The Messenger said: “There lies within the body a piece of flesh. If it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Verily this piece is the heart.” [Sahih Muslim]

Your heart does not distance itself from Allah overnight. It is a slow process. First, you start becoming lazy with acts of worship, delaying prayer, belittling your sins. Then the pleasures of this life become your main concern and certain sins become a habit that you can’t seem to get rid of, until you start feeling like you don’t really have a purpose in life.

I never want my heart to fall back into that state again, and I never want the connection with my Creator to be strained or cut. Recently, working on my relationship with Allah and establishing certain habits to keep my heart alive have become incredibly important to me. Each one of us has a heart and even though the physical heart plays a critical role in our day-to-day living, the most important nourishment for the heart is arguably the spiritual one.

Therefore, I pray that my words will inspire you -and me- to start working on having a sound heart, insha’Allah.

Here is what we need to consider…

Your relationship with Allah

1. Get to know Allah

The Prophet said: “Allah the Almighty said: I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he mentions Me. If he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly greater than it. If he draws near to Me a hand’s length, I draw near to him an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.” [Sahih Muslim]

I believe that in order to have a heart that is connected to Allah , we need to get to know Him first. How do we expect to build a strong relationship with someone we barely know? Allah gave us multiple ways to do this, one of which is through the Qur’an (I will come back to this later). Another way to get to know Him is by spending time learning and reflecting on His Names which we learn from the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Know that He is Al-Khaliq, The One who created us and anything we may desire; As-Sami’, The One who hears every single one of our supplications; Al-Qadir, The One who is able to do anything, no matter how impossible it might seem to our limited perception. This will help us create our relationship with Allah in a positive framework, and make it a relationship that we gladly work on and invest in. So explore, learn and reflect on the Names of Allah .

2. Firmly hope for His Mercy

Allah is not looking for a reason to punish, reject or push us away. He is there for us when no one else is and is looking for reasons to accept us. His Names teach us that He is Merciful, The Source of love (Al-Wadud) and The Source of peace (As-Salaam). However, we often tend to lose hope as soon as we slip up. I believe many times this can even be the reason for why we start losing our connection with Allah altogether.

Know that we are human and so is our heart, so at some point, it might break, might not work properly or we might feel a certain emptiness inside. From personal experience, I can tell you that it’s essential that we learn to fill this void by being close to Allah instead of trying to fill it with anything else. Be optimistic that Allah will accept your repentance. He  mentions His forgiveness much more often than His punishment in the Qur’an. Every once in a while we all will make a mistake, but it’s vital to immediately catch ourselves and remember Allah . Repentance is a constant process, so it might take a couple of attempts to fully get back on track. But don’t be embarrassed to turn back to Him, no matter the magnitude of the sin, and never lose hope in His infinite mercy.

Physical connection

1. Performing prayer

The Messenger said: “The example of the five (daily) prayers is like that of a clear-water river flowing in front of your houses in which a person washes himself five times a day – cleansing him from all dirt.” [Sahih Muslim]

I was recently blessed with being able to go to umrah. One of the things that stood out to me the most was how the five daily prayers were being prioritized in the two holy cities. When you hear the adhan in Makkah or Medina, the store owners close their shops. A stream of people – young and old, women, children, and men – rush to the mosque to get hold of the best places. Many people are already in the mosque and have been praying, supplicating and reading the Qur’an for hours before. You see people performing wudu’, not rushing through it, but taking their time while doing so. People prioritize praying in the mosque and praying on time. They are ready for prayer way before the adhan can be heard. Even outside of the prayers, I noticed that people structured their day around them and not the other way around. When scheduling to meet up with someone, I often heard phrases like “Let’s meet between dhuhr and asr” or “Let’s meet after maghrib” instead of “Let’s meet at 5 pm”.

But it’s not just about praying on time. What is even more important in my opinion is the quality of our prayers. When it comes to our heart, there is nothing more crucial than our prayer. It will be the first thing we will be asked about by Allah and if our prayers were good, then everything else will be good, insha’Allah. [Jami’ at-Tirmidhī]. By implication, this means that the quality of your prayer is a way to check yourself and the state of your faith and heart. It’s our way to call on Him five times a day, to keep our relationship with Him alive and our hearts connected to Him. We have to fix the quality of our prayer if we want to fix our hearts. If we don’t have that consistency, that food for the soul, our hearts will automatically be affected.

