Change Begins Within Yourself, Alhamdulillah

“Allah does not change the condition of people until they change what is in themselves” Surah ar-Ra’d 13:11 As-salamu alaykum - this ayah reminds us that we can’t just sit and wait for things to happen. Dua is powerful, but it’s not a substitute for effort. If we want change, we need to take steps: make a plan, work on it, and stay consistent. Show Allah and yourself that you’re ready to receive the blessings by being responsible and putting in the work. If we ask Allah for guidance, we should also show it by praying regularly, reading more Quran, doing dhikr, and learning about the deen. Allah guides whom He wills, but can we expect to be among the guided if we’re not doing anything to seek it? Everything we have - food, shelter, opportunities - is from Allah. Shouldn’t that make us more grateful? “If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more” Surah Ibrahim 14:7. Gratitude isn’t about cutting corners or slacking at work or studies. Allah gave us a wonderful body: a heart that keeps beating, a mind that helps us solve problems, limbs that let us move. Showing gratitude includes caring for that amanah - eating well, staying active, and avoiding harm. Gratitude isn’t just saying “alhamdulillah” once; it’s reflected in our actions, in doing good deeds, avoiding what’s haram, and remembering Allah in what we say and do. I’m sharing this mostly as a reminder to myself - I’ve been feeling unmotivated with school and other responsibilities lately. May Allah make things easy for us and give us the strength to act. Ameen.