Assalaamu-alaikum, Peace be upon you.
Times are tough. People are struggling with so many different challenges. We are in the midst of increasing levels of despair, disconnection and division.
But when the going gets tough, the tough get going. As believers, we must realise the preciousness of guidance, rise confidently to the challenges of our time and be at the forefront of providing solutions.
We have to move beyond a survival mentality and do what needs to be done for faith to flourish in our homes, neighbourhoods and cities. We need to push ourselves to and through our limits, using our God-given faculties and opportunities to their fullest extent.
This is what it means to advance God’s cause on earth. In this, and this alone, lies the solution to human woes. And He tells us that those who are part of this effort are amongst the most special of His servants. I don’t know about you, but I want to be one of them. And I worry every day about whether I’m doing anywhere near enough to be counted amongst them.
What about you? If God asks you whether you really lived to your full potential and acted as a true ambassador on His behalf, what will you say?
If you want to explore these ideas further, join me this Sunday 21st November for a one-hour webinar entitled, “Striving for God’s Cause: The Way of the True Believer.”
Find out more and register here now.
I hope you enjoy and benefit from this second edition of INsights!
Bismillah, let’s begin in the name of God…
Here are some insights:
Using the P.R.A.Y. framework, let’s examine a common issue.
P is for Problem: Often we consider the fact that we’ve prayed on time to be such an achievement that we give secondary priority to the quality of the prayer itself. It’s as if we think showing up should afford us full marks. Psychologically this can really reduce our consciousness during the prayer.
R is for Realisation: We don’t regard it as special to turn up to a work meeting or any other appointment to which we have committed. It’s part of our job, a standard part of human interaction. Similarly, we have to get to the point where we realise that praying on time should be a given, a non-negotiable, totally inherent to our existence. Showing up to meet with our Lord should just be a fact of life because we know that doing anything else is unnatural.
A is for Action: If it’s not the case for you already, then it’s time to wake up and get super disciplined and committed to pray on time, every time. You should make it your single most important priority in life. And if you do already pray consistently, but it feels a bit mechanical or burdensome, then tell yourself each time, “I’m not just doing this because I have to. I’m doing it because I want to. I’m not just doing it because I fear punishment, or hope for reward or as a mindless routine. I’m doing it because I love my Lord, I recognise His awesomeness and because I can’t wait to meet Him.”
Y is for Yield, meaning the result: Lowering our sense of achievement in simply turning up for prayer means that we are much more likely to show up in the fullest sense during the prayer itself. Once we achieve this understanding, we can give our full attention to the real struggle of how we pray.
Here are some beautiful and uplifting verses I was reflecting on today:
Can someone who knows that the revelation from your Lord is the Truth be equal to someone who is blind? Only those with understanding will take it to heart: those who fulfil the agreements they make in God’s name and do not break their pledges; who join together what God commands to be joined; who are in awe of their Lord and fear the harshness of the Reckoning; who remain steadfast through their desire for the face of their Lord; who keep up the prayer; who give secretly and openly from what We have provided for them; who repel evil with good. These will have the reward of the [true] home: they will enter perpetual Gardens, along with their righteous ancestors, spouses, and descendants; the angels will go in to them from every gate, ‘Peace be with you, because you have remained steadfast. What an excellent reward is this home of yours!’ [Chapter 13, Thunder, Verses 19-24]
Essentially: keep going, the rewards are just around the corner…
“God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”
Many people told me this was their favourite line from the sermon I shared with you a couple of weeks ago. So I’ve been reflecting on it more myself.
Often I feel totally inadequate to achieve the things I’d like to achieve in life and deal with the challenges I foresee along the way. But then I remind myself that if I try to be sincere in the pursuit of God-centered goals with excellence, He will provide me with the guidance, support and resources I need. It’s commonly said that if He brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it. We just need to trust, get started and keep going.
This is one of the very many things that we’ll be exploring in more depth during the upcoming Last Day Leader workshop series, which I’m excited to announce will be starting in just over two weeks, God willing. Don’t miss it!
If you use the Telegram app and you’d like to join my Channel where I share short, regular insights, click here.
If you or someone you know is 18-22 years old and would like to participate in an exciting Future Leaders Programme throughout 2022, please click here. I’m involved in helping to design and deliver aspects of the programme!
My friend Shahbaz Mirza is imminently launching a fantastic new Morning & Evening journal. Find out more and download a free sample here.
I hope you enjoyed and benefited from this edition of INsights. Please comment below with your feedback.
Have a blessed fortnight. I'll see you in two Fridays, God willing.
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