5 Uplifting Ayahs and Hadiths for a Fresh Start This Year
Every couple of months, I develop a sudden and desperate need for a fresh start and develop a new and improved lifestyle using ayahs and hadiths to help myself not only become a better person, but a better Muslim as well. And I’m sure I’m not the only one. We get bouts of inspiration and the need to be productive so suddenly that we’re often left confused about how to become better Muslims according to the Quran and Sunnah.
Since we’re in the month of Rajab and Ramadan is right around the corner, it only feels right to establish a new routine and get into the habit of being a productive and efficient Muslim.
Here are five ayahs and hadiths from the life of the Prophet Muhammad that have helped me start fresh.
Be productive and increase your knowledge
The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) has always encouraged us to seek knowledge. The more we learn, the more our hearts and minds grow. Life isn’t easy and we’re all going to face hardships but by continuously seeking knowledge and growing our minds, we’ll understand the meaning of life that much more.
It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim, and he who imparts knowledge to those who do not deserve it is like one who puts a necklace of jewels, pearls, and gold around the neck of swine.” 1
There is great emphasis placed on seeking knowledge and the great reward for those who seek knowledge for the sake of Allah. Seeking knowledge will increase your faith and enhance your personal growth. Making it a mission to read a book every month or listen to lectures that interest you will be most beneficial in helping you start fresh.
Know that Allah is the All-Forgiving and Most Merciful
A key point to remember whenever we’re trying to start fresh is that we are merely human, we’re bound to make mistakes. But this is where Allah (SWT) loves His creation the most.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 2
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
He is the most merciful, the most forgiving. Whenever we set our minds to start fresh, we should begin by asking Allah (SWT) to forgive us for whatever we may have done in the past. We won’t become small in the eyes of Allah, in fact, we’ll become even closer to Allah (SWT). Making it a point to wake up for Tahajjud and asking Allah for forgiveness or making Istighfar during the day will help us stay connected and grounded.
Set your goals and figure out the purpose of life
Goal setting is important in all aspects, including leading a life as a good Muslim. Allah (SWT) didn’t create us aimlessly so that we’d wander around the world with no goals or meaning. In the ayah above, Allah (SWT) tells us that He’s created us to worship Him so we should make sure our aim in life, no matter what we do, should be to please Him.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.” 3
No matter what our career is, we should make sure our intention is just that: to do everything to please Allah. Create a list of achievable and realistic short-term goals such as praying salah on time or becoming a teacher to help the future of our ummah and watch how Allah SWT makes things easy for you.
Be active! Physical activity helps release stress and anger
It’s well reported that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) would mention swimming, archery, and horse riding to his companions, encouraging them to teach the sports to their children. Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, also narrated that she would often race with the Prophet.
In one of the hadiths, Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) as saying: “A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say: ‘If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so,’ but say: ‘Allah did that what He had ordained to do’ for your ‘if’ opens the (gate) for the Satan.” 4
While the above hadith certainly pertains to the strengthening of one’s Iman (faith) and accepting the fate Allah willed for each one of us, it also alludes to a person’s physical well-being. If we neglect our bodies, we won’t be able to worship Allah (SWT) the way He should be worshiped. Even going for a brisk 30-minute walk every day is sure to get your blood pumping and will increase your overall well-being. Modern-day scientists have all concluded that physically active people are usually more emotionally aware.
Socialize and keep good company
Smiling, talking to people, having good relationships with people, and being friendly all help us sustain our social needs. While it can be challenging for some, maintaining good relationships with families and friends is part of being a good Muslim.
Abu Huraira quoted the Prophet (SAWS) as saying: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should serve his guest generously. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should unite the bond of kinship. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk about what is good or keep quiet.” 5
Calling up family that lives overseas, checking in on your friends, and visiting sick relatives all contribute to a healthy social life. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) kept good relations with all those around him and asked us to as well.
Just keep trying your best
Making a fresh start is never easy, especially with all the distractions and heartbreaking situations going on in the world. And while my lifestyle doesn’t always stay the same, I’ve found that implementing good habits and changing pace is better for my mental, physical, and spiritual health. The Quran and the hadiths are full of amazing ayahs and sunnahs of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) that will help us create our own different versions of what a “fresh start” is and lead beneficial lives, Insha’Allah.
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