My Story

So it was about 3 am on Friday in Nigeria, and my little girl had a fever. She also had a high fever the night before, but this time it was not going down. I reached out to the pediatrician’s office, and I was placed on a waiting list for an appointment. I looked at my to-do list for that day, and I had a major Clinical Pharmacy exam that morning at 8.00 am. By 7 am, as my baby’s temperature was finally down, I left her with the family setting out for my exam while waiting to hear back from the pediatrician. 

Many of you readers might be in my same shoes some days: a full-time student, a working professional, and a mom – trying to balance your studies, career, and home. How do you stay sane, focused, and calm while juggling between all your roles and an ever-growing list of To-Dos?

Mindfulness Masterclass and Me

Mindfulness is a buzzword. Everyone seems to be talking about it these days. I never once considered that I would be learning about Mindfulness one day until I stepped inside the Mindfulness Masterclass at Productive Muslim. And I walked away with deeply meaningful tools for my spiritual-emotional well-being and a beautiful supportive community.

That morning, while I was driving to my exam, leaving behind my sick baby at home, what would you suggest I should have done to stay calm and focused?

My past self would have been too anxious and worried, not knowing what to think. But equipped with my new knowledge of Mindfulness, I knew I had to keep taking deep breaths to activate my parasympathetic system to calm down my brain’s fight or flight response, and I would do this while making Dhikr to cultivate the presence of Allah and His ever-flowing mercy. 

Let me ask you a quick question: When was the last time you sat down between your busy day and took a few focused, deep breaths to invest in your well-being? 

The best part about the Mindfulness Masterclass is how it revives the lost art of Islamic Mindfulness, how to cultivate the Presence of God to nurture ourselves spiritually why we are striving to be more Mindful. The intersection of the teaching of beautiful scholars like Ghazzali and modern-day research deeply resonated with my style of learning and self-development.

My Mindfulness Tools for greater Spiritual and Emotional Well-being and Productivity

Invitation

The Islamic Mindfulness masterclass was a beautiful journey that I plan to keep going back to as you have lifetime access to this community once you sign up once. Join my colleagues and me at the next Mindfulness Masterclass, increase your awareness of your creator, and invest in your spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Before I go, guess what I did once I got back from the doctor’s office after that crazy day?

I had another deadline! I sat with myself for a few minutes and then I got to work on this article. 

Whether it is mindful breathing punctuated by Istighfar or a mindful wudhu followed with a khushoo-filled salah, the Mindfulness Masterclass was a gift that keeps on giving by Allah’s grace. 

The post Success Story: Aisha Ahmed, Mindfulness Masterclass Graduate appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

She wants to contribute to a financially stable household, but she is starting to lose motivation at her current job. She feels she is not able to give enough time to her girls and has not taken time out to nurture her marriage due to the daily grinds.

These challenges have become a bit more intertwined as the lines between her work and home life became blurry when she started working from home due to COVID-19. She also has her mom and in-laws at home during this quarantine period due to personal circumstances.

Maryam feels she is not her best self: she is generally more distracted, worried, on the edge, and realizes she needs to invest in herself to deal with the challenges and uncertainties more positively. She prays to Allah to grant her more Hikma (wisdom) to see the good in everything and know how to move forward in her life. But can more Hikma really help her?

[If you want to understand your own level of  Hikma, take this free assessment]

Start Mindfulness Quiz!

What is Hikma and Why You Need it in Uncertain Times

Hikma or Wisdom from Allah is the ability to see the beauty and purpose in everything we go through in life. One of Allah Names is Al Hakeem- the All-Wise. When we trust His Wisdom and process everything through the wisdom revealed in His Book, we can gain more clarity and positivity in life.

Allah says:

“The Most Compassionate. Taught the Quran. He created human beings. And taught him speech.” [Quran 55:1-4]

Significantly, Allah mentioned: “taught the Qur’an” even before the mention of the creation or the intelligent speech of human beings because the Quran gives humans the ultimate intelligence and guidance to deal with the ups and downs of life more gracefully. The Quranic knowledge is not only about the ‘aql or intelligence of the mind but also the spiritual intelligence of faith and guidance that is rooted in the heart.

One of the words used to describe the Quran is Al Hakeem: the wise book. Allah, The All-Wise, revealed the Quran to teach us wisdom. This type of intelligence is paramount to our success that Allah swears by it: “

 “Ya, Seen. By the Quran, rich in wisdom!” [Quran 36: 1-2]

Allah revealed the ultimate wisdom or intelligence through the Divine revelations to His chosen messengers whom He instructed to teach and reflect His Hikma to people. Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad :

“Invite to the way of your Lord with Hikma and kind teaching.” [Quran 16:125]

To revive dead hearts, guide lost people, bring certainty during the uncertainties of life, the quality Allah asked the Prophet to use was Hikma. The Beloved Prophet  Muhammad not only needed to adopt a high level of wisdom when working on reviving barren hearts, but he was the perfect example of wisdom in his life dealing with all the challenges and uncertainties he faced when he started calling people to Allah’s path.

Developing Hikma: the 6 Traits of Spiritual Intelligence

[If you want to understand your own level of  Hikma, take this free assessment]

Start Mindfulness Quiz!

So how can we develop Spiritual Intelligence? There are 6 traits highlighted in a special chapter of the Quran where Allah teaches us wisdom through one of His chosen servants -regarded as a Prophet by some and a very special servant of Allah by others- called Luqman The wise. Allah dedicated an entire chapter of the Quran to his wisdom, Surat Luqman. Allah says:

“Indeed, We endowed Luqman with wisdom.” [Quran 31:12]

Luqman was called al Hakeem, the wise, and Surah Luqman captures his beautiful wisdom in the forms of his advice to his son. We propose the HEART of Spiritual Intelligence^TM framework here based on the advice of Luqman:

The heart of a believer embodies these beautiful traits of Luqman the wise as captured in the HEART of Spiritual Intelligence model. The HEART model, based on Quranic and Prophetic principles then, represents a type of intelligence that elevates a human being to the presence and pleasure of God and causes a ripple in the unseen system of God for protection, blessing, assistance, and elevation.

This Spiritual Intelligence was perfectly embodied by none other than our beloved Prophet Muhammad and here are some of those Prophetic qualities of Spiritual Intelligence you and I can strive to bring into our own lives:

1. Mindful of Allah in everything I do:

• Feeling His presence in everything I do
• Seeing His Wisdom and Power in all situation in life – good or bad
• Experiencing tranquility in His remembrance
• Transforming worries and weakness into relief and strength through reliance on Him
• Turning my entire life as worship through being mindful of my intention

2. Focused on our purpose on earth so that everything is connected to:

• Understanding our unique place and purpose in this world
• Aligning my personal purpose with the Pleasure of Allah
• Finding motivation in everything we do through my purpose
• Filtering distractions and negativity by focusing on that which is best aligned to my purpose
• Connecting the preparation of our return to Him and the Hereafter to everything we do

3. Deeply grateful so that we are:

• Embodying an attitude of deep gratitude to God, and then parents, family, friends, and community
• Internally aware of all the blessings in our life big and small, apparent and subtle, the special and the regular
• Externally manifesting a radiating attitude of positivity and abundance

4. Patient and humble during difficulty and uncertainty with the highest expectation of:

• Allah’s Presence
• Promised Reward
• Promised Relief
• Using Prophetic silence to help regulate our negative thoughts, emotions
• Thinking of others as better than the self, overlook their shortcomings, focus on their positive qualities,
• Be humble while doing good:
  • Hide good deeds
  • Hope for God’s acceptance and rewards
  • Fear our sins and shortcomings

5. Compassionate in the way I represent Allah and His Prophet and connect with people

• Reflecting the mercy Allah
• Embodying the Prophet’s compassion of
  • Being a source of healing in people’s lives
  • Listening with no judgment
  • Making people feel safe through verbal and physical affirmation
  • Serving without any expectation from people and only to seek the compassion of God

