Reminders Benefit all
"[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses.....and that those of understanding would be reminded."
(Qur'an: Surah Saad 38, verse 29)
The average person will have approximately 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day, that is roughly 1 thought per second.
A large majority of these thoughts are classed as negative and repetitive thoughts which stem from our own nature and are inclined to focus on the negative. Some may have thoughts that repeat themselves, such as; you're not good enough, you can't do that, you're not worthy, you're fat. After some time of these thoughts being played repetitively in your mind you start to believe them. Hence why we need to replace negativity with positivity in order for us to strengthen.
“Do they not contemplate within themselves?”
(Qur’an: Surah ar-Rum (The Romans) 30, verse 8)
We all as human beings experience very intense emotional states. We are susceptible to pain, anger and sadness, as well as having the potential to achieve fabulous things.
One thing we have to remember is that feeling these things, these emotions are not a sign of weakness, it's a sign that we are human, it's how we were created, to feel and show emotions, not programmed to be emotionless. We have to learn to accept these feelings And emotions when they arise.
A great reminder in the Qur'an is the story of Maryam (May Allah's Mercy be upon her) when she was in labour with Esa ﷺ (Peace and blessings be upon him):
"And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten."
(Qur'an surah Maryam (Maryam) 19, verse 23)
And what was Allah's reply? Was he harsh and abrupt towards her for wishing death? No, his Merciful reply was:
"But He called her from below her, 'Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, 'Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.'" (Qur'an:Surah Maryam (Maryam) 19, verses 24-26)
Allah ﷻ created us and He understands that we have flaws, weaknesses and imperfections. Even the greatest men and women were human; they grieved just as we do, they had said a thing which they had regretted in times of pain. When we have done or said something you then regret, know that Allah is all Forgiving.
We are humans and Allah knows that we are prone to making mistakes, and you will sometimes feel low and sad, but that's ok. It's only to allow these feelings to arise within us and to accept them, that you can then really work towards bettering yourself.
Once you accept and stop pushing away your emotions, you can begin to understand that the intensity of your emotions can be used to worship Allah ﷻ in a deeper, more fulfilling way.
Complaining of your sadness and grief to Allah ﷻ, like Yaqub:
"I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah."
(Qur'an:Surah Yusuf (Prophet Yusuf) 12, verse 86)
“Who remembers Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; Exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
(Qur’an:Surah al-Imran (The Family Of Imran) 3, verse 191)
Ask Allah for guidance towards the truth:
“And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.”
(Qur'an:Surah al-Hashr (The Exile) 59, verse 19)
“O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves.” (Qur'an: Surah al Maidah (The Table Spread) 5, verse 105)
Meditation (scientifically proven to reduce stress, control anxiety, improve optimism, enhance self-awareness, increase concentration, control pain, decrease blood pressure and improve sleep. All you can benefit from when you implement meditation in your daily routine, In Shaa Allah.)
Not only is it a requirement within Islam to meditate upon the Creator and also the creation. It is also something our Prophet ﷺ would practice regularly. There are so many benefits and different methods of meditation:
The methods for meditation vary, some recommend concentrating on the present moment and focusing on the breath. Whereas some other practices require you to focus on an object or thing and reflect upon its creation.
Daily reflection ( Helps us to learn from the errors and mistakes made and get past them, makes us aware of our success, and improves our imagination to generate new ideas). Reflection does not have to be narrowed down to yourself, you should reflect upon the Qur'an.
“[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.”
(Qur'an: Surah Saad (The Letter Saad) 38, verse 29)
Reflect upon Allah's Creation (Taffakur),
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; Exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’
(Qur'an: Surat al-Imran (The Family Of Imran) 3, verses 190-191)
Allah's Beautiful Names, Islamic history and death.
“Every soul will taste death, and will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.” (Qur'an: Surat al-Imran (The Family Of Imran) 3, verse 185)
But with persistent reflection and awareness, you could banish those thoughts before they become toxic. One of the main techniques is through regular meditation upon the breath. First one should have intentions set straight that it is to please Allah ﷻ (SubhanAllahu wa Ta'ala - the Most Glorified, the Most High), that it is not for you but for Allah that you are doing the meditation in order that you can be present with all the good that you do, in Shaa Allah.
Put your trust in the Creator to assist you, have hope that your efforts will be accepted. And most importantly don't give up, keep trying, keep going, know that it will all be worth it, in Shaa Allah.
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