The five daily prayers can be seen as a constant refresher of our faith. It revives us spiritually if we engage in our prayers consciously, and not just treat them like a cardiovascular activity. An issue for many of us is that we are not fluent in the Arabic language, so we might feel disconnected in prayer because we don’t understand what we are reciting. It’s then up to us to be proactive and find ways to get something out of the prayer by reviewing, for example, a few of the verses you have recited, understanding their meaning…etc.

2. Reading and pondering over the Qur’an

“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]

I’m sure we have all been in the situation where we attend a lecture or an Islamic event, and go back home feeling a spiritual high rushing through us. But then, after a week or so, we feel a dip in our faith again. Imagine this scenario: if you were to advise a friend who wanted to get in shape, would you tell them to work out for three hours straight, and this would be enough for the rest of the year? If only it were that easy! Just like a few hours of physical exercise every couple of months won’t do anything for our bodies, remembering Allah once a week or once a month won’t do much for our spiritual hearts. In order to be consistent with the remembrance of Allah , we have the above-mentioned five daily prayers, but we have also been given the Qur’an, which is not just meant to sit on our shelves but was sent down to be read, lived and engaged with on a daily basis. Allah tells us in the Qur’an that our hearts find ultimate peace and tranquility in the remembrance of Him. Since the Qur’an is said to be the best form of remembrance, it’s an essential component to keeping our hearts steadfast. But how many of us really make an effort to understand His book? How much time do we really spend with it on a regular basis?

I personally believe that reading the Qur’an, even if we might not understand or remember everything, is a means to purify our hearts and bring about change inside of us. But in order to really feel the effect of His words on us, we have to be willing to go deeper in order to reap the tremendous benefits of their meaning. I once heard an analogy that I would like to share with you: imagine you receive a letter from a king, a president, or anyone else in a high position. Even if it was written in a language that you didn’t understand, you would get it translated because you would be dying to know what it says. The Qur’an can be seen as a letter to mankind and it’s not a letter from just anyone! It’s a message from the Lord of the worlds Himself. It’s one of the most fulfilling experiences to establish a relationship with the Qur’an and extract gems on how to enrich your own personal life and enlighten your heart. All you have to do is commit to and set aside a certain time in the day where you can sit down, read, and ponder over the Qur’an, even if it’s just one verse a day. One of the recommended times is right after fajr prayer as it’s a time of blessings, but I would say the most important thing is that you find a time that works best for you and that you are able to stick to consistently.

Your relationship with others and yourself

1. Surround yourself with people that remind you of Allah

The Messenger said: “The likeness of a righteous friend and an evil friend, is the likeness of a (musk) perfume seller and a blacksmith. As for the perfume seller, he may either bestow something on you, or you may purchase something from him, or you may benefit from his sweet smell. And as for the blacksmith, he may either burn your clothes, or you may be exposed to his awful smell.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Even if you strive to better yourself and purify your heart, it will prove to be very difficult if your company isn’t good. Just as some people can impact you positively, others can literally poison your heart. Therefore, quality is so much more important than quantity when it comes to the friends you choose to surround yourself with. It’s completely normal for us to go through phases where our faith goes up and down, but if we keep good company and don’t isolate ourselves, we can prevent our faith from plummeting to the ground. Choose to be around people who bring you closer to righteousness, people who remind you of Allah and encourage you to do good deeds, the ones who support you and believe in you in the good times, as well as the bad times.

Go to, or organize, weekly gatherings where you come together with fellow Muslim friends and discuss things that you are dealing with at the moment. Read His Book together, reflect on His words, pray together, eat together, and simply come together for His sake. You might see something in a way that the person sitting next to you might not see and vice versa, so you can benefit from each other’s differing perspectives. Angels surround gatherings where Allah is remembered, so imagine how blessed a weekly get-together would be. You will feel an immediate effect on your heart and spiritual self, insha’Allah.

