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I first became interested in learning about Deen at the age of thirteen. After listening to a lecture by the legend Muhammad Alshareef رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ, I became enamored by the way he spoke, and the way belief in Allah meant anything was possible.

Many times, I heard “Islam is not just a religion, it’s a way of life”. I thought sure, that makes sense, we have verses from Quran that tell us how to behave, we have rulings that determine the way we govern ourselves, and the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which we are meant to emulate in all aspects.

However, to know something in theory and to apply it are completely different. As I grew older, I started to apply these elements of Islam that would affect my daily life, and I am grateful and humbled to say I am much better for it. My heart is filled with light and peace.

As I became more intentional about the worship I was doing, certain acts became a critical part of my day. I am not perfect so there are many times when I don’t do these habits. However, on those days I have observed I feel complete dread and a drowsiness that consumes me.

These are some of the habits that come to mind:

Prayer: The first habit I have incorporated into my life which is an obligation from my Creator, has now turned into my source of peace as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

قُرَّةُ عَيْنِي فِي الصَّلَاةِ

The comfort of my eyes is in prayer

The five prayers are something I don’t take lightly. I cannot sleep without praying Isha and I cannot enjoy watching a movie once the call to prayer has been made. It is my chance five times a day to connect with Allah and to remember my purpose. On days when I am feeling down, it is also my chance to bow my head and give my problems to the One who is Supreme, the Almighty.

Quran: The message from my Creator in the beautiful Arabic language. The Quran is majestic and beautiful to listen to. Allah’s words are so powerful. As soon as I start to recite or listen, my heartbeat slows, my eyes are downcast, and my head bows in humility. All praise to the Most High, my soul, my body recognizes its Creator.

Allah Most High says:

أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

Surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest [13:28]

Du’a: Quran is how Allah talks to us, du’a is how we communicate with Him.

Allah Most High says:

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the caller when he calls upon Me [2:186]

Previously I shared some of my favorite du’as and as I continue to speak to Allah, I love being able to ask for every little need and I appreciate knowing I am being heard and seeing my du’as answered in real time.

Tahajjud: My du’as come to life during the Tahajjud prayer.

Allah Most High says:

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ ۖ عَسَىٰ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا

And during part of the night, pray with it as an additional prayer for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised station

My favorite prayer is the one I must wake up in the middle of the night for. Yes, it’s challenging but it’s so rewarding I now crave it. That alone time with Allah in the darkness of the night. When the city is quiet and everyone in the home is sleeping, the technology is off, it’s just me and the Most High.

I remember the first time I prayed Tahajjud, I felt an energy throughout my body. I could remove my guard and be vulnerable with my Creator. Such a humbling moment, to be in solitude with الرَّحْمَٰن. To be able to share my concerns, desires, and most of all be thankful for all the blessings and joy in my life.

Islam also emphasizes our relationship with others and the importance of good character.

Positive assumptions: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

إِيَّاكُمْ وَالظَّنَّ

Avoid negative assumptions about others.

The believers are meant to be brothers and sisters to one another. How can we do that if we think negatively of each other? We can’t, this is why thinking good of others is essential in building relationships. In today’s world where everyone is considered a “op” and prioritizes self-interest, I have experienced that starting with a good assumption of those around us brings out the good nature of people and the beauty of humanity shines through.

Beyond the spiritual and social benefits of these habits, some have brought unexpected blessings into my daily life. One of the most impactful has been staying awake after Fajr prayer.

Post Fajr Blessings: Sleeping after Fajr is very tempting; however, when I stay up my soul feels lighter. I am happy without even knowing why. I am excited to start my morning and feel hopeful about what the day brings. I have also observed that my tasks get done more efficiently and quickly. Alhamdulilah.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لأُمَّتِي فِي بُكُورِهَا

O Allah, bless my ummah in its early mornings.

This is the Du’a of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for his Ummah, of course we will receive the blessings.

Just as Allah places blessings in our time, He also places blessings in our wealth.

Charity: Allah Most High says:

وَمَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ

And whatever you spend in charity, He will replace it. And He is the best of providers

I remember when I first started working, I felt like I never had enough money. I was making more than minimum wage at the moment and asked my mom why this was happening, “how did baba afford to take care of an entire family on one income?” I asked. She explained to me that in order to feel abundance I must give charity, that my dad always gave from each paycheck. Finally, the answer to my problems, I started giving money to those in need and instantly I felt like I always had money in the bank, I’d find random cash in my wallet, and all my bills were paid, alhamdulilah.

This final one is not a habit but a place. The most special place.

Madinah: The home of my heart.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

اللَّهُمَّ حَبِّبْ إِلَيْنَا الْمَدِينَةَ كَحُبِّنَا مَكَّةَ أَوْ أَشَدَّ

O Allah, make us love Madinah as we love Makkah, or even more

I have been to Madinah many times alhamdulilah, yet my heart yearns for it like it’s never been. The energy of Madinah is calm, joyful, leisurely. I miss it with all my being, and I can’t wait until the day I return. It is the city that welcomed Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the place he chose to return despite the conquest of Makkah.

I am beyond grateful for how Islam has improved my life. I continue to learn and incorporate more habits, and I hope to share them as I grow in both character and spirituality, God willing.

Peace and blessings upon the Nabi of Allah.