We go through so many things that we have to swiftly switch our focus to some new issue within the same day and night.
How do we remain grounded in our religion and principles when we are surrounded by storms of temptations, desires and disasters?
Hold onto your prayers. Pray regularly, especially in secret.
Surround yourself with the companions of Quran, the reciters, readers, teachers, even those who are struggling with it.
Follow the footsteps of scholars, righteous people and look at someone who’s ahead of whatever it is that you want to do and be.
And never, ever give up on the companionship of Muslims- either you will inspire them or they’ll shield you from falling into conflicts and getting pulled into the storms that at best only waste our time, and at worst will take our faith away from us.
When I prioritised my prayers, I realised that everything this life had to offer—whether good or bad—would pass. Ours prayers though, they don’t have to if we care for them. In this, I would come to understand life.
‘Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test which of them is best in deed. (7) And indeed, We will make that which is upon it a barren ground. (8)’ (Quran 18:7-8)
If I entertained and ups and downs of this life, I’d forget this and be faced with loss when they’d pass,
‘And we will surely let them taste the nearer punishment short of the greater punishment that perhaps they will repent.’ (Quran 32:21)
If I instead drew my attention towards my prayers, I’d be reminded of the lasting matters in this life and make use of them until life felt smooth because of the principles I’d built myself upon,
‘… And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance, there will be no fear concerning them nor will they grieve.’ (Quran 2:38)
Am I being a bit too technical here about it all? I don’t know.