2. Pause and assess yourself

Frequently assess the state of your heart and think about the way you affect others. Does your character and the way you speak to and treat others, bring them closer to Allah , or does it drive them away? I believe that a fundamental aspect of purifying one’s heart starts with working on one’s character and developing fundamental etiquette. When you’re going through a tough time in your life, go out and help somebody deal with their problem. This way, you’ll be able to shift your focus from ‘I’ to a more positive and comprehensive one and will be able to put your own matters into perspective.

We can all do our part in making the world a little better for someone. It might not impact on everyone, but if it can have an impact on even one life, on one heart, then there is still value in it and it still makes a difference. You will realize that what you do for others will not just have an effect on them, but will also soften your own heart. When we look at the Prophet and his companions, we can see that they never let a person feel as though they were alone or as though they had to get through trials by themselves. They didn’t look a person up and down and judge them. Be a real friend to people and someone who they can come and speak to. Think about how you being Muslim is not only a benefit to you, but also a benefit to those around you.

I hope that this article has inspired you to feed and nourish your heart and has provided you with practical advice on how to do exactly that. The state of your heart will determine how you perceive the world around you. Just like how we take care of our minds and bodies, we have to take care of our hearts. Take time out to reflect on certain things going on inside of you that need to be remedied and healed. Nothing of the dunya will be able to give you what a content heart, a heart connected to its Creator, can give you.

What are your tips to have a sound heart connected to Allah ? Share with us in the comments section.

The post How to Have a Heart Connected to Allah [swt] appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Until recently, I was not somebody who made friends easily. Growing up in a non-Muslim country, I always longed to have Muslim friends. This desire only increased over the years and I remember that the du’a I repeated over and over again in the Ramadan of last year was for Allah to send Muslim friends my way.

Now, one year later, I am happy to say that not only has my du’a been heard, but it has been answered in the most unexpected way. Never in my life have I had so many friends, Muslim and non-Muslim, who genuinely care about me and never has it been that easy for me to connect with people. The secret is to build “productive relationships” as I would like to call them. 

What are Productive Relationships?

Productive relationships are interpersonal relationships that boost your productivity and thus enable you to be successful in every aspect of your life. These types of relationships can be build within your family, work place, circle of friends and community. They make being in the company of others an enjoyable experience – no matter if you are an introvert or extrovert. Moreover, they are reciprocal relationships, meaning that they consist of giving and, in return, receiving. A Productive Muslim sees relationships as an opportunity to strengthen his social skills and get to the peak of his productivity.

What are the Benefits of Productive Relationships?

A strong productive relationship between yourself and your fellow human beings has multiple benefits in the Hereafter (akhirah) and in this life (dunya).

Hereafter 

Having productive relationships, which includes having a positive attitude towards everyone you meet in this life, will be rewarded by Allah in the next life In sha Allah. This should be our main objective while trying to build productive relationships.

“And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 195]

At the same time, we are following the Sunnah of our Prophet who was the best of mankind and the epitome of productivity itself. We constantly read and hear about how wonderfully he treated his companions, wives, children and entire Muslim community. So why not establish productive relationships like he did?

The Prophet said: “The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners.” [Abu Dawud]

Dunya

A lot of times, we face challenges that seem to come out of nowhere and hardships that make us feel hopeless – obstacles that can decrease our productivity tremendously. Productive relationships give us the encouragement and strength that we need to rise above these tribulations. Furthermore, you will always have somebody to give you a helping hand when you need it – no matter if it’s a friend, family member or co-worker, they will all be more than happy to help because of the way you treat them. Looking at it from a psychological perspective, productive relationships reduce anxiety and corollary stress. They also promote emotional security and happiness since you will be with the company of those who like you.

How Can I Build Productive Relationships?

The following points are principles that I myself started applying to build productive relationships. As you will notice, they all have their roots in the Sunnah of our Prophet .

