For Finding Inner Peace ...

[Cordoba]

Reflect on Ants and the Universe & Don't Be Arrogant

Ants are very interesting creatures God created which merit our reflection.

In fact, there is a chapter in the Qur'an titled "The Ants", Chapter 27

In this chapter is the story of King Solomon when he and his army walked by a group of ants.

When you feel false pride, reflect on this powerful mighty king, and a small insignificant ant, as this will remind us of our weakness and our minute size in this universe.

Don't be arrogant when you succeed in an important job or task you are working on, as it is very easy for a sense of false pride enters the heart from the joy of success.

Don't go down that road.

It's no problem to feel happy when you succeed and to thank God for His blessings, but the problem is when you feel that success was due to your high intelligence, which leads to a feeling of superiority compared to others.

God does not like arrogance. He likes believers to be humble, as they are aware of their real size and weakness.

This constant awareness of His greatness and our weakness and that we depend on Him only will cause peace to enter the heart.

If you are really searching for peace, reflect and always be humble.

 

[Cordoba]

Take Time Off When You Feel You Need a Holiday

After a busy time at work or studies for exams, it’s important to take some time off to recharge batteries; both spiritual and physical.

Taking time off gives a chance for reflection and deep thinking, a chance to refresh one’s ideas and clear pending matters.

Time off also allows for contemplation and being closer to God, the only real source of peace.

If you are really searching for peace, take time off when you need it, and recharge your spiritual batteries.

 

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Keep Away from Negativity

When faced with negative news and negative disputes on a daily basis, a believer often gets distracted from God's Straight Path.

These types of negative distractions have a serious impact on the spiritual heart, which instead of being focused on one's spiritual connection with God, gets engaged in time consuming mundane matters which bring no benefit whatsoever.

So try your best to look at the positive side of life, at what is good in people, rather than searching for their shortcomings.

This approach will have a very positive impact on your life and on your level of spirituality, so do give it a try.

If you are really searching for inner peace and closeness to God, be positive and keep away from negative distractions.

 

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In the Morning: Fill Your Heart with Positive Energy

Hope is very important for finding inner peace.

And one of the best ways to fill the heart with hope is through prayer and connecting with our Creator.

The early morning, dawn, prayer is a very special and important prayer to start the day, so try not to miss it, as this is the time of day of calmness and serenity.

Reading Qur'an in the morning also fills the heart with faith and peace.

After that, start you day and try not to go back to sleep after Fajr.
Listen to the birds sing as they wake up, watch the sun rise and contemplate on the beauty of nature.
This dose of positive energy at the start of the day will help you find peace till the night arrives.

At that point, recharge your spiritual batteries if they have gone flat by looking up at the stars and contemplate this amazing universe, then think of its Creator and praise Him.

If you want to find peace, wake up early and fill your heart with positive energy.

 

[Cordoba]

In the Morning: Fill Your Heart with Positive Energy


Hope is very important for finding inner peace.

And one of the best ways to fill the heart with hope is through prayer and connecting with our Creator.

The early morning, dawn, prayer is a very special and important prayer to start the day, so try not to miss it, as this is the time of day of calmness and serenity.

Reading Qur'an in the morning also fills the heart with faith and peace.

After that, start you day and try not to go back to sleep after Fajr.

Listen to the birds sing as they wake up, watch the sun rise and contemplate on the beauty of nature.

This dose of positive energy at the start of the day will help you find peace till the night arrives.

At that point, recharge your spiritual batteries if they have gone flat by looking up at the stars and contemplate this amazing universe, then think of its Creator and praise Him.

If you want to find peace, wake up early and fill your heart with positive energy.

 

[Cordoba]

Being Grateful to Allah

This is one of the important keys for coming closer to Allah (SWT) and finding inner peace.

A grateful heart is a heart at peace, as gratefulness is half of faith.

Trust that what Allah (SWT) has chosen for you is the best for you, even if you don't fully understand the wisdom behind this choice.

