll feel more motivated to engage in worship.
3. Make Du’a (Supplication) Regularly
- Along with Istighfar (seeking forgiveness), make Du’a to Allah regularly. Ask for guidance, strength, and the ability to become a better Muslim. Be honest in your prayers and express your struggles to Allah, who is always there to listen and guide.
4. Stay Connected with the Qur’an
- You already read the Qur’an, but try to understand its meanings and how they apply to your life. You don’t have to read a lot at once, but focus on quality and reflection. When you understand the message, it will be easier to implement it in your daily life.
5. Be Patient with Yourself
- Remember that you’ve only just started your journey, and growth in faith is gradual. Islam is not about perfection but about continuous improvement. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small progress you make every day.
6. Seek Knowledge
- Learning more about Islam through books, lectures, or discussions with knowledgeable people will help you grow spiritually. The more you know, the stronger your faith will become.
7. Engage with the Muslim Community
- Surround yourself with good company who can motivate and support you on your journey. Attend prayers at the mosque, participate in community events, or join study groups. The company you keep can inspire you to become a better Muslim.
8. Focus on the Heart
- Purify your intentions and strive to make every action for the sake of Allah. The quality of your worship and good deeds matters more than the quantity. Keep your heart sincere, and Allah will see your effort.
How to Become a Better Muslim
1. Make your goal Allah (SWT):
A sincere and deep intention to seek Allah is the foundation of improvement as a Muslim. Once your focus is solely on Allah, everything else will follow. This was beautifully summarized by a scholar who said, “Make your goal only Allah, and you will get there.”
2. Seek Knowledge:
Devote time to learning about Islam. Set aside an hour or more each day or week to study Islamic teachings. You can start with foundational knowledge such as:
- Aqida (Beliefs): Begin with texts like Imam al-Tahawi’s Creed, which will help you understand the core beliefs of Islam.
- Worship: Study the five pillars of Islam. Books like Ascent to Felicity by Faraz Khan are good introductory texts.
- Spirituality: Delve into Islamic spiritual texts like The Book of Assistance by Imam al-Haddad or Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf to deepen your understanding of the inner dimensions of faith.
3. Pray on Time:
Commit to performing your prayers (Salah) on time. Try to pray consistently for at least forty days, even if you miss a day, simply start again. Scholars emphasize the significance of this commitment. Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was granted forty nights to draw near to Allah, which shows the importance of regular, dedicated worship.
4. Keep Good Company:
Surround yourself with righteous and knowledgeable people who can guide you. Having a mentor or Shaykh to consult is invaluable for your spiritual growth and personal development.
5. Consistent Effort:
Improvement in Islam, as in any endeavor, requires persistent effort. Start with small, manageable steps and gradually increase your commitment. With Allah’s guidance and consistent effort, you will see progress.
May Allah make it easy for you and guide you on the path to becoming a better Muslim
Your reflection on self-improvement and becoming a better Muslim is both relatable and inspiring. Many of us experience the cycle of enthusiasm followed by burnout when we try to make drastic changes all at once. It’s important to recognize that growth is a continuous journey, and Islam encourages us to take gradual steps rather than overwhelm ourselves.
How to Become a Strong Muslim
1. Self-Acceptance:
Accepting ourselves, both our strengths and weaknesses, is essential for progress. It’s easy to be critical of ourselves, especially when we feel we haven’t reached the level we desire. However, Islam teaches us to recognize that everything we are, including our flaws, is part of Allah’s creation, and He has created us in the best form (Surah At-Tin, Ayah 4).
By accepting ourselves fully, we open the door to personal growth without self-criticism weighing us down. It’s essential to remember that making mistakes is part of the journey, and we must forgive ourselves and strive to improve. As you mentioned, self-acceptance isn’t about ignoring our faults but rather confronting them, learning from them, and working toward becoming better.
2. Self-Efficacy:
Believing in your ability to achieve goals is crucial in the process of self-improvement. Islam reinforces this through the concept of Tawakkul, trusting in Allah’s will while putting in the effort. When we acknowledge that nothing happens without Allah’s decree, we can approach tasks with a balanced sense of optimism and effort, knowing that our actions matter but ultimately Allah’s will prevails (Surah 3:159-160, Surah 9:51).
Focusing on tasks where we excel, observing role models, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences are all excellent strategies to build self-efficacy. Moreover, maintaining good physical and emotional health can positively impact your belief in your abilities.
Gradual Improvement:
Rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list of changes, it’s essential to take gradual steps, especially when it comes to spiritual and personal growth. You can start by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating your progress. Whether it’s praying consistently, reading a certain portion of the Quran daily, or incorporating other Islamic practices into your routine, every positive change matters.
Remember, it’s okay to stumble; the important part is getting back up and continuing the journey. Islam encourages us to keep striving for improvement and to never despair of Allah’s mercy.
Practical Steps for Betterment:
- Start Small: Focus on small, consistent actions like prayer, reading a part of the Quran, or saying a daily Du’a.
- Avoid Comparison: Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, compare yourself to who you were yesterday and focus on your own growth.
- Be Compassionate with Yourself: Recognize that you are not perfect, but your efforts are valuable. Allah loves those who strive, no matter their imperfections.
- Trust Allah’s Plan: Have Tawakkul and believe that Allah’s plan for you is better than any plan you could make.
In conclusion, becoming a better Muslim is a journey that requires sincerity, commitment, and consistent effort. The key steps include:
- Focus on Allah: Make Allah your ultimate goal and align your efforts towards seeking His pleasure in all aspects of life.
- Seek Knowledge: Dedicate time to learning about Islamic beliefs, worship, and spirituality to strengthen your faith and understanding.
- Pray on Time: Establish the habit of performing your prayers consistently, as they are the cornerstone of your relationship with Allah.
- Surround Yourself with Good Company: Find a mentor or community that supports and guides your spiritual growth.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Growth in faith takes time, and continuous effort is essential. Set achievable goals, and if you slip, restart with determination.
With these practices, you can gradually grow closer to Allah, strengthen your faith, and become a better Muslim in both your outward actions and inner spirituality. May Allah guide and bless your efforts.