Spiritual Health and Purification of the Soul

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How to Achieve Tranquility of the Heart

Sometimes it feels like it’s just too much – these fluctuations in our iman (faith), the repeated sinning, the feeling that “I just don’t deserve Allah’s mercy.” The tests always feel like punishments. There is a constant worry about the future: my marriage, my money, my career, my Ummah… And some difficulties just feel like they are too great to overcome. We know we’re not supposed to ask this, but the question at the back of our minds is, “Why me?”

We have all heard that we should never despair of Allah’s Mercy. And on the surface, we try not to, but Shaytaan (the Devil) has a trick. We tend to despair of ourselves and our incapacity to change things, especially the inner turmoil that we feel. And the effect of this is basically the same as despairing of Allah’s mercy. We do not always accept that Allah can take us out of the situation we are in and we don’t need to ‘deserve’ the trouble; Allah isn’t punishing us and we don’t need to be perfect.

This doesn’t mean, however, that we shouldn’t strive, or take ourselves to account when we do mess up. The key is to develop our relationship with Allah during that trouble. If we know Allah, no situation is too hopeless. No sadness is ever permanent. We perceive trials as they are meant to be perceived – as tests of our trust in Allah, forcing us to put our knowledge into practice and bringing us closer to Him.

These trials could potentially be a punishment too, that is if we let it affect us negatively by completely turning away from Him because of our sadness. But our awareness of our own state and our understanding of Allah’s Mercy allows us to turn the punishment into something positive that is manifested through repentance to Allah, alongside increasing in hasanat (good deeds) in order to erase the bad deeds.

The first exercise is for us to consciously realize that Allah knows. Whatever grief we go through, whatever hardship we endure, we must understand that we are never alone. Even if we feel abandoned by the world and those closest to us, Allah is there...
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How to Achieve Tranquility of the Heart

 

[Cordoba]

Faith and its Impact on Inner Peace

A believer with a strong faith believes in the six articles of faith, and this faith, when founded on sound knowledge and understanding of the Qur'an and Sunnah, helps him/her overcome life's problems with contentment and leads his/her heart to finding inner peace

Belief that Allah is The Provider, and belief in measured destiny gives peace to the heart, as a believer does his best then accept whatever outcome God decides

When a Muslim submits to the will of Allah, whether in times of ease or hardship, with a thankful and patient heart, this is the best way to find peace

This life is a transition phase, so don't be too attached to it, and accept with calm and serenity what comes your way if you are searching for peace

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Achieving Certainty in Life[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Being sure (having yaqeen) means certainty in the Strength of God, in His mercy, in His promise, and in everything that we talked about in the past seven articles. It is certainty that He can make us better, save us and help us. We need to ask ourselves – how firm is that certainty? ...[/FONT]
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Your certainty in God means you know; when bad things befall you, you will reflect on why tests happen and try to learn from the experience. When things turn out well, you know to fall into prostration because that result could not have occurred except by the will and grace of God.[/FONT]
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There is a beautiful du`a’ (supplication) in this regard. The Prophet used to supplicate:[/FONT]
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"O Allah! Grant us such fear of You as will come between us and acts of disobedience to You; such obedience to You as will bring us to Your Garden; and such certainty that the calamities of this world will be made easy for us by You." (At-Tirmidhi)[/FONT]
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Calamities without doubt test our faith, and this is why the Prophet taught us to pray for certainty – so that these calamities are made easier ...[/FONT]

http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/growing-in-faith/451942-achieving-certainty-in-life.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Search for Inner Peace [/FONT]
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The topic of inner peace addresses a universal need.[/FONT]
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There is nobody on this planet that does not desire inner peace.[/FONT]
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It is not a desire that is new to our time; rather, it is something that everybody has been searching for throughout the ages, regardless of color, creed, religion, race, nationality, age, sex, wealth, ability or technological advancement.[/FONT]
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People have taken a variety of different paths in trying to achieve inner peace, some through accumulating material possessions and wealth, others through drugs; some through music, others through meditation; some through their husbands and wives, others through their careers and some through their children’s achievements. And the list goes on[/FONT]
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Yet the search also goes on ...

