Have you ever felt that you had a non-productive and lazy day, when you missed waking up for Fajr Salah and slept late till morning? There is a feeling of sadness, unproductivity, procrastination and somewhat loss of Barakah in the day, when you start your day late in the morning.
Who doesn’t want to spend a productive day, in which all the tasks are completed with ease? A day, in which you can feel Allah’s (swt) blessings, help and mercy are with you. You do not feel lazy and do not procrastinate. Well, the good news is – such a day is not a dream anymore!
Here are some tips to help make your dream day become a reality, Insha’Allah! The more regularly and completely you follow these, the more blessed day it will be.
- Wake up for Tahajjud
Set your alarm 20 to 25 minutes before Fajr, so you get hold of the most precious time of the night– the Tahajjud time! Preferably, offer Tahajjud prayer. If you are unable, then at least pour your heart out in making lots of Duas knowing that:
“The Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Seek forgiveness for your sins, make sincere and heartfelt repentance with a belief that Allah (swt) will forgive you and know that seeking forgiveness opens unimaginable ways for Barakah in life as well. Pour your heart out in Dua. Do not hold back –make Dua for all that is bothering you, for all that you wish in life. Pray for a blessed day ahead and be ready to have a blessed day, because you know that Allah (swt) always responds to what you ask for, especially in Tahajjud!
- Offer Fajr on time and connect with the Quran
Offer Fajr prayers on time, followed by recitation of the Quran, reading its translation and explanation. Make a habit of connecting with the Quran daily, even if you go through a few verses. Insha’Allah, with the passage of time and through this daily connection, you will start increasing the number of verses recited. Connecting with the Quran on daily basis is not only a means of gaining immense reward and Allah’s (swt) pleasure, but also a way of bringing Barakah in your life.
- Recite morning Azkaar
Do not forget to recite morning Azkaar that Prophet Muhammad (sa) taught us. Also remember supplications for protection and engage in Zikr (SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, Istighfar and many more). Ponder over the meanings of morning (and evening) Azkaar. You can realize its importance from the following quotes:
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said:“The morning and evening Azkaar play the role of a shield; the thicker it is the more its owner will not be affected. Rather, its strength can reach to such an extent that the arrow shot at it will bounce back to affect the one who shot it.”
Ibn Katheer said: “Wear the ‘coat’ of Adhkar so it can protect you from the evils of humans and jinn. And cover your souls with Istighfar so it can erase the sins of the night and day.”
- Offer Ishraaq Nafil
Prophet Muhammad (sa) is reported to have said that Allah (swt) says: “O Son of Adam, suffice me [by offering] four Rakats of Salah at the beginning of the day, I will suffice for you [your needs] till the end of the day in exchange of those four Rakats.”(Ahmad)
Ishraaq can be offered approximately10-15 minutes after the sunrise and includes 2-4 Rakaats. Who can think of missing this Nafil prayer, when Allah (swt) says He will help through the tasks of the day, and without a doubt, He does help, when you offer Ishraaq. Make it a habit and feel Allah’s (swt) help throughout the day, Insha’Allah!
- Engage in Zikr
Try to keep your tongue busy with Zikr/Tasbeehaat, while commuting and doing daily chores. This not only adds to your book of good deeds but also brings Allah’s (swt) blessings and mercy. Some of the Azkaar you can keep saying are:
- LaaIlahaIlallah
- SubhanAllahiWaBihamdihi
- SubhanAllahiWaBihamdihi, SubhanAllahilAzeem
- LaaHawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah
- SubhanAllahWalhamdulillah Wala IlahaIlallahuWallahu Akbar
- Engage in Istighfar throughout the day
Keeping your tongue and heart busy with Istighfar is the best way not only to wash away your sins but also the key to solve all your problems. Allah (swt) says in the Quran: “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” (Ash-Shura 42:30)
Our sins and mistakes will not only result in Allah’s (swt) wrath but they also come back to us as problems in this life. To protect ourselves from the effect of our sins, sincere Istighfar is a must.
Allah (swt) says:”I said (to them): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; and give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.’ “(Nuh 71:10-12)
Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: “If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” (Abu Dawud)
If we follow these tips, they will not only bring Allah’s (swt) pleasure and reward in this life and the next, but indeed they will bring forward a day full of His help and blessings, Insha’Allah.
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