A guide to improving your life and becoming the best version of yourself, in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah
If you find yourself not progressing as swiftly as you’d like, come back to this section and revisit it. It’s likely that one or more of these areas need attention.
Before we begin, while we acknowledge that our Islamic knowledge is limited, we’ve sincerely attempted to ensure that the content on this page aligns with the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Any benefit you find here is solely from the guidance of Allah, while any errors or shortcomings are from us. We seek Allah’s forgiveness for any unintentional misguidance.
The blueprint is not a magic solution if you’re not addressing the basics like prayer, sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Anyone seeking to change their life must first establish a solid foundation for self-development. If you’re struggling with these fundamental areas of your life, this system alone won’t miraculously solve your problems.
It’s simply a gateway to a better life inshaAllah, if you can put in the work.
Spending some time optimising your life 🔧, strengthening your intentions 🎯, and eliminating toxic influences 🚫 is a necessary prerequisite for being able to change the trajectory of your life 📈. We ask Allah for strength and guidance to all that which is better for us.
But remember, just as a sapling grows slowly yet steadily into a mighty tree, so too can you grow in these areas. Be patient with yourself, for Allah is patient with His servants.
Start with small, consistent steps in the right direction, and in time, with Allah’s permission, you’ll see the fruits of your efforts. Remember, every journey begins with a single step, so take that step today, no matter how small it may seem.
It was reported in an authentic narration that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“أَحَبُّ الْأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ”
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
[رواه البخاري: ٦٤٦٥، ومسلم: ٧٨٢]
This hadith emphasizes the importance of consistency in our actions, even if they seem minor. It encourages us to establish and maintain good habits, no matter how small, as they are more beloved to Allah than grand gestures done sporadically.
“We don’t rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems and habits.”
— Atomic Habits
It’s not enough to simply set lofty goals; we must build the daily practices and routines that will inevitably lead us to those goals, with Allah’s permission.
Your journey to this point was not by chance, but by the decree of Allah. Turn to Him in supplication, seeking His guidance and strength to persevere through challenges and overcome obstacles. As Allah says in the Qur’an:
“وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ”
“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’”
[غافر: ٦٠]
Remember that with every difficulty comes ease, as Allah promises:
“فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا، إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا”
“For indeed, with hardship [will come] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will come] ease.”
[الشرح: ٥-٦]
Place your trust in your Creator. He is the best of planners. 🤲🏻
This is the first step to improving your life. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. How we use this time is what separates us.
“Show me your calendar and I’ll show you your priorities.”
An empty calendar is a sign as clear as day that you have no priorities, no goals, and no direction.
Enough said.
Don’t waste unnecessary time setting up the perfect calendar. Life happens. You need a tool that takes away the hassle of manually re-organising your day.
We recommend using ReclaimAI for this.
Calendar sharing with family helps avoid scheduling conflicts and makes it easier to coordinate family time. They’ll know when you’re available and when you’re in deep work or meetings, making it easier to plan activities and manage expectations.
If you’ve setup your habits and events correctly, ReclaimAI will automatically reorganise your day based on shifting responsibilities and emergencies.
Remember, your body, your family, your spouse, and your children all have a right over you. By sharing your calendar with close family members, you can better coordinate schedules and avoid conflicts. They’ll know when you’re available and when you’re busy, making it easier to plan family activities and manage expectations.
The goal is not to fill every moment but to create a balanced schedule that allows for worship, work, rest, and mindful connection with family and friends.
Use Todoist or Tiktik to quickly add tasks (project, shopping list, etc.)
Both apps offer desktop and mobile versions to help you manage tasks. Tiktik has a great voice mode feature that lets you instantly add tasks by speaking - perfect for capturing things on the go.
Download either app to start organizing your tasks efficiently.
Use Rise App to track and break bad habits:
Focus on replacing bad habits with good ones rather than just trying to stop them. For example, replace scrolling social media with reading Quran or learning a new skill.
The early morning hours are precious for deep, focused work. The Prophet (ﷺ) made dua for his ummah saying:
“اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِأُمَّتِي فِي بُكُورِهَا”
“O Allah, bless my ummah in their early mornings.”