“And whosoever is granted wisdom is indeed granted abundant good.” [Quran, 2:269]

Maryam’s Story

Applying the HEART Model

Before	After
H: Heal with Mindfulness of God
She was feeling distracted.	She is taking time out to incorporate Mindful breathing with Istighfar and Dhikr. She is treating Wudhu and Salah as spiritual self-care. She is starting to find healing in Quranic recitation and meditation. She is taking some time for only her and Allah SWT to let go, relax, find focus.
E: Engage with Purpose
She was feeling lost and confused about her meaning and purpose in life.	She is starting to look for wisdom in how everything that is happening in her life can be a way for her to get closer to Allah . She has started reflecting and journaling to connect her values, interests, and strengths to the purpose of worshipping God, being of service to humanity, and preparing for the hereafter.
A: Achieve with Gratitude
She was starting to focus on her negative thoughts and stressors in life.	She is now taking time every day to look for, reflect on, and express gratitude for all blessings – big and small.
R: Rise with Patience and Humility
She was losing her calm more often than usual.	She is taking time to pause, breathe, and make Dhikr before responding.
She realized that due to not taking time to take care of her spiritual, emotional and physical self, she started resenting others and seeing the faults in others.v	She decided to set healthy boundaries for personal self-care time and started journaling about the positive characteristics of everyone in her family. She is starting to reframe any negative thoughts into positive and saving her energy for her own self-development goals instead of trying to change or control others.
T: Thrive with Compassion & Service
She was coming across a little direct and at times not easily approachable.	She is now focusing on taking a pause before responding immediately. She is visualizing the Prophetic compassion in dealing with and serving others before taking action.

The HEART Model of Spiritual Intelligence is helping Maryam build herself up spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It’s helping her be more calm, mindful, and positive about her life instead of getting carried away by her ever-growing to-do list, demands of her home/career, and the stresses of juggling between all her roles and responsibilities.

Join our brand New “Mindfulness Masterclass”

The ProductiveMuslim Company is pleased to present The Mindfulness Masterclass with Wadud Hassan, founder of Mindfulness Matters Leadership Institute. This is a six-week online masterclass that connects Islamic tradition with mindfulness science to help you deal with negativity, uncertainty, and the emotional rollercoasters of life. The class starts Tuesday, 11th Sha’ban 1443H (15 Mar 2022) at 6:00 pm Central Time. Check out the program and registration details here.

The post The HEART of Spiritual Intelligence: How to Cultivate Hikma (Wisdom) During Uncertain Times appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

If you are just starting out in your business, you will know what I mean. Sometimes you are on a roll— inspiration constantly hits you and you work away endlessly, sometimes for hours or days on end. When your ideas become real, you are fuelled with even more motivation, for example, when you receive your first logo design or preview your new website. To further boost your business’s online presence, consider trusted Local SEO for Small Businesses from a helpful site like icepick.co, as their expertise can help ensure your business gains visibility in local search results and attracts more targeted customers.

Sometimes, however, things aren’t as exciting, especially when you realize the amount of administration and bureaucracy you have to overcome and that’s why is useful to have probate administration lawyers to help you as well! And inevitably, you will encounter bumps along the way. You may find it hard to reach your ideal customers, for example, or you might be finding it difficult to define who your target market is.

You might be struggling with finding the time to devote to building your business, or the whole process may be taking a lot longer than you had originally anticipated. In such cases, Business Formation and Dissolution services can provide valuable assistance in streamlining the setup and management of your business, allowing you to focus on growth and operational efficiency. By handling legal complexities and administrative tasks, these services help ensure a smoother process and set a solid foundation for your business’s success.

Starting an entrepreneurial project is hard work and many people do not realize the labor that goes into it. Although becoming an entrepreneur may sound glamorous, there are times where you might feel like giving up or begin to question why you even started this in the first place. Work with an online reputation management company to help you build a good brand reputation.

The thriving economy of Sarasota offers a supportive environment for entrepreneurs who purchase businesses through Truforte Business Group’s extensive Sarasota business listings. Having a pre-existing business structure in place can dramatically accelerate the path to profitability. Moreover, the local community is incredibly supportive of small businesses, which aids in smoother transitions. This level of community engagement can be a game-changer for new business owners.

But as with all good things, nothing is easy and Allah has informed us that we will be tested, especially with our wealth. So when you are feeling helpless and completely demotivated, try these 5 practical steps to keep up the passion and drive for working on your business.

1. Remember Allah

Did you know that working in your own business can be an act of worship? It all comes down to the intention.

So ask yourself, what made you want to start your business?

It is likely that your reasoning is to earn a halal living; perhaps it is to feed and shelter your family and contribute towards your family income; maybe it is because you want to help your parents; or possibly because you want to be beneficial to the community.

All of these things are worship. Worship transcends the ritual acts that we obligated to complete, because anything you do to please Allah becomes ibaadah, even sitting and doing the accounts in your office! As long as you set your intentions right, you will be rewarded for every action you take. You will be rewarded even before your business gets off the ground! This is because actions are rewarded by intention. The Prophet Muhammad said,

“Verily actions are [rewarded] by their intentions, and one shall only have [the reward] for that which one intended.” [Sahih al Bukhari]

2. Surround yourself with beneficial company

The people that you have around you play a big part in affecting you on your entrepreneurial journey. Have a think about the people that you are close to or regularly hang around with. Do they encourage and support you? Are they full of optimism and positivity about your dreams or do they mock you and put you down? Do they give you suggestions and advice on how to develop your ideas or are they dismissive of your dreams and desires?

Whether or not we realize it, the company that we keep influences us greatly. To help you remain motivated on your route to becoming your own boss, you must surround yourself with like-minded, proactive people who will inspire you and encourage your success. There are many ways that you can do this if you do not already have beneficial people in your circle: attend events that relate to your business niche, or join groups on social media within your business industry.

3. Visualise the end goal

This involves creating a mental image of what your business could be in the future. It is a simple but extremely powerful in enabling you to stay motivated when starting your business. Here are some great quotes for motivation en entrepreneuriat.

Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed or distracted. Then close your eyes. Relax. Release the tension from your shoulders. Breath in and out, deeply and slowly. Breathe in and out. Now, imagine your dream business. What does it look like? Where is it? Who is there? Employees? Friends? Customers? How do you feel? Happy? Excited? Fulfilled? Explore your surroundings. Take it all in. Hold the vision for as long as possible. Gently open your eyes.

The power of visualization is not to be underestimated. Its effectiveness means that it is used by many successful individuals as part of the process to achieve their goals, especially within the sports industry; famous sportspeople like Michael Jordan are known to use visualization in their training. Visualisation works by priming our body to act in ways that are consistent with what we imagined.

You can visualize your dream business as often as you need to. You can have your business be one of the businesses listed at www.best-companies.co.uk. You can also visit a helpful website, similar to https://adelaide.homegiraffe.com.au/, to learn how to handle your business. I recommend it once at the beginning of the day. Making visualization a habit will help you at points of low motivation, as it will serve as a reminder of why you went into the entrepreneurship in the first place.

Also, have a good expectation of Allah , and that so long as you’re doing everything in a halal manner, Allah will always bring you what is best and remove from your way what is harmful.

4. Develop a mind map

A ‘brainstorm’, or ‘mind map’ is a diagram which you could create to map out all the areas and plans for your business. It could include your long and short-term goals, a brief financial plan and your market research. These can be as detailed or as brief as you want them to be and personalized to your exact needs. When you work through a section of your map and achieve a goal, you will feel a sense of gratification and accomplishment, as you are visually seeing the progress you are making. Mind maps were initially drawn out by hand, but there are numerous websites that allow you to create a mind map for free.

