1 Easy Habit That Changed My Life for the Better
In the pursuit of self-discovery and purpose, I share the challenging journey towards and the impact of Salah (prayer) on my life. In this blog post, I delve into my personal experience and reflections on how committing to daily salah transformed my perspective on life and brought about positive change. If you’d prefer to watch a video it is available on my YouTube Channel.
Prayer: Salah vs Dua
The daily prayer, performed by Muslim’s globally, is Salah. This is different from a Dua, which is often a supplication or request, or conversation between a person and Allah. Both Salah and Dua could translate to “prayer” in english, but they are different in the eyes of Islam. However, both result in a conversation with Allah.
The Decision to Embrace Salah
It's often said that the most challenging endeavors yield the most satisfying rewards. Salah, or prayer, is the second pillar of Islam, and it has become a pillar in my life too. As Ramadan approached, I made a heartfelt decision to commit to praying every Salah on time. I did this with the hope of continuing to pray every salah after Ramadan, a feat I had never been able to achieve prior. Little did I know the positive impact this small decision would have. An impact I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I acknowledge that Salah is a mandatory practice in Islam, and I would like to emphasize that this is post only aims to share my personal experience with salah, including the changes in habit and mindset.
Life Before Embracing Salah
Before 2020, I took salah for granted. My salah was inconsistent and I would often neglect even the Jummah (Friday) Salah. I was at a very low point in my life and I felt extremely lost, stagnant, and unfulfilled. I lacked any purpose, which was driving me further in to a pit of depression. This is the year I discovered the difference between having purpose and progressing, because even though I was progressing in my education and career, I was doing so without any real goal in mind. These feelings would envelop me. However, everything changed in the Ramadan of 1442 Hijri (March 2021).
The Turning Point
Alone in a new country and facing another lockdown, I felt that my heart and soul were at their breaking point. Suddenly, something just clicked, and I felt that if I didn’t start praying immediately then my life would completely fall apart. This was the turning point, where I made the decision that I would start praying from the first day of Ramadan. Alhumdulilah (All praise is due to Allah), I made it to Ramadan because there was a possibility I wouldn’t have; you never know how life is going to unfold.
Benefits of Consistent Salah
Some of the major benefits of salah that I’ve noticed include:
a sense of purpose,
an overwhelming feeling of peace,
and a moment where I can take a break from the world and talk to my creator.
Salah became a consistent anchor amidst life's uncertainties. I don’t believe that meditating would provide you with the same benefits as there is something so profound about submitting and worshiping Allah. The moment I feel most at peace is when my forehead in on the floor and I know that in this moment I am closest to The Creator.
Consistency Has Opened Doors
Through salah I have developed consistency, not only with prayer; however, I believe it has helped me become more dependable and responsible - I am consistently more reliable and dependable. Salah has aided me in developing routines which further cements the feeling of purpose in life; helping me to wake up in the morning, or going to the gym, or studying. Thanks to this 5 minute act, I feel as though I don’t waste as much time anymore.
Consciousness and Spiritual Awareness
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, salah has heightened my consciousness, and made me more aware of my surroundings, as well as prompting thoughtful decisions. The practice of salah serves as a reminder to approach life with gratitude, whether facing success or adversity.
Navigating the Highs and Lows
Imaan (faith) ebbs and flows, meaning there are highs and lows just as with anything in life. I am a firm believer that consistent prayer and will allow you to reach the highs and navigate the lows of life. On most days I look forward to praying salah as it is a break from my everyday stresses. Yet, there are days when I don’t want to do anything and salah feels like a burden. Ironically, these are days I need salah the most, because just as I sometimes dread going to the gym, I still make the effort as I know I’m going to feel amazing and accomplished afterwards - salah could be considered a spiritual workout, but taking this literally would be diminishing the true power and benefits of the act.
Contentment & The Alhumdulilah Mentality
Understanding the purpose and benefits of salah from an Islamic perspective has caused a major shift in my outlook on life. I’m now more optimistic, yet realistic, and minor inconveniences don’t phase me anymore. I’ve been able to develop this Alhumdulilah mentality, a “Thank God” mentality I’ve adopted after starting my daily prayers. If I’m blessed with something good, then I say “Alhumdulilah”, in contrast, if something bad happens, then I still say “Alhumdulilah” because I understand that hardship is also a blessing.
What’s The Point?
I am Muslim first, before anything else, and salah is a massive part of that. Salah remains a cornerstone of my identity and well-being. I am far from perfect and still have a long journey ahead of me. Praying salah does not make me better or worse than anyone else. The point of salah isn’t to show people you’re better than them, in reality salah only benefits the one performing it. Allah SWT doesn’t need your salah or dua. He doesn’t need anything. Allah is Ar-Razzaq (the Sustainer, the Provider), He provides for everyone and everything. Yet salah was made mandatory for Muslims, and in my opinion the reasoning is firstly to worship The Almighty as He alone is worthy of worship, and secondly to contemplate the reasons we’ve been given this order. Salah benefits the one performing it by providing spiritual, mental, and physical benefits.
The Next Step
I imagine, some people reading this are eager to start praying, but haven’t been able to. My suggestion for those people would be to sincerely ask Allah SWT to make your heart firm upon religion and salah [ameen]. Secondly, do not forget that shaytan (the devil) will whisper a persons ear and convince them that it’s too late for them or that they can start “later”, but “later” isn’t guaranteed. Allah SWT is Ar-Rahmaan and Ar-Raheem, translating to “He who wills goodness and mercy for all His creatures” and “He who acts with extreme kindness”. Allah is The Most Merficul, so never be afraid to turn to Him, as He will never turn you away. Lastly, recognize that the journey begins with a single step, and eventually you’ll develop consistency.