[رواه الترمذي وأبو داود]
Immediate Action: After Fajr prayer, avoid going back to sleep
Light Movement: Do light stretching or a brief walk to fully wake up
Quran & Dua: Before starting work:
Recite your daily portion of Quran
Make this powerful dua for barakah in your time:
“اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِأُمَّتِي فِي بُكُورِهَا”
“O Allah, bless my ummah in their early mornings.”
And:
“اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي نَافِعًا لِعِبَادِكَ، وَاجْعَلْ عَمَلِي خَالِصًا لِوَجْهِكَ الْكَرِيمِ”
“O Allah, make me beneficial for Your servants, and make my deeds purely for Your Noble Face.”
Deep Work Session: Begin your focused work while:
Aim to schedule 2-4 solid hours of deep work in this blessed time when:
Perform Deep Work with Pomodoros:
Standard Pomodoros (50 min work / 10 min break)
Intense Pomodoros (90 min work / 15 min break)
Choose the format that works best for your energy levels and focus capacity. Some people prefer shorter intervals to maintain consistent focus, while others work better with longer, more intense sessions.
During deep work:
Disruptions kill focus. It’s your responsibility to protect your time.
If you struggle with waking up for Fajr, start by sleeping earlier rather than trying to power through with less sleep. Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining this early morning routine. It will be tough the first few days, but stick with it. It gets exponentially easier.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“يَعْقِدُ الشَّيْطَانُ عَلَى قَافِيَةِ رَأْسِ أَحَدِكُمْ إِذَا هُوَ نَامَ ثَلاَثَ عُقَدٍ، يَضْرِبُ كُلَّ عُقْدَةٍ عَلَيْكَ لَيْلٌ طَوِيلٌ فَارْقُدْ، فَإِنِ اسْتَيْقَظَ فَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ انْحَلَّتْ عُقْدَةٌ، فَإِنْ تَوَضَّأَ انْحَلَّتْ عُقْدَةٌ، فَإِنْ صَلَّى انْحَلَّتْ عُقْدَةٌ، فَأَصْبَحَ نَشِيطًا طَيِّبَ النَّفْسِ، وَإِلاَّ أَصْبَحَ خَبِيثَ النَّفْسِ كَسْلاَنَ”
“Shaytaan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he reads and exhales the following words, ‘The night is long, so stay asleep.’ When one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart.”
[Bukhari #1142, Muslim #776]
Often times, we say yes to things that we don’t really want to do, simply because we don’t want to disappoint people or we feel obligated.
While being a people pleaser is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be a major time suck.
If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to start setting boundaries and learning to say no.
This doesn’t mean you have to be rude or mean, it simply means you need to be honest about your time and commitments, and not feel the need to please everyone.
If they keep pushing, just remember: your calendar is your source of truth. If you don’t put something there, it’s not going to get done. You can make it public (don’t worry, they won’t see any sensitive personal events if you’ve configured them to ‘private’ in your calendar), so people know you have other commitments.
Here are some tips on how to say no:
Keep it real: Just be straight up about why you can’t do something. Like, “Hey, I’m swamped right now. Maybe another time?” or “My schedule’s packed to the brim” works just fine to let them know you’re not available right now.
Throw out some options: If you can’t make it, maybe suggest something else so that they can still get what they need. “Can’t make it this week, but next week could work if you’re down for that?”
Stand your ground (respectfully): Be firm about your limits without being a jerk. “I get you need this by Friday, but there’s no way I can pull that off, man.”
Cut to the chase, but don’t be a tool: Be straight up, but cool about it. “I can’t jump on that project right now, but hit me up later if you still need a hand.”
Re-frame your perspective. You’re not saying you “can’t” do something, you’re just saying you “can’t” do something at this time.
“Show me your fridge, and I’ll show you your health.”
What you consume is just as important as what you do. Our bodies are the vehicles that transport us through this world, and we need to ensure they’re fuelled properly.
If you have dreams but lack the energy to achieve them, you’re not going to get very far.
Here are some things you can do to improve your energy levels:
For men, testosterone is crucial for energy, motivation, muscle growth, and overall wellbeing. Here are evidence-based ways to optimize your testosterone levels naturally:
Physical activities not only improve your health but also develop valuable life skills and mental fortitude:
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of these physical activities, particularly swimming and horse-riding:
“علموا أولادكم السباحة والرماية وركوب الخيل”
“Teach your children swimming, archery and horse riding.”
[عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه]
And in another narration:
“كل شيء ليس من ذكر الله فهو لهو ولعب إلا أربع خصال: مشي الرجل بين الغرضين، وتأديبه فرسه، وملاعبته أهله، وتعلم السباحة”
“Everything that is not the remembrance of Allah is frivolity and play except for four things: A man walking between two goals (practicing archery), training his horse, playing with his family, and learning to swim.”
[الطبراني]
Choose activities that you enjoy and can maintain consistently. The best exercise is the one you’ll actually do regularly.
These activities complement your professional growth by:
Sleep is slept on. It’s probably THE most important thing you work on to improve your energy levels. Without adequate sleep, you’ll suffer from fatigue, lack of motivation, and poor cognitive function.
Aim to complete 4-6 sleep cycles (6-9 hours) before Fajr. The sleep calculator will help you avoid waking up during deep sleep, making it easier to rise for prayer.
Follow the 10-3-2-1 rule for better sleep quality:
“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”
Low confidence and low self-esteem are major killers of success.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and avoid those who drag you down.
A toxic environment chains you down, while good company inspires you to reach for greatness.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“الْمَرْءُ عَلَى دِينِ خَلِيلِهِ، فَلْيَنْظُرْ أَحَدُكُمْ مَنْ يُخَالِلُ”
“A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.”
[رواه أبو داود: 4815، الترمذي: 2378]
Allah (ﷻ) says in the Quran:
“الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ”
“Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except al-Muttaqun (the pious).”
[الزخرف:٦٧]
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“الدين النصيحة”
“Religion is sincere advice.” [مسلم]
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“المؤمن مرآة أخيه، فإذا رأى فيه عيبا نصحه”
“A believer is a mirror for his brother. When he sees a fault in him, he corrects it.”
[أبو دود]
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“خير الناس أنفعهم للناس”
“The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to the rest of mankind.”
[الدارقطني]
Allah (ﷻ) says in the Quran:
“وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ”
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”
[التوبة:٧١]
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“لا تصاحب إلا مؤمنا، ولا يأكل طعامك إلا تقي”
“Do not accompany except a believer, and do not serve your food except to one with Taqwa.”
[الترمذي]
Allah (ﷻ) says in the Quran:
“وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَدَاةِ وَالْعَشِيِّ يُِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ”
“And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.”
[الكهف:٢٨]
This journey will be made easier, by the permission of Allah, if you strive to mix with and maintain friendship with the right group of brothers and sisters; those who will remind you when you fall short; who will motivate you when you feel down; who will encourage you when
My hope is that this community will be that group of people for you. All of you are trying to build your careers in Tech and can all benefit one another inshaAllah (even if it’s just someone to talk to about similar struggles or to ask for advice).
Screen time is a double edged sword. It can be used for great benefit, or great detriment.
The following are some tools can help manage your device usage:
In today’s digital age, it’s even more important to extend the principles of good companionship and avoiding harm, to our online activities. We should re-normalize not allowing anyone into our sphere of influence before vetting, as too much fitnah (trial or temptation) can arise from indiscriminately listening to anyone and everyone online.
To protect ourselves from harmful content and negative influences (or so-called ‘influencers’) online, we can utilise various browser extensions and tools:
Tahir: This extension blurs images across the internet, helping to prevent you from getting hooked or looking at Haraam content unintentionally.
HaramBlur: Another powerful extension that automatically detects and blurs potentially inappropriate or Haraam content in real-time, providing an additional layer of protection while browsing.
Unhook: This tool removes recommended videos, Shorts, and Trending sections from YouTube. It helps minimize YouTube to just the verified channels one should follow for both Deen (religion) and Dunya (worldly matters), preventing misguidance and exposure to potentially Haraam content.
BlockSite: Allows you to completely block specific websites and includes built-in filters for adult content, helping you avoid harmful or inappropriate websites entirely.
Malware Protection- Automatically scans webpages and blocks malware,phishing and PUP domains (Prevents you from clicking on malicious links)
Ad Blockers: Using browsers that block ads by default (such as Firefox) or installing ad-blocking extensions can help eliminate all ads everywhere online, reducing exposure to potentially inappropriate or misleading content.
