Are you mindful of Allah?

Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatuh 

Last week I ended with a hadith which comes in slight variations, but all beginning with the Prophet ﷺ instructing us ‘Be mindful of Allah’. 

So, what exactly does this mean?

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali beautifully summarises the broad meaning of being mindful of Allah mentioning:

“This means: be mindful of the limits of Allah, His rights, His commands and His prohibitions. Being mindful of His commands is to carry them out and being mindful of His prohibitions is to refrain from them. Mindfulness of His limits is to not transgress from what He has commanded, thereby falling into what He has prohibited.” [Be Mindful of Allah p.19]

More specifically, it includes:

• Being mindful of the five daily prayer, the most significant obligation upon every Muslim

• Safeguarding oaths, a practise people today all too often neglect

• Protecting one’s sight, hearing, internal body and organs from persistent sinning, as encompassed in the words of Allah Most High, “Hearing, sight and hearts will all be questioned.” (17:36)

• The Prophet ﷺ has particularly emphasised protecting the tongue and private parts as he said, “If an individual secures what is between his jaws and his legs, I will secure Paradise for him.”

While the concept of being mindful of Allah is straightforward, many people face challenges in consistently practising it. Here are some common obstacles and ways to overcome them:

Distractions and Busyness: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by work, social commitments, and technology. To combat this, schedule specific times for prayer and reflection, and make a conscious effort to minimise distractions during these periods.

Lack of Knowledge: We may not fully understand what it means to be mindful of Allah. Seeking knowledge through Islamic classes, reading books, or attending lectures can deepen our understanding and enhance our practice.

Inconsistent Habits: Building a habit of mindfulness requires consistency. Start small by incorporating simple practices like regular dhikr or setting reminders for prayer times. Gradually, these small actions will become part of your daily routine.

Negative Influences: Surrounding ourselves with negative influences can hinder our mindfulness. Choose friends and environments that encourage and support your spiritual growth. Engaging in community activities and attending the mosque can provide positive reinforcement.

Spiritual Lethargy: It’s natural to experience periods of spiritual low. During such times, remind yourself of Allah’s mercy and the rewards of persistence. Engage in activities that inspire you, such as reading Qur’an, listening to uplifting lectures, or spending time in nature reflecting on Allah’s creation.

May Allah allow us to address these challenges head-on, implement practical solutions and grant us steadfastness in this continuous journey of patience and dedication.

Wassalam

Munibah