Purifying the Nafs - Simple Habits That Make Fard Easier, Insha'Allah
Assalamu alaikum. I want to share some easy things that helped me, not just about praying or fasting but about softening the heart. These are simple acts that can protect you from the fire and, with Allah's mercy, raise your rank in Jannah - you may even feel closer to Allah. Keep intention sincere for His sake. 1. LOVE ALLAH SINCERELY - don’t make love of Allah just about getting Jannah. Love Him for who He is, not just the reward. 2. ISTIGHFAR - keep seeking forgiveness regularly. 3. MAKE DU’A WITH AWARENESS - say the du’a: “ya muqallibal quloob sabbit qalbi ‘ala deenik.” Ask Allah to steady your heart, and mean it with presence. 4. Recite “la ilaha illallah” often (you can aim for 100 times a day) with the intention that Allah is Lord over you, not your nafs. Remember the warning about those who follow desires from Surah al-Furqan. 5. LENGTHEN YOUR SUJOOD - even if you’re not able to pray all the time, make time for long sujood. Stay in sujood for several minutes if you can, and when you do pray try to make your prostration longer than usual. 6. BE GRATEFUL - Allah says be thankful and He will increase you. Say Alhamdulillah and feel grateful in your heart. 7. LOVE THOSE WHO LOVE ALLAH - find company with people who remember Allah and support you in good. Don’t dismiss sincere lovers of Allah just because of labels; avoid obvious bid’ah but value genuine hearts. 8. RESPECT OTHERS’ FAITHS - be kind to people regardless of their religion. Treat everyone with good manners. 9. BE GOOD TO YOUR PARENTS AND SPOUSE - show kindness and patience at home. 10. FORGIVE - forgive those who hurt you even if they don’t ask. Avoid revenge. 11. CARE FOR ANIMALS - feed cats, dogs, and birds when you can. 12. GIVE ZAKAT WHEN ABLE - even if your salah is weak, don’t neglect the right of the poor. 13. AVOID PRIDE - humility is beloved by Allah; pride is disliked. 14. REMEMBER ALLAH WITH THE NAME “YA WADOOD” - spend a few minutes quietly repeating it, not just counting beads, but being immersed in the dhikr. 15. SHARE THIS AS SADAQAH JARIYAH - pass on beneficial reminders. May Allah guide us and purify our hearts. If you want, I can share more simple practices for purifying the nafs.