Click to Remove Element: This extension allows you to remove elements from the page with a single click, helping you avoid distractions and focus on the content you want to see.
Social media specific: X (Twitter):
By implementing these tools and being mindful of our online interactions, we can create a safer, more beneficial digital environment that aligns with our values and supports our journey of self-improvement, inshaAllah.
In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the constant stream of messages across various platforms. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. To manage your digital communications more effectively, consider using a tool like Beeper. You can use it to manage all your social media account DMs in one place.
Beeper is an application that allows you to:
By dedicating only a couple of times a day to answer all messages across all platforms, you can:
Remember, constant availability doesn’t equate to better relationships. By setting boundaries and managing your digital communications effectively, you can actually improve the quality of your interactions and reduce stress.
Start small by setting aside 2-3 specific times each day for checking and responding to messages. Gradually adjust based on your needs and commitments.
As Muslims, while utilising modern tools to manage our communications, it’s important to remember the Islamic principles of good communication:
Speak with kindness: Allah says in the Quran:
“وَقُل لِّعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحسَنُ”
“And tell My servants to say that which is best.”
[الإسراء: ٥٣]
Respond in a timely manner: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of responding to greetings:
“إِذَا حُيِّيتُمْ بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّو بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا”
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner].”
[النساء: ٨٦
]
Be mindful of your words: As the saying goes:
“The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart, so be careful with your words.”
This wisdom aligns with the Islamic teaching of being cautious with our speech. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ”
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.”
[صحيح البخاري: ٦٤٧٥]
Some days, we all feel like doing absolutely nothing. But here’s the catch - success isn’t about waiting for motivation to strike; it’s about taking action, even on those “blah” days. 😴
Here’s how you can hack your way through:
➡️ Start small – No one needs to scale mountains first thing in the morning. Just a 5-minute task can kick things off.
➡️ Limit distractions - Put your phone on silent or in another room.
➡️ Ditch the perfectionism – Not everything needs to be a masterpiece. Progress is the real MVP.
➡️ Create tiny wins – Celebrate finishing that email draft or organizing your workspace.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s about getting just one thing done. And funny enough, once you get started, you’ll find the motivation you were waiting for. It’s all about momentum—once it gets going, even the toughest days don’t stand a chance!
Keep moving, even if it’s inch by inch! 💪
The 5-Minute Rule: The hardest part of a task is getting started. Try this:
Set limits on learning time: Growth: learn -> apply -> learn -> apply Procrastination: learn -> learn -> learn -> learn Excessive learning becomes procrastination. For each hour studying, spend an hour applying.
Action leads to motivation: Many people think it goes like this: Motivation -> Action When in reality, it’s more like this: Small Action -> Motivation -> More Action
Make the First Move: If something takes less than 2 minutes, do it now. Don’t let some mundane task gnaw at the back of your mind for weeks.
Eat the Frog: Do the hardest task of the day first. Get that weight off. The rest of the day will seem easy in comparison.
Remove digital clutter: Being surrounded by digital distractions gives you more excuses to procrastinate. Here’s a focus toolkit:
Remove physical clutter: A cluttered environment = cluttered mind. Before you sit down to work, get your surroundings in order. It should help in keeping you more focused on the task at hand.
Remember, the key is to start small and build momentum. Even on your worst days, try to accomplish just one tiny task. Consistency over intensity.
In Islam, we are encouraged to be productive and make the most of our time. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“اغْتَنِمْ خَمْسًا قَبْلَ خَمْسٍ: شَبَابَكَ قَبْلَ هَرَمِكَ، وَصِحَّتَكَ قَبْلَ سَقَمِكَ، وَغِنَاكَ قَبْلَ فَقْرِكَ، وَفَرَاغَكَ قَبْلَ شُغْلِكَ، وَحَيَاتَكَ قَبْلَ مَوْتِكَ”
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death.”
[Reported by Al-Hakim, who graded it as Sahih]
We are reminded of the importance of using our time and energy wisely, even when we don’t feel like it. By pushing through our lack of motivation and striving to be productive, we are fulfilling our responsibility as Muslims to make the most of the blessings Allah has given us.