1. Smile

“Don’t consider anything insignificant out of good things even if it is that you meet your brother with a cheerful countenance.” [Muslim]

We have heard it a million times, I know. But if so much emphasis is being put on the simple act of smiling, there must be some truth behind it. It is said that a smile fits the lock of everybody’s heart. People who smile at others are without a doubt more approachable and attractive than those who wear a permanent scowl on their face. A smile is such a small gesture, yet so powerful. It can make somebody’s day. And it is usually contagious. Just remember the last time you were in a sour mood and somebody passed by you with a smile and a generally good mood. Furthermore, it indicates to the person you meet that you are genuinely happy to see them and leaves a positive lasting impression.

2. Compliment 

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbor and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should speak what is good or keep silent.” [Bukhari]

We all know that getting a compliment is one of the best feelings in the world. Somehow it makes us feel accomplished and appreciated. If your friend is wearing a nice outfit, your child received a good grade on his exam, your wife prepared a nice dinner or your students put a lot of effort into their essay – compliment them. It is one of the most encouraging and motivating things you can do for somebody. However, avoid handing out compliments too often and be sincere when you do.

3. Care About Others

“If anyone removes his brother’s anxiety of this world, Allah will remove for him one of the anxieties of the Day of resurrection; if anyone makes easy for an impoverished man, Allah will make easy for him in this world and on the day of resurrection; if anyone conceals a Muslim’s secrets, Allah will conceal his secrets in this world and on the Day of resurrection; Allah will remain in the aid of a servant so long as the servant remains in the aid of his brother.” [Abu Dawud]

When you remember details of a person’s life, it shows them that they are important to you. A simple act like addressing them by their name, inquiring about their studies at university, their work or asking about their parents or siblings can go a long way. Try to be as supportive as possible and help others deal with their struggles. If they need somebody to pick them up, be that person for them. If they are sick, visit them. If there is a death in their family, let them know that you are there to listen. Make sure they know that they can count on you at any time. Give without expecting in return – this is what true kindness is all about.

4. Be a Good Listener

Aisha said: And this is how Allah’s Messenger used to utter (so distinctly) that if one intended to count (the words uttered) he would be able to do so. [Muslim]

We have been given two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Whenever somebody wants to share a story or just wants to talk to you, turn to them and listen to them attentively, as if only the two of you were in the room. Needless to say, don’t interrupt them or get distracted during the conversation. Focus entirely on the person speaking, nod and smile from time to time, ask a couple of questions related to the topic or add your two cents once they have finished talking. When somebody talks to you, really make them feel that you are interested in what they are saying.

5. Be Humble

As narrated Iyad ibn Himar (al-Mujashi’i): The Prophet said: Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one oppresses another and boasts over another. [Abu Dawud]

Each and everyone of us has a special talent, something we are incredibly good at. It could be public speaking, math, drawing, your leadership abilities – you name it. However, don’t let it get to your head or be selfish with it. Remind yourself that it is a gift from Allah so you can do good, benefit others and offer a helping hand whenever possible. For example, you can tutor a friend who is facing difficulties with his homework. Alternatively, if you are a professional, you can mentor youths who are interested in joining your industry.

6. Don’t Criticize 

“Whoever conceals the (hidden) fault of his Muslim brother, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever exposes the fault of his Muslim brother, Allah will expose his faults, until (so that) He shames him, due to it, in his (own) house.” [Ibn Majah]

We all know these people who are never pleased with anything and constantly feel the need to criticize. Nobody wants to spend excessive time with them because they tend to drag you down with them and put you in a bad mood as well. People dislike being criticized, so be gentle. I’m not saying to ignore mistakes or never advise anyone. But there is a big difference between criticizing and advising. Picking on somebody’s flaws won’t get you anywhere in most situations. Instead, make constructive suggestions and thus increase the probability that your advice will actually be accepted and put into practice, In sha Allah. Also, it is always better to talk to the person concerned in private instead of disclosing their shortcomings in public.

