Do you ever find yourself unsure of how to be a good Muslim? Are you constantly seeking guidance on how to be a better follower of Islam? Whether you are a student learning about your religion, an adult who wants to deepen your connection with Allah, or just someone curious about the teachings of Islam, this blog post is for you.
Being a good Muslim is not just about following certain rituals and rules; it’s also about living by the principles and values set forth by Allah in the Quran and exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In this post, we will explore different aspects that make up being a good Muslim and provide practical tips on incorporating them into daily life. So grab your prayer mat, and let’s embark on a journey towards strengthening our faith together!
Introduction to the values and principles of Islam
Islam is a religion that is all about values and principles. As a Muslim, knowing these values and principles is essential to live a meaningful life and become a better version of oneself. Islam teaches us to follow the five pillars: Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These pillars are the foundation of Islam and its values
Understanding the Five Pillars of Islam
In Islam, there are five mandatory acts of worship known as the five pillars of Islam. Understanding these pillars is essential and can help you in your journey of how to be a good Muslim who wishes to strengthen their spiritual journey.
Shahada (Declaration of Faith):
The Shahada is the most essential part of Islam. It is the statement of faith and recognition of one god. The simple but profound words “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah” are what it says. They mean, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah.”
Significance:
Abu Bakr (R.A) showed unwavering devotion to the Shahada. His quick conversion to Islam and steadfast support for the Prophet show how the statement of faith can change people. Hazrat Bilal (R.A), a slave who later became one of the most respected Sahabah, was persecuted very severely because he always believed in the Shahada. His ability to keep going even when things get complex shows how the statement of faith can give you strength.
Salah (Prayer):
Salah is the name for the five times a day Muslims pray in front of the Kaaba in Mecca. At certain times: Fajr (before dawn), Dhuhr (during the middle of the day), Asr (in the afternoon), Maghrib (at sunset), and Isha (at night).
Significance:
As a Muslim, prayer is an essential aspect of our daily routine and an act of worship that strengthens our connection to Allah. Establishing a consistent prayer routine is crucial to reap the full benefits of this act of worship. One way to achieve this goal is by dedicating a specific time for prayer each day.
Even though Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a respected leader, he was humble in prayer, showing Allah how to be genuinely humble. When Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had to make a choice or wasn’t sure what to do, he prayed to Allah for clarity and knowledge. Some of the most famous times when the Prophet (SAW) prayed to Allah for help and direction were during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj).
Zakat (Charity):
Zakat is the needed charity or almsgiving that all Muslims must give yearly. Giving a certain amount (usually 2.5% of your total income) to help those less fortunate is what it means. This includes savings, investments, and assets.
Significance:
As a crucial aspect of Islam, charity and giving back to the community through Zakat and Sadaqah have a significant role in being a good Muslim.
Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah bless him)::
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, ‘When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him.'” (The Sahih Muslim)
Abu Bakr (R.A), who was close to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and became the first Caliph of Islam after him, showed unmatched devotion to Zakat. He gave away much of his money to help people in need and improve the city.
Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan):
During the ninth month of the Islamic solar calendar, Ramadan, people fast. This is called sawm. During the whole month, Muslims don’t eat, drink, or meet other basic needs from dawn until dusk.
Significance:
Verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Abu Huraira (R.A) was very dedicated to fasting during Ramadan and all year. Being devoted to Sawm showed that he deeply understood how spiritually beneficial it was.
Hazrat Aisha (R.A), Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) wife, was known for her hard work at fasting independently. The Sahabah’s commitment to fasting during times other than Ramadan shows that they know the spiritual benefits of fasting on their own.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca):
As long as Muslims are healthy enough and have enough money, they must make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once. This is called Hajj. It takes place in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Millions of Muslims from all over the world come to Mecca to perform the same practices, a sign of unity among Muslims.
Significance:
Verse 3:97 of Surah Al-Imran:
“And making a pilgrimage to the House is a duty to Allah for everyone who can get there.” For those who don’t believe, let them know that lo! “Allah is separate from everything else.”
Umar ibn al-Khattab (R.A): He showed others how to be humble during his journey. He ensured that the Muslim society’s leaders lived simply during Hajj and stressed that all pilgrims were equal. Hazrat Aisha (R.A), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, did Hajj with devotion and care. Her stories give us essential information about the Hajj rituals and the Prophet’s direction during the trip.
By following these pillars, one can attain a greater understanding of Islam and become a better Muslim by living a life that is more aligned with the teachings of the Quran.
Read Quran
Reading the Quran makes your relationship with Allah stronger. Even if it’s just one Ayat daily, read it with all your heart. Read, stop, and think. Pay attention to the explanation. Pay attention to learning what the Quran says. The Quran can help you with everything. A lot of Baraka is in it. You should do wudu, get your prayer mat, pray, and read the Quran right now if you haven’t done either in a while. You can always turn back to Allah. It will help you feel closer to Allah and give you peace.
Believe in Allah’s mercy.
Believing in Allah’s kindness gives you comfort and hope when things are hard. Muslims pray to Allah because they know His kindness is more significant than any trouble they may be going through. “Tawakkul,” which means “reliance on Allah,” is closely linked to the belief that Allah’s mercy will help and guide followers through hard times. One of the ways to do this is through daily remembrance and gratitude. Practising remembrance of Allah through dhikr or reciting the Qur’an can keep our hearts and minds anchored in His presence, strengthening our faith and trust in Him.
Many verses in the Quran talk about Allah’s kindness. For example, “My Mercy encompasses all things” (Quran 7:156) and “And My Mercy encompasses all things” (Quran 40:7).
Conclusion | How to be a good Muslim
Living an excellent Muslim life is not just about following specific rules; it’s about finding beauty and peace in your everyday actions. To truly live as a good Muslim, one must constantly strive for righteousness and seek to improve themselves spiritually and morally.
This involves prayer, fasting, giving to charity, controling you anger, and treating others with kindness and respect. Muslims can find a sense of inner peace and a stronger connection with Allah through these actions.
So, let us take what we have learned today and apply it to our daily lives to create a better world for ourselves and those around us. As Allah has commanded in Suratul Mulk, “So remember Me; I will remember you.” May we all be reminded of this call to action as we strive towards living a good Muslim life filled with love, compassion, and devotion to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.