Sometimes we need reminders to reframe our thoughts and feelings in a more positive and productive way. Here’s a guide to help reprogram your mindset when facing different emotional states:
| What am I feeling? | Positive reframe |
|---|---|
| My day has been ruined by X | ”Perfect days don’t exist, but progress is always possible. This setback is temporary and doesn’t define my entire day. Allah will still reward me for my good intention of planning this day, even if things didn’t go as expected. Every moment is a fresh opportunity to reset and earn Allah’s pleasure. He tests those whom he loves the most.” |
| I’m being Lazy/Procrastinating | ”If you wait for the perfect time to execute, you will wait forever. Progress starts with imperfect action. Just start and do what you can today. With the help of Allah, I am capable of creating my own momentum and achieving greatness!” |
| I’m scared and avoiding hard things | ”The hero and the coward feel the same fear. Cowards don’t take action. You do. It feels scary because it’s unfamiliar, not because you’re incapable. I ask Allah to continue to give me the strength and courage to overcome any challenge.” |
| I failed | ”Each failure is a step forward. Mistakes aren’t the end, they’re lessons. Allah gives me opportunities to learn and grow from these tests. I am growing!” |
| I’m furious | ”My anger is a sign that something matters deeply to me. Take a deep breath. Remember that Allah is testing my patience and self-control. Communication is key. Don’t bottle things up. Talk to someone who will listen.” |
| I’m exhausted | ”I’m giving it my all. Allah never burdens me beyond what I can bear. Take a break if needed. But don’t give up on the things that matter. Pushing beyond one’s limits is a sign of strength!” |
| I’m disappointed | ”Delays are not denials. The journey may take time, but the destination is worth it. Allah knows what is best for me.” |
| I feel stuck | ”Feeling stuck means I’m about to discover something new. I’m exploring different angles and Allah will guide me towards a breakthrough.” |
| I’m generally overwhelmed | ”Being overwhelmed is a sign I’m in demand. Allah trusts me with these responsibilities, and I can handle them with His help. If it gets too much, I will ask my mentor/s for support/advice on how I can better manage my situation” |
| I’m overwhelmed due to imbalance | ”I need to reassess and realign. This feeling is a reminder to restore balance in my life. Allah’s tests help me grow through challenges.” |
| I’m feeling depressed | ”This is a temporary low. Allah is turning my trial into a way to raise my rank. Every hardship is followed by ease.” |
| I’m embarrassed | ”Awareness is growth. I’m learning, and my embarrassment is a sign I’m becoming more mindful. Allah helps me through self-reflection.” |
| I’m rejected | ”Rejection doesn’t define me. Perhaps I’ve been overlooked or misunderstood, but Allah knows my true worth. He may be protecting me from something lesser.” |
| I’m nervous | ”This means I care, and I can channel this energy to do my best! But it’s not the end of the world if I fail!” |
| I feel lost | ”I’m not lost, I’m searching. I’m trying new things. Allah has a plan, and He guides those who seek knowledge. If I’m feeling lost, I need to continue to learn more. If I know enough, I just need to be consistent in my actions. Above all, raise your hands to Allah, for help and guidance.” |
| I’m sick | ”All illness is a form of cleansing and purification. Allah is removing my sins through this.” |
| I feel stupid | ”I’m not stupid, I just need more resources or tools. Allah has blessed me with the ability to learn and grow. I can find a way! There’s no shame in asking for help.” |
| I feel destroyed | ”This is just a setback, not the end. Allah is giving me an opportunity to rebuild stronger and better than before.” |
| I’m drained | ”I might be drained, but I’m not out. I should take a short break. The rest will refuel me for what comes next. Let’s remind myself of why I started. Oh Allah, grant me the strength to continue.” |
| I have to do this | ”I don’t have to; I get to. Allah has blessed me with this opportunity to take action and grow. It’s a privilege to be able to perform. Many are not blessed with the same.” |
Keep these reframes handy for when negative thoughts arise. The goal isn’t to suppress emotions but to process them in a healthy, productive way that aligns with our faith and values.
Allah (ﷻ) says in the Qur’an:
“لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا”
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
[البقرة: ٢٨٦]
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does recovery. While quick fixes like “take a bath” or “read a book” may provide temporary relief, true recovery requires systematic changes aligned with both our physical needs and spiritual well-being.