[/FONT] http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/growing-in-faith/452223-the-search-for-inner-peace-12.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Search for Inner Peace (2/2) [/FONT]
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Inner Peace is Reached Through Submitting to God[/FONT]
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We have to keep in mind that a person will not get from this world except what Allah has already written for them, this is the bottom line. After all that running around, staying up late at night, being a workaholic a person will only get that which Allah has already destined for him or her. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:[/FONT]
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“Whoever sets the Hereafter as his goal, Allah gathers his affairs for him, gives him richness of (faith in) the heart and the world will come to him grudgingly and submissively.” (Ibn Majah & Ibn Hibban)[/FONT]
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Such a person attains richness of the heart. Richness is not about having a lot of wealth, but richness is having wealth of the heart, and what is wealth of the heart? It is contentment, and this is where the peace comes from, when a person submits themselves to Allah, and this is Islam.[/FONT]
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The inner peace is accepting Islam in our hearts and living by the principles of Islam. So Allah will put richness in a person’s heart and this world will come to him submissively, on its knees and humbled. such a person will not have to chase it...[/FONT]

http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/growing-in-faith/452224-the-search-for-inner-peace-22.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Qur'an: A Source of Healing[/FONT]
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If we receive a letter from someone we love, our hearts are soothed by reading their words. Because we love him, and especially if it is someone we respect, we take his words seriously and know he has our best interests in mind. If it is someone we are longing to meet, we read his words over and over again, seeking refuge in him, until we meet him.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Now imagine that the Quran is made up of the words of God, directed to you. Imagine the longing of the heart for the words of its most beloved, of its Master. From personal experience, if ever I woke up shaken from a bad dream and my heart feels scared and uncomfortable, I recite the Quran. It always calms me down. [/FONT]
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The same is true whenever I have felt sadness; there is something about when the Quran enters your heart that takes away any worldly negativity ...[/FONT]

A Source of Healing - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tranquility of the Heart [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All You Need to Do is Ask [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]in order for our supplicationto be truly meaningful, we must accompany it with a certain brokenness in the heart. This brokenness is the feeling of utter need, submission and surrender to God, and realizing that truly it is only He who can get us out of our state. ...

[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Remember: our Lord is not forgetful. Sometimes you might even forget that you once made du`a’ for something, but He might give it to you years later.[/FONT]
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No Answer?[/FONT]
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We must always have certainty that God answers. But sometimes doubt enters one’s heart: “…But I asked, I made du`a’... and I don’t see anything?” Firstly, just as we know that God is Al-Mujeeb (Responder), we must also know He is Al-Hakeem (the Most Wise).[/FONT]
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He may delay answering your prayer for a number of reasons; one is to test your trust in Him...[/FONT]

http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/growing-in-faith/452562-all-you-need-to-do-is-ask.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Keys to Handling Calamities[/FONT]

When illness or injury overcome us, it is natural to be fearful. At times we can even feel resentful, wondering why God has allowed this to happen.​

We question and complain, but this serves no purpose except to accentuate our sorrow or suffering. God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy has given us clear guidelines about how to behave when struck by illness or injury.​

If we follow these guidelines, it is possible to bear afflictions with ease, and even to be grateful. When struck by illness or injury, a believer puts his or her trust in God, expresses thankfulness for whatever condition God has decreed for him or her, and seeks medical aid...

While seeking treatment or cure in this physical world, it is important to also seek a cure through spiritual remedies. The first thing to do is to think positively about God, confirm your belief in Him, and contemplate His names and attributes.​

He is the Most Merciful, the Most Loving, and the Most Wise. We are advised to call on Him by the names that are most appropriate to our needs...​

The Keys to Handling Calamities - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Tranquility of the Heart [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Remember Me, I Will Remember You [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]When we try to figure out why we are so often bothered, why we feel disturbed internally, or why we feel sad – we need to go back to our hearts.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:[/FONT]
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“Do not talk too much without remembering and mentioning Allah, for too much talk without mentioning Allah hardens the heart, and the person farthest from Allah is the one with a hard heart.” (At-Tirmidhi)[/FONT]
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Subhan Allah (glory to Allah) – our heart hardens when we do not remember God. The heart’s nourishment is the remembrance of God, and when we fail to remember Him, it is no wonder that we feel down for no apparent reason.[/FONT]
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The Muslim Scholar, Ibn al-Qayyim stated: “In the heart there is hardness which can only be softened by remembrance of God. So the slave must treat the hardness of his heart with the remembrance of God.” ...
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http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/growing-in-faith/452626-remember-me-i-will-remember-you.html

 

[Cordoba]

To Find Inner Peace:

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Take Back Your Heart [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No one likes to fall.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]And few people would ever choose to drown.[/FONT]
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But in struggling through the ocean of this life, sometimes it’s so hard not to let the world in. Sometimes the ocean does enter us. This life does seep into our hearts.[/FONT]
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And like the water that breaks the boat, when this life enters, it shatters our heart. It shatters the boat...[/FONT]
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If you allow this life to own your heart, like the ocean that owns the boat, it will take over. You will sink down to the depths of the sea. You will touch the ocean floor. And you will feel as though you were at your lowest point. Entrapped by your sins and the love of this life, you will feel broken. Surrounded by darkness. That’s the amazing thing about the floor of the ocean. No light reaches it ...[/FONT]
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Freedom[/FONT]
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Rise up to your freedom.[/FONT]
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Rise up and come back to life.[/FONT]
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Leave the death of your soul behind you.[/FONT]
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Your heart can still live and be stronger and purer than it ever was.