A lot of the time, people with great ideas take a few steps towards working on their ideas but end up giving up on their dreams because they don’t feel like they are making much progress. That usually happens when we don’t have a clear plan of action. We do some work here and there, with no direction or a clear plan of what we are doing, and what the next steps will be. Is it any wonder then that it is hard to follow through? To remain motivated you need to create a plan of what steps you will take and when. Mind maps are great to show the steps you will take in the near future, and how they will have a greater effect on your project. When will you create a marketing campaign? When will you carry out research on your ideal customers? When will you develop your website? Having clear goals that are timed will allow you to have a birds-eye view of where you are, the progress you have made and how much time is left till you reach your end goal. In doing so, you will remain motivated to continue on your journey.

5. Welcome failure

Expect failure as part of the journey. When things are not going to plan, it can cause us to feel demotivated. Rather than let it get you down, expect failure to be part of the process. Learn from the experience. Take note of what went wrong, and more importantly, why? What could you do better next time? Or what do you need to avoid doing? Every failure can be viewed as a learning opportunity.

Another point about failure is anticipation. Whenever you make a decision, think of the best and worst outcomes; plan ahead in the case of worst outcomes, so that if your plan didn’t go right, you will feel a sense of relief because you already know how to pick it up again.

And remember:

“How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” [Sahih Muslim]

Remember, the road to becoming an entrepreneur is not a straight one. There will be good days and there will be bad days. Just remember that your rizq (provision) has been written for you, and therefore will not miss you. Do whatever you can, complete your tasks with ihsaan (excellence) and leave the rest to Allah .

It was narrated from Jabir bin ‘Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“O people, fear Allah and be moderate in seeking a living, for no soul will die until it has received all its provision, even if it is slow in coming. So fear Allah and be moderate in seeking provision; take that which is permissible and leave that which is forbidden. ” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

What other beneficial tips you have that has helped you over the years? Share with us in the comments. 

The post 5 Ways to Keep You Motivated as An Entrepreneur appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Having negative thoughts as a result of tribulations can be severely detrimental to your physical and mental health, and your overall productivity. So how do we deal with a heart burdened with grief?

We need to remember that Shaytaan will lead us to despair and even tempt us to commit sin at our times of weakness. Whatever adversities we face, it is important to work through the heartbreak to improve our emotional and physical well-being and regain control of our day-to-day life. Here are a few tips that I find useful.

1. Focus on The Eternal instead of the temporary: Reconnecting with Allah

Human beings need someone, perpetually. Despite being the sturdiest creation on the planet possessing a perfect mental composure, we are in a constant exigency of having someone accompany us like Eve was created for Adam or Haroon was sent to help Musa . Complication starts the moment we try finding an eternal companion in this world. The moment our heart believes that “this” person is the best, free of any imperfection, and will be with us forever, is when the heartbreaks, failures, and disappointments arrive. There’s nothing surprising in this because if our heart is attached to a fleeting thing, it will, inevitably end. 

Don’t we need someone who is with us and comprehends everything we are going through? Someone who is with us at 4 am when we are crying ceaselessly and feeling vulnerable?

There is One who never misunderstands and misinterprets any of our feelings and emotional burdens, and is there for us every day of the week, and every minute of the day.

Allah says, 

“And we have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him and We are closer to him than his jugular vein.” [Qur’an: Chapter 50, Verse 16] 

But if we serve ourselves purely just for Allah and we refocus our heart so our living is just for Him, you will be amazed to see how you become content and resilient, even if your life is surrounded with battles and traumas. The immutable belief will prevail in your heart and ignite absolute solace and strength. 

Action Point: Let that emotional release be done on the prayer mat – cry, cry, cry, and plead with Allah for the perfect solution, and to bless you with patience and strength. Talk with Him and discover every possible way to reunite with your Lord . Shift your focus in weak moments from the things you’re missing, to connecting with The Eternal One . 

2. Monitor your inner thoughts and adjust them

Now that you have revived your relationship with Allah , the very next move is to reflect on your thoughts. Your inner-self needs to be pure and content in order for your outer-self to glow and function adequately. So, keep a track of your thoughts, and whenever they indicate gloominess and negativity, don’t give in those memories and desolate yourself, but retreat by remembering Allah . Let your brain know that it is worthless to dwell about despairing thoughts and there is more to life. Practice, practice, and practice it continuously until your brain is accustomed to the chain of positivity. 

Self-reflection is extremely important for us to become aware of ourselves and is a way we can control our hearts from despairing when a calamity occurs. Don’t ask questions like, “Why did this happen to me?” However, asking questions like “What did I learn from this?” or “How has this changed me?” are much more effective in pulling your heart from sadness and grief.  Tell yourself continuously, “I am accountable for my behavior and I have to be the best version of myself.” The ability to confront yourself and admit to yourself the areas you need to grow and improve will lead to a sense of inner peace.

Action Point: Self-reflection can be done anywhere. Find your ideal method; this could be sitting quietly alone and thinking, or writing down your thoughts and goals in a chart.

3. Release your emotions through the right source

Try to find one specific reliable person in your life who will listen to you without expectation or judgment. This could be a trustworthy childhood friend who has wisdom and is capable of giving sound advice, your spouse or even a therapist trained in such matters. Withholding negativity within your heart could lead to more heartache and decreased mental well-being.

Action Point: Write down what you want to speak about beforehand, as this “self-talk” is also a form of release of negative emotions. Try writing those depressing thoughts on a paper and then tear them into pieces as a symbol of letting those thoughts go. There is research that indicates that this trick actually helps people forget harsh moments.

4. Find a passion that soothes your heart adequately

Okay, so you’ve got the cooking and cleaning to do, scheduled with those dull meetings and excessive assignments which are to be submitted by 11:59 pm, you have been cramming all day for the upcoming midterm exams but your heart is still gloomy due to all sorrows which are not easily forgettable.

An exciting change may just be what the doctor ordered! There are a wealth of fun, halal and inexpensive activities that you can become passionate about. More often than not, we find ourselves rundown with the mundane everyday tasks of life, which don’t stop even when we feel heartache or burden from our problems. Although we can’t make the negativity disappear, we can take control of our mental health and engage in active leisure which will help alleviate stress and anxiety. You may initially feel like that time spent on hobbies could be spent on ‘more important’ tasks, but giving your mind a break will allow you to be focussed, refreshed, and your heart will get just a little bit lighter.

Action point: The best hobbies are those that draw you closer to Allah . This could be a hike to ponder over the beautiful creation of Allah , some Islamic classes to be in the company of good people, or exercise to make your body strong for worship.

5. Meet those who have less than you

Often during a catastrophe, we tend to think we are the only ones who are going through a hard time. This is because the pain can be consuming and it’s hard to think that someone else would understand what we feel. Our issues and troubles start growing so tremendously that we never ponder on the people who are dealing with something greater. The Messenger of Allah said,

“Look at those who are beneath you and do not look at those who are above you, for it is more suitable that you should not consider as less the blessing of Allah.” [Sunan ibn Majah]

Looking at those who have less than us, or are going through a more heavier burden automatically invites gratitude into our hearts. Subsequently, being grateful changes our whole perception about life. Even when it seems like there is no good in your life, thank Allah for the little things you still have. Say “Alhamdulillah” at your lowest, make this a habit and even if the situation is dark, you will feel positive because of that light in your heart. 

Action point: Alter the mindset of despair by visiting someone who is sick. Hospitals and care homes usually have volunteer programmes especially for those who are in end-of-life care. Another way is to go and seek out a homeless person, especially if you live in cities where the homeless population is high. Buy them some food and listen to their battles and worries: you will definitely feel that you have a great deal to thank Allah for.

6. As cliche’ as it sounds…but learn to have hope. It works!

When my dad was thirteen years old, his family was afflicted with poverty. It was so severe that they even became homeless at one point. Let me tell you what my grandma used to say to him:

“Tanveer beta (son), do you see the skies in nights and how dark it gets? Does the darkness stay forever? No, right? The sun rises and shines brightly. Sometimes beta, it is worth waiting for the sunshine so don’t dishearten yourself but put your hope in Allah . You WILL see wonders, in sha Allah!”

