Since I understood four things, I have discarded all other knowledge. First, that my daily sustenance has already been apportioned to me and will neither increase nor decrease by my futile efforts, so I strive to increase it no more. Second, I alone and no one else can atone from my sins, so I devote myself to the Lord. Third, I know that I will never be able to escape death, which is in our pursuit, so I have prepared myself to meet him. Fourth, I know that God is observing me; therefore I refrain from doing what I must not do.
- Hatim al-Asamm, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
Ways to be a better Muslim
IMPROVE YOURSELF
Islam is more than just a private religious faith, although it is precisely that. It is, as has been said many times before, a way of life. It is a pathway which has been laid by God throughout the ages of human history. It is a road upon which scores of Prophets (PBUT) have tread, from our father Adam, to his sons Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, and finally the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is a path of active work, and thus, its shine on the heart of the believer can wane with the vicissitudes of time and the hypocrisies of the human condition. Thus, it behooves us to step back and see how we can improve ourselves as we walk on the path back to the Lord our God.
AFFIRM IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD LOVES YOU
This is one of the most important things a Muslim must know: that the Precious Beloved Lord on High loves him or her. That love is unending and is manifested each and every day in His endless mercy which He showers upon His servants. It is a light that shines upon you day or night, and it is a light that will guide your way through the darkness of earthly existence.
REJOICE IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S LOVE
Once you know that God loves you, then rejoice in that beautiful fact. Be relieved that you worship a God who is Beautiful, Loving, Subtle, Merciful, and Compassionate. Rejoice in the fact that you have a God that "has got your back," Who will never abandon you. Rejoice in the fact that you have a God who will always be there, even if you perceive He has forsaken you.
LOVE GOD BACK
Once you have been enriched with the knowledge and comfort of the fact that God loves you, then it is incumbent upon you to love God back. This is more than just lip service: love is fully manifested in action. The full manifestation of God's love is His infinite Mercy shown to us. Our love should be manifested by doing the things that God has asked of us, and avoiding the things that God has advised us to avoid.
TALK TO GOD
One of the essences of the Islamic path is to re-kindle - or, establish - a deep-seated bond and relationship with God. One of the best ways to strengthen this bond is by talking daily to the Lord. Although He knows everything within you, still talk to Him and tell Him your fears, hopes, and dreams. He will still listen, and it will be enormously satisfying.
ESTABLISH THE DAILY PRAYER
The Quran says, "set up Regular prayers: For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times." (4:103) The daily prayers are one of the most important ritual practices of Islam. It is one of the best ways to manifest "loving God back." Five times daily, we stop what we are doing and focus our attention upon the Divine. It is a constant reminder of where we came from and to where we are going.
ALSO SUPPLICATE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE
In addition to the daily ritual prayers, supplication is equally important. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that supplication is the "mind of worship." It is the physical manifestation of the belief that God is the only All-Powerful, that all things are done only through Him. Yes, the Quran and the Prophetic Hadith have taught us many good supplications which we should say, but we should also ask God of the mundane things as well: "help me do well on this test"; "remind me to pick up a gallon of milk on the way home"; "bless my time today." You will find it to be a very powerful ally.
DO YOUR PART
Indeed, only through and by God's will does anything happen in the cosmos. Yet, that does not mean we, therefore, must not work and seek out God's bounty. Sustenance will not just fall out of the sky: we must work to get it, and in that work, we will find God's blessing and sustenance will come to us. We cannot leave our valuables in full view in an unlocked car and ask God to protect it from theft. We should hide our valuables, lock the car, and then ask for God's protection. Someone once asked the Prophet (PBUH): "Should I tie my camel or rely upon God to protect it?" The Prophet (PBUH) answered: "Tie your camel, then rely upon God."
Try to Fast at Least the Month of Ramadan
Fasting can be difficult to do, especially in the coming years when Ramadan will be in the summer months. But, it is a ritual with enormous spiritual benefit. It is not only a physical, but also spiritual cleansing. It is a break with the mundane routines of our daily lives, and it allows us to empathize with the less fortunate who, by necessity rather than choice, must forgo food and drink. Of course, this is only if you are physically able to do so. But, just as the Quran says, "If you fast, it is better for you, if you but knew."
Make the Pilgrimage to Mecca
If you are financially and physically able to do so, make the pilgrimage to Mecca. It is, perhaps, the most powerful spiritual experience you will have. It is a chance to "come home" to God's Holy House, walk the paths that the Prophet (PBUH) tread, re-enact the ancient story of Prophet Abraham (PBUH). In addition, you will meet people from all walks of life and feel part of one human family. Although not a part of the Hajj, there is also an opportunity to visit the Prophet (PBUH) in Medina, an experience which brought me to tears out of sheer joy.
Give to Charity on a Regular Basis
Zakat, the obligatory 5% tax on excess wealth, must be given to the poor and needy every year. Yet, that should not be the only charitable giving you should do. The Prophet (PBUH) continually encouraged his followers to be generous in charity, declaring that "wealth is never decreased by giving charity." This is, of course, if you are financially able to do so. Yet, if God has been good to you, it is only right and proper that you be thankful by giving some of His bounty back to those who are less fortunate.