Look at the positive side of each event, and don't focus on the negative side, and this will also help you feel more grateful.

Remember therefore to always thank God and praise Him to fill your heart with gratitude and peace.

 

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Remember that Allah is Near

Sometimes, we forget and think that God is far, or we are far from God, whereas in reality God is very near.

He says in the Qur'an:

"And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near.

I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." (2:186)

With this in mind, it will be easier for all people to return to Allah when they have gone astray, or committed sins.

Also, knowing that God is close brings peace to the heart, as we feel we are not alone, especially when faced with hardships.

If you are really searching for peace, remember that your Lord is near, so raise your hands and pray to Him, He will respond.

 

[Cordoba]

Nourish Your Soul with What it Needs

The needs of the soul are different from the needs of the body.

While the body needs material things like water, food and shelter from the cold, the soul needs spiritual nourishment, which can only be achieved by connecting with the Creator.

The soul is God's secret which comes from Him and is attached to Heaven, whereas the human body is attached to earth.

If all your focus is the material side of life which is connected to worldly matters, your soul will feel unhappy and you will not find peace.

If you are really searching for peace, nourish your soul with the remembrance of Allah.

 

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Start a New Day with Renewed Hope and with a Smile

Each new day is a new opportunity for believers to get closer to God.

Each sunrise brings new hope that today will be better than yesterday, as we do our best and put our trust in our Creator.

Look at the positive side of life to recharge your spiritual batteries at the start of a new day, to give you the spiritual energy you need to keep going and to deal with the challenges which may come your way during the day.

But this approach to life is not only in the morning. Each of the five daily prayers give us a chance to put our busy lives on-hold for a few minutes, and to focus on the spiritual rather than the material.

This is the path of inner peace.

If you are really searching for peace, always recharge your spiritual batteries, never lose hope and always keep your smile.

 

[Cordoba]

After Hardship There Will Be Ease

At times, we go through hardships which can make us sad.

When all what you see in the media is accusations against your faith and false claims by people who do not understand, this is a hardship which needs patience.

The important thing is to keep your chin up, don't be scared and don't worry too much, as Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an:

"For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." (94:5)

And He repeated this reassurance a second time in the following verse:

"indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." (94:6)

Be patient, make du'aa and trust in God if you are really searching for peace.

Tomorrow will be a better day, In-Shaa-Allah

 

[Cordoba]

Stay Calm

Being calm is very important for inner peace.

We see many people who get angry or agitated for minor issues which don't deserve it.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, advised one of his companions by saying to him three times "Don't get angry."

When being calm, you are able to take better decisions, as your emotions are not in control.

With a clear mind, you avoid Satan's traps and you are able to come closer to God, the source of all peace.

Keep cool, don't get angry and stay calm, if you are really searching for peace.

 

[Cordoba]

Don't Forget to Look up to the Stars

Life in the city deprives most of us from enjoying the beauty of nature which God created, and this amazing universe.

One of the benefits gained from looking up to the stars at night is that they remind us of the greatness of God's creation.

This immediately reminds us of the greatness of the Creator.

We are a drop in the ocean, and the stars help us remember that and make us humble in His remembrance.

This is a path to inner peace ...

 

[Cordoba]

The Love of God is the Path to Inner Peace

Love God and remember that He loves you

That is the main ingredient which makes a believer's heart attached to the Creator, and remain on God's Straight Path.

Each time you experience a gift God has given you, small or big, thank Him and remember His love.

As God's love increases in the heart, so does the feeling of inner peace and tranquility.

 

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Remember that All Strength is from Allah

Human beings are weak creatures, and we often forget that...

We forget that they are born helpless ...

And we often forget that when they are elderly, they are again weak

So don't be fooled with your physical strength, your wealth, your good health, your power, ... these are all temporary.

Real power and strength belong to Allah, our Creator who gave us some of these gifts in this worldly life to test how we will use them.

And if you are searching for inner peace, a good reminder is to always repeat the words of "la hawla wa la quwwata illa bil Allah" - meaning there is no strength nor power except from Allah.