How beautiful is this? See how, in the midst of calamities, she tried to build hope in his heart? Once we have hope in Allah , no-one can ever put us down. Allah says,

“And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” [Quran: Chapter 65, Verse 3]

This trivial life can never bring eternal happiness. There will be severe tests and various trials but we must stay positive and hopeful. Allah is with the people who are patient. Stay strong because your attitude and behavior matter. Stay strong because patience during troubles and worries will pay off immeasurably in the end. Stay strong because your motivation isn’t this world, but the pleasure of Allah . Stay strong because Allah sees it all and He will help you.

What are your best techniques to mend a burdened heart and bring the self back to positivity and productivity? Share with us in the comments.  

The post 6 Things You Need to Remember While Mending Your Broken Heart appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

The Prophet said, “O Allah You have made my creation perfect, so make my moral characteristics also be the best.”

There is so much to learn from this simple act of the Prophet Muhammad ; from remembering Allah at all times, to the fact that He didn’t ask for more beauty to his features, rather he praised Allah for what he already has, and then he focused on asking Allah to beautify his character in the best way.

There has always been an emphasis on beautifying our character in our religion. The Prophet said:

“Nothing is heavier on the believer’s Scale on the Day of Judgment than good character.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi]

‘Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah , said, “Allah does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts and accomplishments.”’ [Sahih Muslim]

So, focusing consciously every day on improving and beautifying the state of the heart helps us attain good character and increases our overall productivity.

Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Beautifying the inner thoughts

1. Pay attention to/discipline your inner thoughts

Allah says,

“And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein’”[Quran, Chapter 50, Verse 16]

“And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.’ [Quran: Chapter 67, Verse 13]

Isn’t it amazing that even the thoughts that occur in our minds are known to Allah ! Be it good or bad, Allah knows. Our mind is like a reel, constantly playing thoughts in our head. It is our duty to play it and control it steering it to the right direction.

Many times, after an incident, for example, we tend to have assumptions about the incident or the person involved; it could be as simple as your employee breaking your favorite teacup. What is the immediate thought that comes after? ‘Why did she have it the first place? Was she intending to steal it? Couldn’t she have been more careful if she was handling it? But do we have good thoughts like, ‘never mind, it’s just a teacup.’

This is a simple example of many incidences in our day to day lives. We think a lot, and we add to our thoughts without realizing.

People are in either our ‘bad list’ or our ‘good list’. When we keep adding these thoughts to our bad list for the people we think we don’t like, we are only increasing on our own mental burden. It is in these times, we need to look for the good in people, and forget their wrong because this only imprisons us and we chain ourselves to those miseries. We need to unlock and free ourselves so that we can move on. And only those who are busy looking at their own mistakes will be capable of doing this.

Has it ever happened to you that one action of someone disturbs your entire day? Why does this happen? We let it consume our thoughts, constantly delve into it and are unable to focus on the rest of our tasks. Sometimes, it even affects our mood and enthusiasm for other tasks that are irrelevant to this matter! Unload this burden first, and see what a difference it makes to your day.

When we feel accountable to Allah for the thoughts we have within, we consciously judge the matter with wisdom; does this deserve our negativity in the first place? Instead of holding grudges and having misunderstandings, if we practiced husn ad dhan (having good thoughts), it would make our hearts lighter, and assist us in focusing on other aspects of life, hence, increasing our productivity, happiness, and mental well-being.

As Muslims, we have a bigger purpose in life, and so we must not waste our time on indulging in little matters, but rather move on and keep working for the sake of Allah ; rest assured, Allah rewards us and takes care of the matter in the most beautiful of ways, His way. This is only possible if we clear our hearts of hatred, anger, and negativity and focus on beautifying it with good thoughts, and positivity.
In addition, this not only increases our productivity but also improves our relationships with fellow beings and relatives.

2. Remember the good in others and experience Allah’s Name Ash-Shakoor

That moment when someone angers you or tests your patience, remember the good in them. This reminds me of Allah’s beautiful name Ash-Shakoor– The Most Appreciative The Most Grateful. Allah says,

“That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative. “[Qur’an: Chapter 35, Verse 30]

What does Allah have to be grateful for when He is the One to whom we are all grateful? Allah calls Himself Ash-Shakoor – The Most Appreciative, The Most Grateful, the Rewarder of good deeds. He is the One who gives abundantly, in response to little. He appreciates the smallest of deeds with unlimited appreciation. He even appreciates our intentions!

He is ever Appreciative of every emotion you go through for His sake; when being tested and you are patient for His sake, He is appreciative. When in blessing, if you are grateful, He increases you in favor. If Allah , our Creator and Sustainer is so Appreciative, how grateful do we humans have to be?

Another way we can live with His name, Ash-Shakoor, is by asking Him to help us not to be ungrateful to others and ourselves. Our parents have done innumerable favors upon us since birth, and yet in that one moment when they don’t agree with us, we rage with fury and anger and forget all our gratefulness to them. Ask Allah by His name, Ash-Shakoor, to help you never be ungrateful to those who deserve your appreciation, even at moments when they test your patience; just as you would want Allah to appreciate ALL of your efforts, even when you make a mistake!

Beautifying the actions

1. Be conscious of every deed, and increase in small acts of kindness

“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving” [Qur’an, Chapter 67, Verse 2]

The purpose of the entire creation is mentioned in this one verse – it is to test us which of us is ‘best in deeds’.

When we tend to focus on our own mistakes rather than others, we become conscious of all our deeds. Once we purify a vessel – here the vessel is our heart – we add good and beautiful things into it. So, add to your scales by beautifying every simple act in the best of ways and with excellence. Simple examples would be, easing the work for your workers with a smile, helping parents in little things without them asking you, or verbally forgiving someone when they have wronged you.

Ihsan (excellence) in deeds will purify the heart, make it feel lighter, and again, help us remain focused on our tasks. This is the ultimate aid in productivity, as you have a clear mind, renewed intentions and happier heart to complete your day-to-day work.

2. Let the Qur’an expand your day and increase it in blessings

Believe in the words of Allah when He says,

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” [Qur’an, Chapter 13, Verse 28]

How often have you wished for more time during the day? The Qur’an miraculously expands your time. The Qur’an is the greatest form of dhikr (remembrance).

Allah says

“And this [Qur’an] is a Book We have revealed [which is] blessed (Mubarak), so follow it and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” [Qur’an, Chapter 6, Verse 155]

Allah describes the Qur’an as Mubarak, the one that has barakah. The more we include the Qur’an in our lives, the more barakah there is during the day! All it needs is your attention, conscious continuous attention every single day be it even for 10 minutes (Make that the daily minimum!)

If half an hour on Facebook passes as a breeze, then what about ten minutes to give to reciting the Qur’an for rewards, blessings, expansion of heart and time and inner peace?

Simply ponder over the verses, or read a commentary, or recite, or listen but give ten minutes minimum to the Qur’an and watch it unfold its secrets to you. Giving time to the Qur’an keeps you connected to Allah , making it more likely that you will consciously avoid sinning. It also aids in clearing our minds of unnecessary things, hence achieving clarity and peace. The Qur’an is light, and when this light enters the heart, it will be focused and steered in the right direction, leading it to achieve its purpose in life.

3. Consciously make dhikr a daily habit and reap the fruits of remembrance

An additional way to beautify our minds is to constantly remember Allah with other forms of remembrance. We learn from the seerah of the Prophet Muhammad that there was not a moment he would not remember Allah . There are duas/athkaar for every moment, from sighting the new moon to feeling a breeze of wind. When we train our minds to keep on reflecting on the signs of Allah , on His love and wisdom in every situation, our minds become accustomed to good thoughts, leading to a lighter, more beautiful heart.

