A HUNGRY SOUL

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In spite of our best efforts there are times we feel lost. We may be amidst our loving family, in a cozy home with yummy food to relish; we could be young, healthy and rich with plenty of free time to do as we wish; yet we feel sad as though we need something. Why is that so? This is not greed or ungratefulness. This is a call of a hungry soul. We care to improve our physic and increase our bank balance. Our soul needs to be enriched too. What could we do?

What would we do if we are unhappy with our small/untidy dwelling? To keep our home adorable we would- arrange (clear up) and dust it(Clean up). Oh! don’t forget to keep the window open. It connects us to fresh air and light. That’s healthy! Now that, the home is sparkling can we forget all about it. Are you kidding? It needs to be nurtured and cleaned over and over again. Ah! It’s a chain reaction. L Strangely, the pleasure of seeing a clean home is so rewarding that we start enjoying the maintenance as well! Next we focus on enhancing our home’s look with wall hangings and flowerpots.

Coming back to our hungry soul, what could we do? Let’s start with, what is it hungry for? Unlike our home, it is not for show. Or is it? Who knows all about it? He is our Creator- Allah. So, its hunger can only be satisfied by pleasing the Almighty. We have dumped a lot of junk into it our life. A soul that dwells within us needs more attention than our home. With this revelation, let us focus on operation: Satisfying a hungry soul with following steps:

(Note : Obligatory acts of worships are absolute must. Apart from that, here are few simple tips to feel the depth of peace and happiness.)

1. CLEAR UP:

Throw the junk away. Switch off the TV. Stop listening to the music. Say no to PlayStation, Wii or any other online game. To face our soul limit/prevent exposure to facebook, twitter, WhatsApp and net.  Disconnect from anything that would distract and drain the time away.

Surah Asr

2. CLEAN UP

Now it’s time to repent. Repent for what? It’s so unfortunate that we are so engrossed in this life that we even fail to see our sins! At least can we accept as humans we are bound to be less than perfect? When our furniture needs to be dusted time to time doesn’t our imperfect soul need to shed its sins too?

Seeking Forgiveness

Do ablution. Wear something comfortable and modest. Insha Allah, now we have room to nourish our soul.

3. CONNECT:

• Connect with The Creator.

Listen to what He has to say. How could we? It’s time for a healthy dose of Quran. Listen to it. Read Quran(preferable the portion heard) with meaning. Settle for detailed explanation. This would give plenty to ponder upon.

Remember Allah

Walking is a simple way to feel refreshed.  Where will you walk to? How about visiting a closest masjid and spending some time there? Every step towards masjid could lighten the soul.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah ( رضي الله عنه) said: The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever purifies himself in his house then walks to one of the houses of Allaah in order to perform one of the duties enjoined by Allaah, for every two steps he takes, one will erase a sin and the other will raise him one degree in status.” [Muslim]

Beloved place on earth

• Connect with creation.

Give charity away from the eyes of others, without expecting anything in return.  Look for someone lost in work (a poor laborer or cleaner).  A genuine invaluable smile on their face due to these few dollars/ pounds/ Rupees could revive deep appreciation in our heart for what we have. Indeed Allah is very merciful to us.

The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire.” [saheeh]

Help those around home. Help spouse and kids with their chores/work. Smile and say salaam to subordinates.

Do good

Scatter few grains by window/garden. Provide for a hungry cat. Every deed counts.

The Prophet Muhammad [ ﷺ ] said: “There is reward for kindness to every living thing.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

All this would give a new reason to wake up.

• Connect with nature.

Sleep early! Wake up early. End and Start your day by praising Him. Early hours are to be spent on things we are passionate about. Learn new stuff. How about spending that time in memorizing a new surah? The joy one could get by reciting newly memorized surah in prayer is matchless.

Recite Quran in early dawn

Eat fresh and seasonal food. Don’t overload. Sometimes we are too obsessed with food. Try fasting.

Pleasures of fasting

This could help us improve our tolerance level too.

4. CHAIN REACTION

Insha Allah, this will make us happy, contended and peaceful. We can see reflection of such acts in those around. Do not take a U-turn and let the soul starve. It’s time to take heed and continue providing our soul with more good for here after. Incorporate morning and evening supplications. Take up an islamic course. Improve and quench the thirst of your soul and the souls around you.

Surah Ash-Sharh

These are mere suggestions like a drop in a ocean. Our soul has a great appetite to learn. Let’s nourish it with clean and beneficial knowledge. May Allah help us improve and shine throughout our life. Aameen.

Prepublished in Muslimah Bloggers

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