Assalamu alaykum {{first_name|Barakah Seeker}}
Discover how you can improve your daily habits and execute them with ihsan (excellence), In Sha Allah.
1. Keeping Allah’s Pleasure In Mind
When you learn more about Jannah, the ultimate goal of every believer, you realise that we will only enter it with Allah’s Mercy first and foremost. But effort, faith, and repentance are also needed.
We as humans will never be perfect and are naturally inclined to sin, but those who sincerely repent are the best:
It was narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of those who commit sin are those who repent.’”
Knowing that good deeds are required, you will naturally strive to add more acts of worship into your daily life and seek Allah’s pleasure, in hopes of attaining more good deeds.
Here’s a short, personal story of mine:
Ever since I started taking Islam more seriously, I learned that even a simple, sincere intention behind a basic task can earn reward. Here are a few intentions I began setting for my daily habits:
Showering, skincare, workout: Taking care of my body as it is a amanah (trust) from Allah, and I will be questioned about it. Also, because the Prophet ﷺ said that cleanliness is half of faith.
Going to sleep: Resting to have more strength for ibadah (acts of worship) as it is a trust from Allah.
See how with these daily habits, you can earn Allah’s pleasure, In Sha Allah?
2. Minimising Bad Habits and Avoiding Sins: Becoming More Mindful Of Al-Basir (The All-Seeing)
While increasing and improving your daily habits is great, avoiding consistent sins is just as important. They could be the very reason you are kept away from entering Paradise without facing the Hellfire. With this in mind, you should strive to reduce the sins you regularly fall into.
Never underestimate small sins, since they can easily pile up, as the Prophet ﷺ warned us:
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Beware of minor sins. Verily, they pile upon a man until he is ruined.”
Here’s a quick guide on how to reduce and eventually quit small sins:
Make a sincere intention to quit, as actions are judged by intentions. Make sure it’s for Allah’s sake.
Reflect on how often you commit this sin and identify your triggers.
Set a small but realistic goal, e.g. “I will reduce listening to music by five minutes a day.” Consistency is key, and Allah loves consistent deeds.
Gradually increase the reduction.
Track your efforts and journal your progress. This will motivate you when you feel like giving up.
Remember that it’s okay to slip sometimes. No one is perfect, just make sure to repent to Allah.
Make frequent dua (supplication) to Allah to help you, and remember His promise:
Abu Qatadah reported:
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Almighty but that Allah will replace it with something better for you.”
3. Striving to Become A Better Muslim
Finally, it’s important to always strive to become a better Muslim. The stronger your iman (faith) and taqwa (consciousness of Allah), the easier it becomes to navigate life and its difficulties.
Stop chasing the temporary dunya (wordly life) and start preparing for the akhirah (hereafter). Once you pass away, only your faith and deeds will remain with you in the grave and on Judgment Day.
Some small steps you can do starting today, In Sha Allah:
Reflect on your character and set simple goals to improve.
Smile often, it is a form of charity.
Remind others of Allah, it benefits both them and you.
Always renew your intentions and make sure they are sincere.
These small daily habits invite barakah into your day and bring fulfillment to your soul, In Sha Allah.
I promise you: Prioritising your relationship with Allah over your own nafs (desires) and people’s opinions will invite more barakah into your life.
Freebie & Survey
Ready to improve your daily habits and strive for Jannah every day?
If you haven’t downloaded it yet, don’t miss your free gift:
10 Jannah Facts, a small set of printable trivia cards to increase your ilm (knowledge) and keep Jannah in your mind daily.
And if you already have it, I’d love to hear your feedback. It helps me improve and create more beneficial resources for you!
Final Note
I pray this newsletter gave you motivation to execute your daily habits for Allah’s pleasure. Don’t forget to share your experience with us to inspire others.
With love,
Fatima
Founder of The Barakah Kit