Tips to start the Muharram

Tips to start off this year for your spiritual hijrah

As we enter the new Islamic year, in the sacred month of Muharram, we are reminded of a significant milestone in the history of Islam - The Great Hijrah (Migration). We recall the long and difficult journey from Mecca to Medina taken by the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions after being subjected to years of persecution, oppression and hostility.

Marking the beginning of a new Islamic year, the hijrah serves as a great reminder to us all. It reminds us of a new chapter in the lives of the early Muslims and the sacrifices they made to become the exemplary Muslims of all time.

Now that we have entered the new year, what spiritual hijrah will you be making?

Here are some tips to start off this year for your spiritual hijrah:

1. Start sacrificing some sleep and plan to wake up every night for Tahajjud (Night Prayers) and Insha'Allaah you’ll feel the great difference in your life. 

2. Set a specific amount of Qur'an you want to read, memorize and understand every day, and ensure that a day doesn’t pass until you’ve done it.

3. Make a promise to yourself to quit any bad habits such as listening to music, watching movies/tv shows, smoking, gossip, lying, backbiting, wasting time…..

4. Start following the sunnah more and if you are lacking in the obligatory acts of worship, this is the time to start. For sisters who haven’t worn the hijab yet, place your intentions and start from now. For the men who haven’t grown the beard and is lacking in lowering the gaze, this is your time. Start practicing modesty not only in the way you look, but in your character, manners and behaviors as well. 

5. Forgive and practice more patience with others. Avoid getting angry or impatient and try your best to let go of the trivial issues and pardon those who have fallen into mistakes.

6. Devote more time with your parents, be patient with them and let go of any differences to avoid falling into disagreements and always try to make them happy. If you are married or away from them, make it a habit to call them every single day so that they know that you love them, care for them and will always appreciate everything they’ve done for you.

7. Keep away from that which is unhealthy to your mind and body. Whether it’s unhealthy food, laziness, and unhealthy environment, toxic friends…… make a change to better your physical and mental health from staying away from that which will harm you. 

8. Set a goal which you want to achieve for the Sake of Allāh this year and work for it. Whether it’s changing the lives of unfortunate and needy families, whether it’s initiating a program which contributes to the betterment of the Ummah, whether it’s helping a good cause, seeking and teaching others beneficial knowledge….etc. just set a consistent goal which will bring about any positive changes.

9. Always make an intention for your every deed, action and speech you say or do regarding both the dunya and deen, Whether it’s eating, sleeping, going to work, going to the gym, going to school, visiting family or friends, cooking, learning something new…. Connect it all back to Allāh. Placing an intention in what you do for the sake of Allāh will reap you great rewards.

10. If you haven’t already, make sure a day doesn’t pass except that you recite the morning and evening adhkar (remembrance of Allāh) with a present heart. The Adhkar is an important part of every Muslim life which serves as protection from all evil, blessings in your life, well being in this life and next and contentment and peace in your heart by the will of Allāh. Always include much Dhikr in your daily life and watch the blessings of Allāh shower upon you.

May Allāh guide us all to which pleases Him and make us all from His beloved, A'meen

#reminder #Muharram

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