7. Appreciating Others

“When a man loves his brother, he should tell him that he loves him.” [Abu Dawud]

I’m sure we all have people in our lives who we really appreciate. They can be family members, friends or co-workers – those who make our lives a little more enjoyable. But when was the last time we actually showed how much they mean to us and not take them for granted? There are multiple, simple ways to show our appreciation for those who have impacted our lives in a positive way. These include writing a thank-you note to your friend, baking cookies for your teammates, inviting your co-worker out for a cup of coffee after work, going out on a date with your spouse, volunteering to cook dinner for the entire family, giving a hug, slipping a little love note into your spouse’s jacket or bag, sending an e-mail of appreciation to your employees, giving your child a gift without an occasion, buying your mom a bouquet of flowers – as you see, the possibilities are endless. Just be creative.

I sincerely hope that it will be easy for you to build productive relationships yourself or maintain them if you already have. If it seems overwhelming at first, start off by practicing just one of the seven principles and add the others as time goes by. More and more people will want to be in your company and it won’t take long for you to realize the positive affect it will have on your productivity, In sha Allah.

Share your experiences in the comments section below!

The post Returning to the Sunnah and Building Productive Relationships appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Living in the age of globalisation, I am sure that most of us have at least one friend who lives in a different country, on a different continent or even on the other side of the world. Real friends are rare. The kind that you can talk to about anything, know you can trust, who makes you a better person and brings you closer to Allah . Therefore, it is really important to keep these friendships alive and genuinely make an effort to do so. The following tips might be just what you need.

Religious Behaviour

1. Be a Good Friend

First, before thinking about how to stay in touch with your friends, work on being a good friend. Be somebody memorable, someone whom others actually want to be around. As a good friend, you should strive towards being trustworthy, honest, supportive, reliable, helpful, kind and understanding. Eventually, that is what you will be remembered for. Work on perfecting each one of these noble qualities In sha Allah.

The Prophet said: “The example of a good companion in comparison with a bad one is like that of one who sells musk and the blacksmith. From the first, you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell, while from the blacksmith you would either get burned or smell a bad scent.” [Bukhari]

2. Make Dua For Each Other

Never underestimate the power of dua. If you know your friends are going through a hard time or has a difficult exam to pass, make dua for them. This way, even though you cannot be with them, at least they are with you in your prayers. Also remember them in your sujood, ask Allah to make them righteous Muslims and to make it easy for you to stay in touch with each other.

The Prophet said: “The Muslim’s prayer for his absent brother will be answered. There is an angel at his head who, whenever he prays for his brother, says, ‘Amin, and you shall have likewise.” [Ibn Majah]

3. Guide to Righteous Deeds

Inspire your friends to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Be a source of good in your circle of friends and someone that encourages the others to do righteous deeds. Talk to them about how to be productive, how to make the most of their time or suggest to them beneficial Islamic articles, books, websites, lectures and videos. Not only will you get immense reward for doing so, but you are also helping your friends to become better Muslims, which is something they will appreciate you for In sha Allah.

The Prophet said: “Whoever guides others to do good will have a reward like that of the person who does the good deed.” [Muslim]

Electronic Communication

4. Call & Text

Call your friends from time to time, or send them a short text message showing them that you think about them even though you are far away from each other. I am not suggesting that you should have two-hour conversations every single day. A simple five-minute call to ask about their day will do In sha Allah.

5. Social Media

Use the Internet to your advantage. Facebook is a really convenient tool to chat with your friends using one-on-one chats or even group chats. You do not have to spend five hours talking to them, just catch up for half an hour. Send them a nice message telling them that you miss them, ask about what is going on in their life or update them on what is going on in yours. Also, if your friends happen to not be on Facebook, there is still the good old e-mail, so no excuses. Try to send them pictures/videos to make them a part of your life and get them involved as much as possible.

6. Skype

Tools like Skype are great because you can actually see the person you are talking to. It is a lot more personal than just writing to them online. Obviously it cannot replace the actual person, but it is as close to talking to them in real life as possible. You can have so-called Skype dates and agree on a fixed time every week/month, depending on how much time you have. Also, when you have many friends you want to keep in touch with, you can talk to multiple friends at the same time. It is more efficient to do it that way instead of doing so separately with every single friend that you have.