It is worth mentioning that Abud-Darda reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Shall I not inform you of the best of your actions which are the purest to your Rubb, which exalt you to the high ranks, which are more efficacious than spending gold and silver (in charity), and better for you than you should encounter your enemies whom you will smite their necks and they will smite your necks?” They said, “Certainly.” He (ﷺ) said, “Remembrance of Allah the Exalted.” [At-Tirmidhi]

In short, to achieve a high level of productivity, our hearts need to be light and beautiful, to do that, the following are indispensable must-dos for this goal:

1. Consciously work on beautifying your heart: focus on your inner thoughts; train yourself to think good of people, focus on your own mistakes so you don’t have time for theirs and increase in the remembrance of Allah .
2. Focus on beautifying your actions: work on how you can do each and every little deed with excellence and purify your intentions for Allah’s sake.
3. Capitalize on reciting the Qur’an: no matter how busy you are, give it at least ten minutes consistently every single day. It will not only add barakah to your time but also increase your focus, productivity and overall satisfaction and peace.

Now, tell us, have you struggled with following these tips before? what do you do to not allow your heart to be absorbed in the daily routines? how do you consciously work on beautifying your character every day?  

For a more thorough plan to transform your entire life spiritually, physically, socially and professionally, don’t forget to download our Manifesto.  

The post The Easiest Way to Beautify Your Heart and Character appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

“They’re looking at me in such a strange way, they definitely don’t like me…”

“They have clearly seen my message and not responded… I must have annoyed them somehow, what did I do? Let me ask them if they’re mad at me.”

“That person is definitely out to sabotage me, I just know it…”

If you’re constantly thinking like this, you might have received a comment that you are being “paranoid”.

Paranoia refers to someone who feels excessively suspicious without justification and feels that others might be plotting against them. They read too much into what people say with a negative point of view.  As a result, their overall emotional state gets negatively affected. They might feel depressed, anxious, and have low-self-esteem.

If you’re currently experiencing these thoughts, you’re not alone. Almost all of us experience some sort of paranoia at some point in our lives. But it’s about time we address this issue constructively and learn how to overcome it.

Some of the reasons why people get paranoid is a strong belief that they’re in danger and that their safety is in question. Paranoia is thought to be partly genetic and partly the result of certain events that happen to us in our lives. Distressing or traumatizing experiences that we have encountered can play a role into our paranoia. These negative thoughts cause irrational fears and drain our energy and positivity.

Before looking into paranoia, we need to acknowledge the importance of mental health and how crucial it is to our well being. Paranoia can require professional help, and if this is the case for you, then do not hesitate to get help.

For now, let’s discuss a few tips on how to avoid negative thoughts.

1. Develop the habit of husnul-dhan (positive assumption)

Our Prophet has encouraged the practice of having a good opinion of others, and always assuming the best of them. We are asked to think positive about others such that Allah has recorded negative assumption in His Book as a sin.

“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin…” [Qur’an: Chapter 49, Verse 12]

Sometimes we automatically assume the worst in others and this fuels unsubstantiated paranoia. For some, this is considered the equivalent to being gullible, however, if we constantly assume that people are out to get us, it causes mind games that further exacerbate and fuel negative thoughts. To constantly suspect others drains your energy and steals your happiness away.

In the very same verse, Allah shows us the way to get rid of assuming bad things of others:

“…And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” [Qur’an: Chapter 49, Verse 12]

Instantly seeking His forgiveness when the impulse from Shaytaan touches us can help us get rid of negative thinking.

2. Avoid backbiting

“.. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” [Qur’an: Chapter 49, Verse 12]

There is divine wisdom behind backbiting being forbidden in Islam. Not only does backbiting negatively affect relationships, but it is also a two-way harmful act which plants seeds of suspicion and animosity. Taking part in spreading rumors or even discussing them puts you at risk of becoming paranoid.

Silence or even a delay in a response from someone you have spoken about triggers paranoia inside you where you worry that they know. Your first assumption is that the other person is mad at you.

3. Do not tolerate backbiting around you

Yes, I’m bringing up backbiting again, it’s that toxic! If you have friends or family members who regularly gossip, walk away. This might feel strange at first, you may feel bad, confused or even guilty to an extent that you feel nervous to get up, let alone walk away. But remember, you’re not the one who is doing something wrong, so stick to your guns, because you’re right!

If you’re more comfortable explaining that what they’re doing is wrong, in a way that they would listen and respect your position, then that definitely works. People will not bring up negative things around you when you tell them what you think about backbiting. This will help bring positive vibes your way and keep the negative ones at bay.

4. Avoid negative people

Disconnect yourself from those who bring you down, as paranoia is fueled by negative thoughts. Different people have different energies. Sometimes we stay in the company of people who are constantly pessimistic and cynical and we leave them feeling low and uninspired, maybe even worthless. Constantly being in the company of these people might affect your well-being and contribute to paranoia. Leave them (if possible) and look for those who make you feel valued and appreciated. There wouldn’t be a reason to question their intentions because you know they wish you well.

Allah also teaches us how to avoid people spreading negativity – by being patient, saying words of peace and then walking away.

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace” [Qur’an: Chapter 25, Verse 63]

“And be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.” [Qur’an: Chapter 73, Verse 10]

5. Anticipate goodness and you will surely find it

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, mankind was created anxious” [Qur’an: Chapter 70, Verse 19]

Anticipatory anxiety is a negative projection about an unknown outcome and everyone experiences this with varying intensities. A low level of anticipatory anxiety motivates us to work hard and pray more sincerely. But when it causes an increased level of anxiety, we start to lose control of things. It even leads to physical issues like an upset stomach, fatigue, or severe back pain. But anticipating goodness is deep-rooted in our faith. Seeking support from a trusted chiropractor to help manage physical symptoms like back pain can be part of fostering a positive outlook, especially when addressing neuropathy balance problems treatment through comprehensive approaches that encompass physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to enhance mobility and stability. You can also read the Chiro Match Makers blog for information regarding hiring in the chiropractic industry to ensure you find the right professionals for your clinic. This osteopathic clinic specialises in sciatica pain relief. If you need a supplement to ease your pain and improve your mood, try using the product Kratom Canada Online.

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah reported:
I heard the Prophet saying three days before his death: “Let none of you die unless he has good expectations from Allah “. [Muslim]

Anticipating goodness has been found by modern psychologists to be a primary factor to start a positive change. Positive thoughts have been proved to have the power to create positive outcomes. Think positive. In every experience, there is a Divine wisdom.

Ali said:

تَوَقَّع خَيْرَا مَهْمَا كَثُر الْبَلَاء
Anticipate goodness no matter how serious the affliction may be.

How to develop the habit of anticipating goodness? There are many ways but the following, bi’ithniLlah, is a very powerful one: Thank Allah for the positive results even before starting to do something. Have you ever noticed “Thanking you in advance” in the application letters? Yes, the same! For instance, if you are preparing for your exams, say “AlhamduliAllah that You are there to help me”, “AlhamduliAllah that You are going to make it easier than I thought”, “AlhamduliAllah that by Your Mercy I am going to get a good result”, etc.

6. Have tawakkul

Believe that Allah has a plan for you and that He knows what you’re going through. He is our Protector, and if people wish us harm and it is not written for us then it will never happen.

“Say, “Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the faithful should put their trust.” [Qur’an: Chapter 9, Verse 51]

As Muslims, we believe that relying on Allah  and believing in His decree are crucial in our lives.

Ubadah bin al Samit said to his son:
Son! You will not get the taste of the reality of faith until you know that what has come to you could not miss you, and that what has missed you could not come to you.
I heard the Messenger of Allah say: The first thing Allah created was the pen. He said to it: Write.
It asked: What should I write, my Lord?
He said: Write what was decreed about everything till the Last Hour comes.
Son! I heard the Messenger of Allah say : He who dies on something other than this does not belong to me. [Sunan Abi Dawud]

However, we must understand it correctly. We need to make sure that we do our part first. We believe that Allah will not burden us with more than what we can handle, so we need to try our best, and ensure that we are trying to improve our situation and whatever is beyond our control we trust that Allah will take care of us. Once we practice tawakkul in every aspect of our lives, it will reduce paranoia significantly, because you don’t fear tribulations that come your way, instead, you recognize that Allah is with you in this struggle and that through it and after it will come ease.