Does not the polish of tawbah (repentance) remake the heart even more beautiful than it was? Remove the veil you have sewn with your sins.

Remove the veil between you and Life, between you and Freedom, between you and Light—between you and God. Remove the veil and rise up. Come back to yourself. Come back to where you began. Come back Home. Know that when all the other doors have shut in your face, there is one that is always open. Always. Seek it. Seek Him and He will guide you through the waves of the cruel ocean, into the mercy of the sun.[/FONT]
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This world cannot break you—unless you give it permission. And it cannot own you unless you hand it the keys – unless you give it your heart. And so, if you have handed those keys to this life for a while - take them back. This isn’t the End. You don’t have to die here.[/FONT]
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Reclaim your heart and place it with its rightful owner: God.

[/FONT] http://www.onislam.net/english/read...ing-in-faith/452678-take-back-your-heart.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Tranquility of the Heart [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Allah is with the Patient [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No doubt, knowing we will face tests and trying to understand the reason behind them is crucial, because it enables us not to feel hopeless.

However, difficulties sometimes make it hard for us to continue with the practice of doing things that get us close to God. So we must seek help not only in prayer, but in aspiring to be of the patient.

[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Patience – An Aspiration?[/FONT]
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The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that patience is a light. (Muslim)[/FONT]
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The characteristic of light is that it shows us the way and allows us to see clearly. How does patience do this?[/FONT]
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Patience is linked with hope and trust in God. When something bad happens, we can force ourselves to be patient by reminding ourselves that with hardship comes ease and that after a period of hardship God gives relief. We can only be truly patient when we realize that everything is from God, and that is how everything is illuminated. It is the opposite of darkness and impatience. Impatience is darkness because it frustrates us, we can behave rashly and we do not see the wisdom in the delay. The Prophet said:[/FONT]
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“And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” (Al-Bukhari)[/FONT]
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Patience is an aspiration because it is not just something that we do, but rather something that we need to build in ourselves and adapt to different situations. Its importance is highlighted in the fact that it has been mentioned in the Quran over ninety times...[/FONT]

Allah is with the Patient - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How Islam Deals With Sadness and Worry (Part 2)
Patience: An Important Virtue [/FONT]

Life is a series of moments. At the two extremes are joyful moments that make our hearts sing with gladness and dark moments that plunge us into sadness and worry.

In between is real life; the highs, the lows, the mundane and boring, the sweetness, and light. It is in these times that the believer must try to establish a connection to God.

The believer must forge a bond that is unbreakable. When the joy of life fills our hearts and minds we must not forget that it is a blessing from God and equally when we are faced with sadness and worry we must realize that this too is from God, even though at first glance we may not see the blessing.

God is the Most Wise and the Most Just. Whatever condition we find ourselves in, and no matter what we are forced to confront, it is imperative that we open our eyes to the fact that God knows what is good for us.

Though we shy away from facing our fears and worries, it may be that we hate a thing that is good for us and desire something that can only lead to ruin and damnation.

“...and it may be that you dislike a thing that is good for you and that you like a thing that is bad for you. God knows but you do not know.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:216)

The life of this world was designed by our Creator to maximize our chances of living a blissful life in the Hereafter. When we face trials, they help us grow and mature into human beings who are able to function effortlessly in this transient world.

God has not abandoned us in face of the temptations and trials we face in this world, He has equipped us with potent weapons. Three of the most important are patience, gratefulness, and trust...