Personal Interaction

7. Letters & Cards

There is something very special about a handwritten letter or card and I think everyone that has received either can attest to it. It demonstrates to the person that you sat down and really thought about what to write to him or her. It is beautiful because he or she can reread the letter or card over and over again, and it is something very valuable that your friend will probably keep forever. Also, if there is a special occasion like Eid or a wedding, and you cannot be with them, it is great to say a few nice words in a card. Getting postcards from various places can be exciting as well.

8. Care Packages & Gifts

How about you surprise your friends from time to time by sending them a care package or a simple gift? It does not even have to be for a special occasion; just do it because you are friends and you care about that person. If there is a good Islamic book that you would like them to read, for example, that might not be available in their country, this could be a great gift for them.

9. Visit Each Other

Plan annual get-togethers. Make it a priority to see each other at least once a year. Saving up some money will be necessary for that, so be sure to put aside a certain amount every month. Remember to spend the precious time you have together productively and plan some activities ahead of time if you can.

An important point to remember is that it should not always only be you who is making the extra effort. A friendship is a two-way relationship that consists of giving and receiving. So share this article with your friends who live far away and In sha Allah they will apply some of these tips as well. Distance should not matter if you are true friend. If you genuinely care about a person you can always make time for them.

I hope you are inspired to reconnect with your friends. I would love to hear if you have additional advice. Feel free to post it in the comment section below.

The post 9 Ways to Stay in Touch with Long-Distance Friends appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Giving Sadaqah (charity) is not only a great way to fulfill the needs of the poor, but also serves as a purification of the heart. Therefore, it is important to instill a sense of compassion and the love for charity in your children from an early age on.

To help you achieve this, I want to focus on three, hopefully original ideas to involve your entire family when giving Sadaqah. However, since they are all considered monetary charity in one way or another, it is important to let your family know that there are many ways to give what is called physical charity: like smiling at others or removing something harmful from the road, and that every good deed, no matter how small, is considered Sadaqah.

1. Sponsor an orphan

There are various ways on how to go about sponsoring an orphan. One way that I know of is doing so through the organization called Islamic Relief. The sponsorships they offer definitely do not cost the world and many Muslim families can afford it. For the two Eids, you can send extra money to make sure that the orphan child also gets to enjoy the religious holidays. The sponsorship will in sha Allah broaden the cultural horizon of your children because they will be likely to develop an interest for the country and culture that the orphan is from. To strengthen the bond between the orphan and your family even more, you can write letters to them as a family or help your kids do so. Know that you and your family will be giving this child opportunities that he/she would otherwise never have. And since your family will be supporting an orphan for many years to come, you will all in sha Allah be showered with blessings and be close to the Prophet in Paradise, as he said:

“I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise,” showing his middle and index fingers and separating them. [Bukhari]

2. Host a dinner party

I personally am not a huge fan of hosting dinner parties during Ramadan as I feel it takes away precious time from important worship. However, I don’t have anything against them during the rest of the year – if they are done with the right intention that is. Why not invite some family friends and/or neighbors over for dinner, preferably some who have kids themselves? This in itself is already considered Sadaqah. Get your whole family involved when it comes to the preparation of the dinner. Decide on a meal with your kids and spouse, go grocery shopping as a family and spend time in the kitchen together preparing the food. Decorate the table and create a nice atmosphere for your guests. Once a year or so, you can take it to the next level by inviting more people to the dinner party and at the same time collecting money for a good cause. Make sure to agree with your family and guests on a charity or project to give it to. This way, you will not only be rewarded for feeding others, but also for encouraging them to spend in the path of Allah themselves.

3. Visit a local orphanage

Look for an orphanage in your area and plan a visit with your family. Speak to the person in charge and agree on a date and time. Let your kids help you prepare little goodie bags filled with sweets, pencils, uplifting hadiths/quotes etc. Most of the children at orphanages have been through a lot, so if you, or anyone you know, are able to make balloon sculptures and similar handicrafts, use this talent to make them laugh. You can also encourage your kids to bring some of their favorite books, so they read stories to the children at the orphanage. Also, buy some other essentials, like soap, toothpaste, towels or food items depending on what the orphanage needs the most. This visit will definitely be something that your kids will remember for a long time. In sha Allah, they will realize how good their life is and will appreciate you as their parents much more.