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” [Qur’an: Chapter 94, Verses 5 – 6]

7. Keep yourself busy

Schedule enjoyable and absorbing activities for the times of the day when you are most prone to worry. If you’re finding it difficult to fall asleep because of worrying thoughts, try to wind down by reading a book, or listening to something soothing, such as your favorite Qur’an reciter. We are also advised to read our evening adhkar that will protect us before we go to sleep. Once you’ve distracted yourself from negative thoughts before you know it, you will fall asleep feeling safe and protected, and that would help reduce your paranoid thoughts.

8. Seek help

Speak to your GP, or a mental health professional. If you feel like paranoia is interfering with your day-to-day life and is really affecting you, reach out to your GP, or a mental health organization/specialist near you. You can get help to manage your negative thoughts and it will give you a chance to share what you’re feeling with someone else, without the fear of judgment.

Now tell us, have you ever experienced paranoia? Or, do you know anyone struggling with paranoia? What are your methods to overcome it? Share with us in the comments to benefit others!

The post How to Overcome Being Constantly Paranoid appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Download our 21 Sources of Barakah Resource Sheet + Infographic!

When we think of barakah, we usually think of things that can increase barakah in our day, the coming week or even for the next year. We search for barakah to make our time on this earth more productive, more fruitful and to have the blessings of Allah with us in our day-to-day actions. But have you ever thought of how to have barakah in your good deeds?

‘Eternal barakah‘ is the kind that multiplies our deeds without the restrictions levied by the concept of time.

“But humans only live a short time!”, we all think to ourselves.

Yes, our days are limited, no human being will ever be eternal and our years in this dunya are fleeting. But our hasanah is not bound by time. Without any doubt, they can increase continuously and exponentially, even after our days on this earth come to an end. The Messenger of Allah said,

“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things sadaqah jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Muslim]

This is the ultimate barakah! A small deed that keeps multiplying our hasanah even after we have long forgotten it – what better barakah could there be?

The winners are those who start implementing

Prophet Muhammed made extremely clear how to gain good deeds for eternity. Sadaqah jariyah is basically a good deed, usually in form of charity, that once performed, will continuously add to our balance of hasanah. For example, let’s say we saved some money and contributed to the construction of a masjid. Every time the adhan is called – we will be rewarded. Every time someone prays in that masjid, we will be rewarded. Every time someone makes a heartfelt du’a or uses the space for a halaqah, again, we will be rewarded, and so on. The most remarkable thing about sadaqah jariyah is that it outlives us; every time someone worships Allah in the masjid after we pass away, it will still be recorded as a good deed for us. We will not be able to enumerate the shower of good deeds, because that contribution we made once, a long time ago, has established barakah into our scale of deeds. In addition, these actions will increase barakah in our daily life too, as Rasul-Allah said,

“Allah said, ‘O son of Adam! Spend, and I shall spend on you.’ ” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Does sadaqah jariyah have to be a large sum of money? Absolutely not. This is a common misconception. There are many ways we can give sadaqah jariyah without breaking the bank. These cheap and affordable actions will ensure that we can consistently perform them and increase our good deeds innumerably.

Gift someone a Qur’an

One of best things a human being can do is to give someone a Qur’an, the speech of Allah , be it a hard copy (printed) or a soft copy (CD, app etc.). The Messenger of Allah said,

“Whoever recites a letter from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi]

Importantly, Rasul-Allah also said,

“Whoever leads to good, then for him is the same reward as the one who does it – or – who acts upon it.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi]

From this, it is obvious that every time that person recites a letter from the Qur’an we gifted him/her, ten rewards will be written both for us and him/her. Long after we die, if that Qur’an is still being used, our rewards will still be stacking up, in sha Allah.

Another way to gain reward in this way is to gift a non-Muslim with a translated Qur’an, with hopes that s/he would be guided by Allah through us. In this case, we would be rewarded for each and every good deed this person does, if our gift led them to Islam. Prophet Muhammad said,

“…by Allah , if one man is guided on the right path through you, it would be better for you than (a great number of) red camels.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Red camels were the Ferraris of that time! Scholars have agreed that this means, it would be better for us than everything in this dunya.

Buy something useful for a mosque

There are many charities that are building mosques all around the world, to which all of us can contribute the cost of a chosen number of prayer spaces. Another way we can get the similar reward is by donating necessary items to our local mosque. Take a trip to your mosque and discuss what is needed with the managers. Some ideas include:

• Comfortable prayer mats
• Prayer wears for women
• Adkhaar posters for after salah
• Signs for mosque entry and exit du’as
• Translated Qur’an
• Chairs for praying
• Fans or an air conditioner
• Water dispenser
• A microphone and speakers for calling the adhan

We must take care to distinguish between things that have a high rate of wear and tear to ensure that our donations are well looked after – a water dispenser may need regular cleaning; prayer wear will need washing and an automatic air freshener might need constant refilling. But surely no matter what is our contribution our reward is incalculable, all pouring into our scale of good deeds.

Download our 21 Sources of Barakah Resource Sheet + Infographic!

Spread beneficial knowledge

Do you remember the second thing in the hadith mentioned in the beginning? Some scholars say that “a knowledge which is beneficial” means any kind of knowledge that one leaves behind in any medium, or by teaching it to someone, as this person can implement it, and bear this knowledge to other people. While this could be any beneficial knowledge in the field of maths, science, literature etc., all scholars agreed that the most superior kind of knowledge is that of Islam.

We don’t have to be scholars or preachers to have this deed to our account. Anyone can leave behind “knowledge which is beneficial”. Here are some easy ways by which we can spread the knowledge of Islam:

1. Teach someone Surah al-Fatiha

Muslims recite Surah al-Fatiha at least seventeen times throughout the day. Multiply this by the number of letters in the Surah (over one hundred!), multiply then by ten (the reward of reciting the Qur’an) and lastly, multiply this by an average lifespan of prayer. I am sure the number will be fascinating. Now take a look at this hadith,

“The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

The reward is just endless! Let’s make this the knowledge we leave behind, teaching this easy and important surah to our children, our younger siblings, or a new Muslim. Our reward may even grow exponentially if that person teaches it to someone else – all of this on our scale of good deeds, unbound by our time on earth. Remember, Allah is Al-Wahhab and His ability to give is limitless!

2. Teach someone a prophetic supplication

When I was seven years old, an old man told me to make this du’a: ‘Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar’. Back then, I did not know any form of dhikr and that this was a prophetic du’a. This supplication was the one most often recited by the Prophet . [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] For more than a decade now, I have been making this du’a, and that man passed away fourteen years ago – in sha Allah, it has been adding up to his deeds this whole time.

Remember, the winners are the ones who start implementing. Let’s not get lazy about it; before exiting this page, make sure to choose a sadaqah jariyah to do or some knowledge you want to pass on. Note them down and set a reminder for yourself to start it as soon as possible. Let’s not let our time on this earth end without us having some sort of barakah in our good deeds. All of these actions will not only put barakah in our scale of deeds, but will also bring our positivity to our life.

Do you have other simple ideas that people can capitalize on? Share them with us in the comments section below! Perhaps someone will implement your advice, and they will be the reason you find mountains of hasanah on the Day of Judgement on your log book!!

Download our 21 Sources of Barakah Resource Sheet + Infographic!

The post ​Barakah for Eternity: 4 Simple Ways to Earn Innumerable Hasanat appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

“I can’t wait for Ramadan to come, it’s my favourite time of year”

“Ramadan is the one thing I’m looking forward to”

I would feel guilty and confused. My thoughts went along the lines of:

“I’m gonna have work during Ramadan, I’m going to have exams, I’m going to be fasting for 19 hours in the heat, what am I going to do? How will I wake up for suhoor and then wake up for work, my sleeping pattern is going to be so messed up. Ramadan is gonna be so hard this year, and for all the upcoming years too!