Volunteer
Many people have not been blessed with extra wealth which can be donated to charity. But, they have been blessed with other talents that can be shared. Try to volunteer your time in helping others: do a community service project; volunteer at a soup kitchen; even give blood from time to time, if you are healthy enough. "Striving in God's path," which is the true meaning of jihad, is not just with our money, but ourselves as well.
Read the Quran Every Day
The Quran is the living miracle that the Prophet (PBUH) left behind him: it is the word of God among us. Whenever we pick up the Quran, God speaks to us, and the beautiful thing is, the Quran is never the same book twice. Every time one reads the book, it is a brand new experience. You can read the same passage 100 times, and each time you can learn something new, see something in a different light, come away with a different lesson. It does not have to be a lot: even a few verses will do. And if you can't read Arabic, pick up a good English translation.
Read the Prophet's (PBUH) Biography
Along with making a deep and lasting connection with God, it is essential to make a similar connection with His Messenger Muhammad, who suffered and toiled to bring us the message of Islam. Learning about the life and ministry of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an essential step in getting to know the Prophet (PBUH) and coming to love him for who he was and what he did for our sake. It is also a remarkable story in and of itself.
Try to Perform the Night Vigil
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said, "Spread peace, feed the hungry, keep up family ties, and pray when the people are sleeping; you will enter Paradise safely." A beautiful practice is to wake up before the Dawn prayer and offer an extra prayer of devotion to God. The Prophet said that God descends in the last third of the night looking for people who are seeking His forgiveness and asking things of Him. It is difficult, but the rewards are immense.
Work On Your Character
The Quran said that the Prophet (PBUH) kept "to a sublime way of life" (68:4), meaning that he was of the highest character. The Prophet himself said that he was sent to "perfect character." Try to be of the best character possible: kind and gentle; noble and generous; pious and devout. Learn about the Prophet's character and try to emulate it as best you can.
Try to Never Tell a Lie
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known as "The Trustworthy One." He was never known to lie. In fact, his most bitter enemies entrusted him with their most prized possessions, and when the Prophet (PBUH) emigrated to Medina, he first returned the things entrusted to him by the very same people who were trying to kill him. The Prophet even said that we should not lie when joking. This is what makes this a very difficult thing to accomplish in real life, and this is why I listed it as a way we can become a better Muslim.
Keep Your Family Ties Strong
Cutting off one's family is a serious sin in Islam. Indeed, one of the first thing the Prophet (PBUH) said to his followers when he arrived in Medina was "keep the family ties strong." Once, someone asked him about the family member who has cut him off. He replied that he should keep the tie strong, even if the other person wishes to cut it off. Try to reconcile with estranged family members, even if they were wrong. It is following in the Prophet's footsteps.
Remember and Praise God Often
God has an infinite number of names and attributes, and at least 100 of them have been taught to us in the Quran and Prophetic traadition. Repeating these names and praising and exalting God by saying such phrases as Subhanallah ("Exalted be God"), Alhamdulillah ("All Praise is due to God"), La ilaha ill-lal-laah ("There is nothing worthy of worship except God"), and Allahu akbar ("God is the Greatest") multiple times per day is extremely commendable. And it will benefit the soul as well.
Reach Out to Your Neighbors with Kindness
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that "whoever believes in God and the Last Day should be honorable to his neighbor." The Prophet (PBUH) also said that the Angel Gabriel "advised so repeatedly to care for one's neighbor that I thought the neighbor was to have a share of inheritance." Being kind and generous to your neighbors is an essential commandment of Islam, and it has tremendous benefits. Get to know them; give them gifts on Muslim holidays; invite them over for coffee and dessert. Not only will you gain good friends, you will gain rewards from God.
Get Involved in the Mosque Community
Just as it is important to get involved in the larger community, it is important to get involved in the mosque and the local Muslim community. Try to volunteer in the mosque; help clean the mosque when it needs it, or maybe help out during the month of Ramadan; if you are able to, give a lecture to your brothers or sisters. Whatever it is, helping out in the mosque will both strengthen your bond with God and with His servants.
Seek God's Forgiveness Always
No matter how pious we may be, we are still all sinners. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Every human being is a sinner." But, he continued: "The best of sinners are those who seek repentance." God has told us that His mercy overpowers His wrath, and in fact, He loves it when we ask forgiveness of Him. He loves to manifest His undying love and mercy to us. Thus, seek forgiveness from God as much as possible. We must try to live as pious a life as possible. Still, we should ask God forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad himself asked God for forgiveness more than 100 times per day. If the best of creation did so, how could we afford not to?
These are the things that one should try and bring it into practice in his daily life so as to lead a peaceful and successful life. If one follows on these small advices; rather we can call these Golden Words; he would definitely be successful in his Hereafter too with a life people will really rave about…
One last thing; but not the least; the whole thing if one human being (be it man or a woman; Muslim or a non-Muslim, one from the city or from the town or from the village, educated or uneducated, rich or poor, young or old) if decides to live his precious life (really precious as said by Allaah, the Creator) will never be letdown by Him in this world and the Hereafter. May Allaah bless us all … Aameen