Make the intention along with your loved ones to try out (at least) one of the above-mentioned projects on the coming weekend or the first available opportunity. I would love to know if you have any more ideas on how to give Sadaqah as a family.

Feel free to share them in the comment section below!

The post 3 Productive Ways To Give Sadaqah As A Family appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Below, you can find eight productive activities to do with your younger siblings. But since doing all of these at the same time would be a little bit overwhelming, I would suggest you choose at least one religious activity and one other activity to integrate into your daily life and do them on a regular basis. Also, depending on the age of your siblings, you might want to slightly alter the activities.

Religious Activities

1. Pray together. If your siblings don’t know how to pray yet, now is the perfect opportunity to teach them. Ideally, children should get introduced to prayer at the age of seven and pray it regularly when they are ten. Agree on (at least) one prayer per day where you and your siblings, or even better, the whole family, prays together. After prayer, don’t just rush off, but remain seated and remember Allah together. This is also a good time to go through the meaning and/or tafseer of a couple of verses that were being recited during prayer.

2. Read Qur’an together. Again, set a specific time which you dedicate to reading the Qur’an. Since many of us aren’t fluent in the Arabic language, it is important to look up the meaning of what you and your siblings are actually reciting. Also, you can revise with them the Surahs they have already memorized or find a technique to teach them new ones. If you are lucky, you still have the chance to teach them Surat Al-Fatiha. Imagine how beneficial it will be to them and how much reward you’ll get since they will be reciting it in every single prayer!

3. Go to the Masjid together. Try to go to the mosque together as often as possible and get into the habit of taking them to Jumuah prayer with you. If you have a strong Muslim community in your town, take advantage of that. Get involved in your local mosque and introduce them to the feeling of brotherhood/sisterhood at an early age. If there is a lecture, a youth club or any other special event taking place, make sure you and your siblings attend. This is also a good opportunity for them to meet other Muslim kids who are the same age as them.

4. Increase your Islamic knowledge together. Make it fun and get creative. How about utilizing videos? There are so many great people on Youtube who provide Islamic knowledge in an entertaining way like Baba Ali (ummahfilms), Amal Ahmed Albaz (AmalAhmedAlbaz), Mohamed Zeyara (mzeyara2) and Hisham Al Hadi (hishamalhadi). Of course there are many other possibilities on how to go about it. From playing Islamic board games to reading Islamic good night stories to them – the sky’s the limit.

Other activities

5. Cook together. How about once a month you and your little brother or sister plan and cook a complete dinner for the whole family? Although the process of choosing a recipe, going to the grocery store, cooking the meal, and setting the table might take a couple of hours, it’ll be totally worth it and at the same time a wonderful bonding experience! Not only will your siblings be incredibly proud, but I’m sure your mom will appreciate your effort as well.

6. Exercise together. Everyone knows that regular exercise has multiple benefits on your health, as well as your overall well-being. So why not share the experience with your younger siblings and make them your workout buddy? Children are usually full of energy and can be a great motivator. And who said you have to burn those calories at the gym? Get outside and try something new for a change. From going inline skating to playing basketball to even horseback riding – the possibilities are endless!

7. Study together. Education should be an essential aspect of your siblings’ life for it will be the key to opening the door to many opportunities insha’Allah. Since you’ve already been through what they are going through right now, why not offer a helping hand? Revise with them before a test, help them learn vocabulary, work with them on a project. Show them how to use the Internet to research information or take them to the library to pick up books on topics that they are discussing at school. Studying together can be fun, and – believe it or not – they can learn a lot from you!

8. Hang out together. Get ice cream, go to the park, the beach, the museum, a game, the mall, the zoo. Again, you have countless options to choose from. If they have a favorite hobby, like soccer, offer to play it with them once in a while. Follow every soccer match on SportScore. Most of the time it really doesn’t even have to be anything special because children usually don’t ask for much except for the attention of their elders.

Insha’Allah, you got inspired to spend more time with your younger siblings. Of course, this list is far from being complete and I would love to hear if you have any more ideas.

Feel free to share them in the comment section below!

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