These are golden words which have an important positive impact on the spiritual heart which makes us humble and at peace.

He is the source of strength and peace, so ask Him from His bounty and don't forget ...

 

[Cordoba]

Peace Comes from a Clear Conscience

If you are searching for inner peace, never be unfair to others.

Justice is a virtue which God loves, whereas injustice is a major sin.

Do your best not to harm anybody with your words and deeds during the day, and you will have a clear conscience which will allow you to sleep soundly at night.

And never be unjust in your relation with God.

Do your best to follow His commands, and keep away from what He forbids.

If you do something that displeases Him, repent and seek His forgiveness.

He loves those who repent.

Strive for a clear conscience and you will find peace In-Shaa-Allah.

 

[Cordoba]

Dealing with Negative Peer Pressure

Friends, classmates and neighbors who dislike Islam can often become a major obstacle in finding inner peace.

We have to deal with them on a regular basis, and when they express negativity for our faith, it takes a lot of patience to react in the right way, and not be affected by their words and deeds.

Part of becoming a stronger believer has to do with soul purification, and an important component in this process is having patience and learning to become more patient despite such external challenges.

A man one day came to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, for advise and he said "Don't get angry."

When faced with negative comments, count from one to ten before you react, seek refuge in Allah's protection, and you will find Him guiding you to the right thing to do, and always be patient.

Allah loves those who are patient...

 

[Cordoba]

Don't Be Fooled by the Glitter of this Worldly Life

It is part of human nature to love wealth and to seek increase in money and material possessions.

Allah (SWT) warns us of this in the Qur'an, and reminds us of the reality of this life when He says in the first two verses of Chapter 102:
"Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you.

Until you visit the graveyards."

http://quran.com/102

So don't be diverted with competition to increase in worldly possessions, as this is not the purpose of your creation.

You were created to get to know your Creator, and to follow His Guidance to live a happy life in this world and in the Hereafter.

A happy life is not one which consists of having a lot of money, as we know that many people who have millions and billions are in reality very unhappy people.

Why?

Because they lack the feeling of inner peace, which comes from faith and is reflected in contentment and being pleased with God's decree and what He chooses for us in this world, which is only a transition.

The real eternal life is in the Hereafter, so keep your focus if you are really searching for peace.

 

[Cordoba]

Keep Trying & Never Give Up

Sometimes you ask God for something and your request is not granted, or delayed.

This is a golden opportunity to come closer to God, as if you really need what you are asking Him for, you should continue trying.

Don't give up.

God loves to hear the supplication of believers, and He responds to sincere prayers, though sometimes they may be delayed if He knows they would bring more harm than good.

Knock on His door, keep trying and don't give up.

There is always hope In-Shaa-Allah, and with hope comes peace.

 

[Cordoba]

Don't Panic When Doors Close ... Other Doors will Open

Some doors in life close but others eventually open

To maintain inner peace, a believer needs to be patient when a door closes and not panic.

Trust in God, and be sure He will open for you another door, which In-Shaa-Allah will be better for you

Pray and ask Him what you need, and at the same time have taqwa, as Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an in Surat Yusuf (Chapter 12):

(... "Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.") (12:90)

Be patient, another door will soon open, which is better for you In-Shaa-Allah

 

[Cordoba]

Trust God by Doing Your Best & Asking His Guidance and Help

Sometimes we worry about the future

What will happen next month, what will happen next year?

It is part of human nature to worry, but to find peace we need to train ourselves to reduce our worries concerning the future.

The best remedy for that is to have a strong faith in God, to be sure that He wants what is best for us and if we seek His help He will guide us to what is best in this world and in the Hereafter

Tawakkul, often translated as reliance on Allah, has two main components: doing one's best (as if only good planning and hard work would produce results) and seeking His help (as if all the hard work did not exist).

Why should you worry when He is in-charge?

Get rid of worries and anxieties today, and live a productive life of peace and contentment.

This world is only a transition, it is not the final destination, so don't be sad.