Assalamu alaykum {{first_name|Barakah Seeker}}
We all get busy sometimes with work, family, friends, or school. Making it easy to get caught up in the dunya. But let’s not forget why Allah created us:
I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s completely fine to enjoy the dunya and the blessings Allah ﷻ bestowed upon you. But reflect:
How can we get so caught up in the dunya and forget the One who created us and granted us those blessings?
How can we spend our whole lives enjoying this world without making space for our Creator, the One to whom we will eventually return?
The least we can do during our busy days apart from praying on time, is to remember Allah. Not only does it nourish the soul, but the heart also finds true rest in it:
“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.”
This isn’t to shame you, but to remind you of how temporary this dunya really is. Let’s explore three small but barakah-filled habits you can start today, even on your busiest days.
1. Start everything with Bismillah
Imagine yourself on the Day of Judgement, anxiously awaiting your outcome. Your deeds are placed on the scale, and you notice something amazing: You were rewarded for simple daily actions. Cooking, working and doing laundry.
Why? Because you set your intention for Allah ﷻ and began with Bismillah.
It’s one of the easiest ways to possibly earn Allah’s pleasure, yet it’s often neglected.
Start small: Choose two to three habits and renew your intention to do them for Allah’s sake. For example:
House chores: Keep your home tidy, following the Prophet ﷺ’s teaching: “Cleanliness is half of faith…” (Sahih Muslim 223)
Taking care of your body: Whether skincare, working out, or resting, remember your body is an amanah (trust) from Allah.
Work/School: Intend to seek beneficial knowledge and skills to serve the ummah and yourself.
2. Dhikr throughout the day
We can memorize birthdays, songs, and celebrity names, but do we make space in our hearts for Allah ﷻ, the One who sustains us?
Life can get overwhelming, but never put Allah aside. A believer’s heart finds peace in remembering Him, because knowing He is your Protector and Supporter brings true tranquility (from the abridged Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Surah Ar-Ra’d, Verse 28):
The Prophet ﷺ taught us four short but powerful adhkar. Light on the tongue, but immense in reward:
Takbir: Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
Tahmid: Allhamdullilah (All praise is due to Allah)
Tasbih: SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)
Tahlil: Laa ilaha illa Allah (There is no deity except Allah)
Incorporate these into your routine: After every fard salah, while walking, waiting, or even doing household chores. And remember:
Narrated Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):
The Prophet ﷺ was asked, "What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said, "The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few." He added, 'Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability."
3. Read a portion of the Quran with tafsir
As servants of Allah, we have been blessed with the ultimate timeless Book: The Quran. It is our roadmap to Jannah, but only for those who strive by following its commands. It is divine guidance that always leads back to the straight path.
Reflect: How can we spend hours reading books, scrolling online, or watching TV series, but not make time daily to ponder over Allah’s words?
The Quran is our guide to true success in this life and the next, In Sha Allah:
“We have certainly brought them a Book which We explained with knowledge — a guide and mercy for those who believe.”
So instead of doomscrolling first thing in the morning or during a break, pick up your mushaf or even your phone and read a small portion of the Quran. Try to understand the meaning of the verses by using a trustworthy tafsir such as Ibn Kathir.
Reading and reflecting on the Quran brings countless benefits. We will dive deeper into this in another newsletter, In Sha Allah.
But for now, pause and ask yourself: Can I really not make time for the One who created time itself?
Final Note
Islam is such a beautiful religion, but many of us take it lightly. Only those who reflect and act upon it see the dunya for what it truly is, temporary and instead strive for the everlasting reward: Jannah.
I pray this newsletter helps you remember Allah daily, even on your busiest days, In Sha Allah.
Reflection of the day:
Which of these simple habits will you start today?
Follow us on Instagram for reminders, tools and more to keep you focused on the akhirah, In Sha Allah.
With love,
Fatima
Founder of The Barakah Kit