These are the thoughts that would run through my head. When people had Ramadan plans of how much Qur’an they were going to read and how to utilise every minute they had in worship, I had Ramadan plans on how to pass the hours by making lists of TV series to watch, and napping whenever I had free time. As a result of this I wasn’t able to make the best of this special month.

Reflecting on Ramadan and realising that actually Allah never gives a believer a burden bigger than they can bear, I realised I didn’t need to dread Ramadan or be worried about how hard it would be fasting long hours in summer. Even if it was hot, even if the days were long, fasting wasn’t something that should halt my productivity, nor was it impossible to get through. Once my mentality had changed, I was able to welcome Ramadan and shift my focus entirely from ‘how will I get through the day?’ to ‘how can I make the best of my day?’ If you’re experiencing the same feelings, then let me share with you my tips.

Go back to the Qur’an

It sounds simple but this changed everything for me. You often hear that the purpose of fasting is that we can feel hunger, so this became embedded in my mind – this is a month of being hungry so we can feel grateful. However, I watched a lecture by Nouman Ali Khan where he talked about how beautifully Allah discussed this month in the Qur’an:

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion… Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful”. [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 185]

Allah didn’t describe Ramadan as the month of going hungry. It was the month in which the Qur’an was revealed. It is a month where Muslims can turn back to Allah and become righteous. It is not intended to be a month of hardship, but rather a month of benefit. Once I heard this, my perspective shifted and I realised I should not see Ramadan as a difficulty. There were unlimited blessings and rewards up for grabs in this month, and rather than focusing on the hunger, I started focusing on how I could become more connected spiritually and strengthen my relationship with the Qur’an.

Fasting is not poverty simulation

Having internalised that I shouldn’t view Ramadan as a month of physical hardship, I began reflecting deeply as one of my friends told me something that I would never forget:

“Fasting is not poverty simulation”

I used to think that the purpose of fasting is to empathise with the poor by enduring hunger and thirst. But it is much deeper than that. Fasting is prescribed to us to gain taqwa of Allah , to shed bad habits and ego and cultivate good character and deeds. This is a perfect chance for you to renew your intention and give da’wah about the true purpose of fasting, as Allah says:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous”, [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 183]

Throw away the procrastination list

I scrapped and replaced all those TV series I had planned to watch, with Islamic lectures including seerah and tafsir, and I also signed up to free online courses on languages and computer science – I decided I was up for learning anything as long as it was a productive use of my time. There is a wealth of knowledge out there to be gained, and for those who have summer holidays, you have many hours in the day to learn new things so you can really take advantage.

However, this is obviously much harder if you’re working. If you are working full time during Ramadan, it is important to focus on creating a few realistic goals that will bring you closer to Allah .

1. This can include simple actions like:
2. Listening to a lecture instead of the radio on your commute. If your commute to work and back is at least 30 minutes, that’s 5 hours a week you will have spent in ibadah learning about Allah
3. Incorporating sunnah prayers and dhikr with every salah
4. Giving money to charity
5. Memorising just 1 ayah a day of the Qur’an

Never underestimate the value of small deeds, as our beloved prophet Muhammad said:

“The acts most pleasing to Allah are those which are done continuously, even if they are small.” [Muslim].

Eat smarter

It is no doubt that when you fast for 18 hours, you will definitely get hungry at some point in the day; there are ways to manage your diet and ensure that you have enough energy to sustain you throughout the day. What I used to do was have five huge glasses of water at suhoor, thinking this would ensure I wouldn’t get thirsty throughout the day! Of course I realised that this was one of the silliest things I could do since I wouldn’t retain the majority of that water.

Instead I decided to follow two crucial things that the our beloved prophet used to do:

1. Eat dates. They are full of slow releasing energy and so have many health benefits. If you are someone who dislikes dates (like I used to be) try a new kind of dates. There are so many different types of dates, you’ll find something that you like for sure.
2. Follow the concept of one-third food, one-third water, one-third air, as narrated by our beloved Prophet :

“It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.’ [Ibn Majah]

Additionally, as a result of fasting we become unable to consume as much food as we are normally able to, but our hunger tries to convince us otherwise, leading to over-eating at iftar – until they feel too sick, tired and lazy to continue with ibadah.

Remember Ramadan is not a month of feasting, where you compensate for not having eaten the whole day. It is a month of spiritual gain and so the focus should not be on spending hours in the kitchen cooking elaborate meals, especially when the nights are short.

Immerse yourself in worship

Ramadan is truly a special month, shaytan is tied up and there are unlimited rewards up for grabs. If you are someone who has struggled with enjoying Ramadan and making the most of it, then let this Ramadan be a change. If you are someone who loves Ramadan, but is feeling nervous about the long hours, then try to make this Ramadan your best Ramadan. Set yourself achievable targets in Qur’an and ibadah, and use this month to really make progress. Whether you make the intention at the beginning or middle of Ramadan, it is not too late!

But don’t burn out!

Making the transition from day-to-day worship to full time ibadah during Ramadan can be daunting. You know that feeling when Ramadan starts, you have a boost of imaan, you’ve decided that you’re going to stay up until fajr, read at least one juz of Qur’an everyday and attend taraweeh every night? However, by day seven and you’ve fallen behind on your reading, the exhaustion starts to hit you and you give up!

Take Ramadan like running a marathon, not a 100m sprint. Marathon runners start slow conserving their energy, building up stamina and then push hard in the last few miles. Take it steady, listening to your body when you need rest but not wasting precious time and energy either. Small and consistent acts of worship will ensure that you don’t burn out. Then, if we reach the last ten nights in sha Allah, you can pick up the pace and really give it your all. If you fall, don’t beat yourself up – this is the month of mercy – repent and ask Allah to keep you steadfast.

Ramadan is not a temporary spiritual boost for thirty days – it is a glimpse of what you are capable of achieving everyday of the year so you can push yourself and realise your potential. It is a month of training to strengthen your relationship with the Almighty so that when the month is over, you are a better Muslim, who has hopefully shed bad habits and gained good ones!

Two people will fast the month of Ramadan, but one will come out stronger than the other. For that person, Ramadan wasn’t about going hungry, it was about feeding the soul. Will you be that person? Share your reflections in the comments below! 

The post How I Stopped Dreading Ramadan appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

ProductiveMuslim.com in association with Ahlan Art is proud to present “The Productive Muslim International Photography Competition”. This creative initiative aims to utilize the art of photography to, not only inspire, educate and enlighten global viewers, but also challenge the stereotypical image of Muslims in the media.

The online competition platform enables photographers to share their photo-journalistic and fine art photography work, whilst spreading positive imagery of both Islam and Muslims as productive citizens of the world.

Selected finalists of the photography competition will have their photographs printed on Fine Art Gallery Paper and showcased during the Muslim Lifestyle Show in London Olympia on 30th April – 1st May 2016, and have the chance to win various prizes.

This is a unique opportunity for participants to be exhibited side by side with world renowned artists. The competition is open to all; professional or non-professional photographers.

Why are we holding this competition?

Productive Muslim and Ahlan Art are dedicated to sharing the beauty of Islam with the world through art, design and photography, as well as, corporate social responsibility initiatives. The collaboration aims to build awareness and discussion regarding Muslims’ contribution in today’s modern/integrated society. The competition and resulting exhibition act as a platform to portray the fusion of Islam, Islamic Art and culture with the rest of the world. It is a resource for teaching global consciousness, historical literacy, and multicultural appreciation.

The project facilitates multi-cultural and interfaith dialogue to promote understanding, thus reducing religious, cultural, and racial bigotry. It aims to advance the global public religious and civic discussions in order to provide a better atmosphere for working together and living in peace and unity.

Our Art Partners: Ahlan Art

Ahlan Art is an internationally recognized gallery that works with over 40 established artists from across the world, showcasing a range of modern, contemporary and classical art. Ahlan Art works very closely with artists to build their personal profiles and to create a new narrative for Islamic Art.