Rest is multifaceted in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ demonstrated various forms of rest:
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of sleep, with specific recommendations:
Invest in:
The Prophet ﷺ organized his time effectively:
Implement a “shutdown ritual” before Maghrib:
The Prophet ﷺ taught us about setting boundaries while maintaining good character. Before committing to something, ask yourself:
Use the “tomorrow morning” test: If you’re invited to do something, ask yourself, “Would I do this if it was tomorrow morning after Fajr?“
Follow the principle of ihsan (excellence) while being realistic:
Designate sacred times for disconnecting from technology:
Try the “Peaceful Hour”: Set aside 60 minutes daily for worship and reflection without any devices.
Take Regular Breaks: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed your body has a right over you.” Break your day with the five prayers.
Single-Task with Ihsan: Focus on one task with excellence rather than multitasking poorly.
Move Daily: Physical activity was part of the Prophet’s ﷺ daily life. Even a short walk can help refresh your mind and body.
Build a Support Network: Maintain connections with righteous companions who remind you of Allah.
Accept Human Limitations: Strive for ihsan (excellence) while accepting that perfection belongs only to Allah.
Remember the hadith:
“إِنَّ هَذَا الدِّينَ مَتِينٌ فَأَوْغِلْ فِيهِ بِرِفْقٍ”
“Indeed this religion is firm, so enter into it gently.”
[رواه البيهقي]
Start implementing these changes gradually. The Prophet ﷺ taught us that Allah loves deeds that are consistent, even if they are small.
As Muslims, we have multiple rights and obligations to fulfill - to Allah, to our families, to our work commitments, and to ourselves. While the common advice of “family first” seems noble, the reality requires more nuance and wisdom.
The Prophet ﷺ taught us that different people around us have different rights over us. We should fulfill these rights according to their proper priority:
When family needs arise during your planned activities:
Assess the Urgency:
Consider Your Obligations:
Communicate Clearly:
Remember: Being reliable in your commitments is part of our Islamic character. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks it, and when he is trusted he betrays.” [Bukhari]
Marriage in Islam is a partnership for both dunya and akhirah. When implementing productivity systems:
Share Your Goals:
Be Flexible:
Support Each Other:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ وَأَنَا خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِي”
“The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.”
[الترمذي: ٣٨٩٥]
Be mindful of your actions and words. Good communication goes a long way. Your words can make or break the relationship (especially if you have high aspirations).
Open Communication:
“No topic is off-limits. No matter how tough or uncomfortable, we talk it out.”
Emotional Transparency:
“I promise to let you know when something bothers me. I won’t bury or hide it from you.”
Direct Communication:
“If we want to talk about something serious, we won’t text. We’ll call or talk in person.”
Empathy & Support:
“I promise to always take your pain seriously. If it hurts you, it matters to me. We’ll do our best to please Allah and each other.”
Problem Solving:
“I won’t take space to avoid problems. We can learn, compromise, & work together.”
Accepting Differences:
“We’ve both got different needs; none are better, worse, or unreasonable. Just different. Allah has created us differently.”
United Front:
“Our challenging patterns are the enemy, not each other. You’re my teammate. Let’s find a compromise that we’re both happy with.”
Use these phrases as templates to develop your own authentic communication style.
The key is maintaining the spirit of openness, respect and commitment they represent.
Most importantly, always be humble, admit your faults, and ask Allah for support.
Set Realistic Expectations:
Establish Clear Boundaries:
Review and Adjust:
Remember: The goal isn’t perfect execution of your plans, but rather achieving barakah (blessing) in your time and relationships.
Think of self-discipline like building muscle. Just as you get a “pump” during a workout that gives you a glimpse of your future physique, each time you push through resistance and do what needs to be done—especially when you don’t feel like it—you’re getting a glimpse of your future disciplined self.
Every single time you:
You’re not just completing a task—you’re literally strengthening your self-discipline muscle. Each victory, no matter how small, builds this crucial skill.
Over time, just like physical training, self-discipline becomes your natural state. You’ll find yourself relying less on motivation and more on this cultivated strength of character. It may sound mechanical, but that’s exactly what makes it powerful—it becomes your default operating system inshaAllah.
Don’t wait for motivation. Each time you feel resistance but do it anyway, celebrate internally. You’re not just getting work done; you’re literally becoming stronger in your ability to execute consistently.