http://www.onislam.net/english/read...slam-deals-with-sadness-and-worry-part-2.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] How Islam Deals With Sadness and Worry (Part 3) [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Being Grateful to God for His Countless Blessings [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the previous article, we discussed about dealing with sadness and worry by striving to be patient. We also talked about counting the blessings God has bestowed upon us as a way of encouraging patience. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Another way of overcoming sadness and worry is by being grateful to God for His countless blessings. God explains in the Quran, that true worshippers are those who are grateful and give thanks...[/FONT]
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Our Only Refuge[/FONT]
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In times of sadness and worry, when we are feeling alone and distressed, God is our only refuge. When sadness and worry become unbearable, when there is nothing left but, stress, fear, anxiety, and misery, we instinctively turn to God. We know His words are true, we know His promise is true![/FONT]
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“...if you are grateful, I will add more favors unto you.” (Ibrahim, 14:7)[/FONT]
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God knows the wisdom behind why good things happen to bad people, or why bad things happen to good people. In general, whatever causes us to turn to God is good and we should be grateful for it. In times of crisis, people are drawn closer to God, whereas in times of comfort we often forget from where the comfort originated. God is the Provider and He is the Most Generous. God wants to reward us with life everlasting and if pain and suffering can guarantee Paradise, then trials and tribulations are a blessing...
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http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/growing-in-faith/452833-how-islam-deals-with-sadness-and-worry-part-3.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] How Islam Deals With Sadness and Worry (Part 4) [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]And in God Alone Let Believers Put Their Trust [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Physically we have all that we need, but spiritually and emotionally, we are bereft. [/FONT]
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Our minds are filled with sadness and worry. Stress and anxiety mount. [/FONT]
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As we gather possessions, we wonder why we are not happy. [/FONT]
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As we embark on yet another holiday we feel alone and desperate.[/FONT]
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The Purpose of Life[/FONT]
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A life that is far removed from God is a sad life indeed. No matter how much money we accumulate, or how grand our house is, if God is not the centre of our lives then happiness will elude us forever. True happiness can only be found when we at least attempt to fulfill our purpose in life. [/FONT]
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Human beings exist to worship God.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]God wants us to be happy, in this life and in the Hereafter, and He has given us the key to real happiness. It is not a secret or a mystery. It is not an enigma or a puzzle, it is Islam...[/FONT]

http://www.onislam.net/english/read...slam-deals-with-sadness-and-worry-part-4.html

 

[Cordoba]

Contentment: A Paradise on Earth

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Are you content with what you have in life?

Contentment is the greatest door that one enters to Allah, it is the source of tranquility for the worshiper and paradise on earth.
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http://www.onislam.net/english/read...h/452917-contentment-a-paradise-on-earth.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hearts Find Satisfaction in Remembering God[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]True happiness, peace, pleasure and ease can only be found in the remembrance of God. God relates this fact in a verse as follows:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]{Those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of God. Only in the remembrance of God can the heart find peace.}(Ar-Ra'd 13: 28)[/FONT]
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This is a very important secret that God reveals to mankind in the Quran. Unaware of this fact, many people spend their lives under the delusion that worldly gifts would bring satisfaction. As if they would never die and meet the day of reckoning, they greedily strive to possess the values pertaining to this world.[/FONT]
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Yet this is a great delusion. Nothing possessed in this world can bring true peace and happiness.[/FONT]
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Only believers who are sincerely devoted to God and who are cognizant of God's mercy, compassion and protection over them can attain the peaceful state of the heart. God grants this relief on the heart of the person who sees the evidences of God's creation and remembers Him at all times. Therefore it is vain to seek for ease or peace and happiness by any other means...[/FONT]

http://www.onislam.net/english/read...rts-find-satisfaction-in-remembering-god.html

 

[Cordoba]

Relieve Your Heart: Think Well of Others

Nothing relieves the heart and makes one happy more than thinking well of others. It protects one from the harm of worrisome thoughts that disturb his peace of mind and exhaust the body.

Thinking well of others leads to a sound heart, strengthens the ties of cordiality and love among the individuals of a community, and frees the hearts from hatred and rancor...

http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/growing-in-faith/453653-relieve-your-heart-think-well-of-others-.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Be Content and Be Thankful

Being content is one of the important keys for finding inner peace

A content heart is one which is grateful for all the blessings God has bestowed on him / her

It is a heart which always looks at the positive side of life, feeling all the good things one has, and forgetting about what one does not have

When the heart is content, a believer thanks God, not only by saying "Thank you God" but by using the blessings one has to help others

These two together, being content and being thankful, lead to inner peace, as one does not feel that there is anything missing in life, and is always happy with what God gives

A content and thankful heart leads to Paradise on earth[/FONT]

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Trust in God and Rely on Him

God loves believers who do their best then trust in Him for giving them the best alternative and rely on Him (al-mutawakiloun)

This attitude in life is a great source of peace, as following it minimizes worries

When one is certain that sustenance is pre-ordained, that the number of years one lives in this world is already determined before one is born, then why worry is money is short or worry if health is poor?

This important door to inner peace makes the heart at ease, as a believer who trusts in God accepts all what God gives and also accepts all what God takes away

This life is a transition to an eternal life, it's not worth being too concerned on its material aspect, as what really matters is the spiritual aspect and doing what pleases Him[/FONT]

 

[elmarna]

I AGREE!
to support the inner demons of the mind & spirit can not let you work in good service for Allah!
I smiled at the thread you placed!
It is a truth that if talen in & supported can only help you on the straight path!