With over twenty exhibitions to date, Ahlan Art has become the go-to place for Islamic Art. Some of their prominent exhibitions have included a Ramadan exhibition at the foot of the Burj Khalifa Dubai, the Family Office Forum, as well as, a solo show in Knightsbridge, London.

Regulations

• By entering the The Productive Muslim International Photography Competition, entrants agree to (a) be bound by these rules; and (b) know that the decisions of the judges are final and binding.
• By entering the competition, the entrant acknowledges that the photo submission is an original work created solely by the entrant, that the photograph does not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity or intellectual property rights of any entity, and that no other party has any right, title, claim or interest in the photograph.
• Ahlan Art reserves the right to disqualify any individual(s), verify the validity and originality of any entry and/or entrant (including an entrant’s identity and address) and to disqualify any entrant who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these rules or is offensive in any way.
• Ahlan Art has the right to suspend the competition, and will not retain any rights in the submitted photographs if so.
• Ahlan Art retains the right to publish the competition entries to congratulate the winners and to promote future events. Entries may be published by Ahlan Art and/or affiliates (the “authorized parties”) in any medium, at authorized parties’ discretion. By participating, all entrants grant a license in the entries to the authorized parties, and acknowledge that entry may be used in any media at any time, worldwide for the purpose of promoting, marketing and crowdfunding the competition.

Rules

1.Only photos submitted by email to competition@ahlanart.com will be considered.

2. Only photos falling under the theme of ‘The Productive Muslim’ will be considered.

3. Only digital photos submitted as JPG or JPEG of high quality will be considered.

4. Photos with graphic designs, logos or frames will not be accepted.

5. All photos entered into the competition must be original works created solely by the entrant, and must not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity or intellectual property rights of any person or entity.

6. All photos must include the following information in the email:

–      Name [first, last]

–      Contact telephone number [incl. country code]

–      Email address

–      Location [place, city, country]

–      Date [dd/mm/yyyy]

–      Title [name of your photo]

–      Dimensions [centimeters]

–      Description: The idea / story of your image and relevance to the theme [min. 150 words]

7. Photos that do not follow the above submission requirements will not be accepted.

8. No more than 3 photographs will be accepted per participant.

9. Photos that have been obviously manipulated, enhanced, retouched beyond normal practice will not be considered for acceptance.

10. Photos that have been previously submitted for competitions will not be considered for acceptance.

11. Any posts, comments, or photo submissions that are offensive, defamatory, obscene, indecent, unlawful or refer to politics in any way will be immediately deleted. We will also not tolerate hateful comments or abuse pertaining to any religion, sect, minority or ethnic group.

Exhibition

• Productive Muslim and Ahlan Art will host an exhibition for selected finalists during the Muslim Lifestyle Show on 30th April – 1st May 2016.
• All winners will have their winning photograph and names published on the competition website and in affiliated media.
• The top 20 finalists will be crowd-voted on Facebook within 7 days of the close of the competition. Stay tuned to Ahlan Art’s Facebook page for announcements.
• Finalists will be notified by email and public announcement on the website and social media platforms with further details and information in preparation for the exhibition.

Jury Committee

The finalists will be selected by an international panel of experts including award-winning photographers Peter Sanders, Peter Gould & Lisa Vogl. Decisions of the jury are final and binding.

Peter Sanders

Peter Sanders is the world’s preeminent photographer of the Muslim World. For more than 45 years, he has captured over half a million images reflecting a rich traditional civilization filled with warmth, humanity and compassion.

Sanders has held photographic workshops across the globe and held exhibitions ranging from places as varied as Jerusalem and Stockholm to Timbuktu and Los Angeles. In the process, he has created the most comprehensive library of images of Islam; a library that is continually expanding.

Peter Gould

Peter Gould’s photography is as much about the spiritual as it is about the visual, offering no questions or answers but rather affording the viewer to simply being in that moment, and that moment at first glance seems to curiously exist without time or consequence.

Gould’s unique artwork and photography are found in the collections of diverse audiences including a Prime Minister, Middle Eastern royalty and has been exhibited in galleries around the world over the past decade. He has won several awards and through his work and artistic projects, Gould aims to inspire and promote understanding, positivity and creative thinking in the global community.

Lisa Vogl

Lisa Vogl is an award-winning international wedding and fashion photographer. Past and current clientele include Maher Zain, Native Deen, Azizah Magazine, Aquila Style Magazine and Islamic Relief. Lisa has recently launched a modest fashion label, Verona Collection, which has gained recognition internationally as the first affordable modest fashion line.

Vogl’s relation with Islam strengthened through going after her dream of traveling and being a photographer. Today, she is internationally recognized and sought after for her work.

Prizes

• First Prize: iPad Pro 
• Second Prize: Android/Apple Watch
  
• Third Prize: Fitbit Watch

Deadline & Dates

• Competition Launch Date:                                15th March 2016 (12 PM GMT)
• Deadline for Final Submissions:                      15th April (12PM GMT)
• Judging Period:                                                   15th April – 21th April 2016
• Exhibition at The Muslim Lifestyle Show:     30th April – 1st May 2016

Entries

You can enter by filling the form http://www.ahlanart.com/theproductivemuslim or alternatively email: competition@ahlanart.com

The post “The Productive Muslim” International Photography Competition appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Alhamdulillah, I’m happy to present to you the ProductiveMuslim Manifesto in 8 of the most popular languages in the Muslim world:

English (Original)

Arabic

Bengali

French

Indonesian

Malay

Turkish

Urdu

What is the ProductiveMuslim Manifesto?

The ProductiveMuslim Manifesto is a beautifully illustrated and concise 42-page eBook that captures the essence of all the work we’ve been doing at ProductiveMuslim.com for the past 7 years. It summarizes 10 key qualities along with practical tips, which if applied, can help change the Ummah for the better, in sha Allah. These qualities include:

• How to Pursue everything in life with an active intention
• How to Seek spiritual connectivity & barakah in every moment
• How to Fill your heart with abundant positivity
• How to Plan your day, week, month, life in detail!
• How to Rise early and seize the barakah
• How to Aim for physical vitality
• How to Pursue holistic learning for a holistic life
• How to Take time to have fun!
• How to Always be of service
• How to Have commitment and discipline

It’s a powerful summary of the most important skills that you need to learn and develop so you can be more productive!

The manifesto is available for FREE and available in the 8 languages above (Click on any of the images above to download the manifesto).

Our commitment to translate

When we launched the Manifesto last year, we were overwhelmed by the positive responses received by all our readers. So many of you wanted to share this Manifesto with family members and friends who perhaps couldn’t read the Manifesto in English, so we decided to translate the Manifesto into as many languages as we can to help its message reach further.

We couldn’t do this on our own, so we hired a professional translation company to do the translation, editing, design and final production of the translated manifestos.

Special thanks to all those who participated in the crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for us to afford to hire the professional company. We couldn’t have done this without you! JazakumAllah khair!

P.S. If you’re interested to sponsor the translation of the ProductiveMuslim Manifesto into another language which we didn’t cover above, please send us an e-mail to contactus[at]productivemuslim[dot]com for discussion & further details.

Now it’s your turn..SHARE SHARE SHARE!

We want these translations to go far and wide to every corner of the Ummah…

We want every school, college, university, hospital, private or public institution to share this manifesto among their people and unlock a faith-based and values-driven productivity that is positive, sincere and powerful!

Let us start a grassroots movement that says NO to laziness, NO to procrastination, NO to being unproductive and boring and let us help inspire a generation of true ProductiveMuslims, in sha Allah!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Am I allowed to print & distribute these manifestos?

Yes

2. Am I allowed to sell these manifestos?

No

3. Am I allowed to use some of the content of the manifesto for my own non-commercial purposes? 

Yes

4. Am I allowed to share this manifesto with anybody in this entire world (Muslim or non-Muslim)?

Yes

5. I have more questions? 

E-mail us at contactus[at]productivemuslim[dot]com

The post The ProductiveMuslim Manifesto: Now In 8 Languages of the Ummah! appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.