How a Muslim can strive to become a better human this year?

Story by  Eman Sakina | Posted by  Aasha Khosa | Date 05-01-2024
Muslims praying in a dargah in Kashmir (Basit Zargar)
Muslims praying in a dargah in Kashmir (Basit Zargar)

 

Eman Sakina

Becoming a good person from an Islamic perspective involves cultivating virtues and engaging in actions that align with the teachings of Islam. Here are some steps you can consider to enhance your Islamic character and become a better person in the coming year:

  • Increase Worship and Connection with Allah:

Strengthen your relationship with Allah through regular prayers (Salah), supplications (Dua), and recitation of the Quran. Set aside time for reflection and self-assessment to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.

Friday Musings

  • Practice Patience (Sabr) and Gratitude (Shukr):

Cultivate patience in the face of challenges and difficulties. Remember that trials are a part of life, and enduring them with patience is rewarded. Express gratitude for the blessings you have. Consider keeping a gratitude journal to reflect on the positive aspects of your life.

  • Show Kindness and Compassion:

Treat others with kindness and compassion, whether they are family members, friends, colleagues, or strangers.Volunteer and engage in acts of charity to help those in need.

  • Seek Knowledge:

 Pursue Islamic knowledge to better understand the teachings of Islam. Attend classes, read books, and listen to knowledgeable scholars. Apply Islamic principles to your daily life and decision-making.

  •  Maintain Good Character (Akhlaq):

 Uphold honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness in your dealings with others. Control your anger and avoid engaging in gossip or backbiting.

  •  Build Strong Family Ties:

 Prioritize your relationships with family members. Spend quality time with them and fulfill your responsibilities towards them. Communicate effectively and resolve conflicts with empathy.

  •  Engage in Self-Improvement:

 Identify personal weaknesses and work on improving them. This could include addressing bad habits, developing new skills, or overcoming negative attitudes. Strive for continuous self-improvement, both spiritually and morally.

  • Seek Forgiveness and Forgive Others:

 Regularly seek forgiveness from Allah for any shortcomings or sins. Repentance is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth. Forgive those who have wronged you, as forgiveness is a virtuous trait in Islam. 

  •  Be Mindful of Your Speech:

 Speak with kindness and avoid using offensive language. Refrain from spreading rumors or engaging in harmful gossip.

  •  Set Realistic Goals:

 Set achievable goals for self-improvement and work towards them gradually. This could include both spiritual and personal development goals.

  •   Positive Mindset:

Start your day with positive affirmations. Challenge and reframe negative thoughts into more positive and constructive ones. Cultivate optimism by focusing on the good aspects of situations. Evaluate your social circle and minimize time with negative influences. Seek out relationships that are supportive, uplifting, and positive.

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Remember that becoming a good person is a continuous journey, and the key is to consistently strive for improvement while seeking Allah's guidance and forgiveness. Regular self-reflection and a sincere intention to follow Islamic teachings are essential aspects of this journey. Additionally, be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this journey toward a more positive and fulfilling life.