The Alif of Insaniyyat

The Alif of Insaniyyat

By: The Millennial Muslimah

What 20 years in self development taught me.

I have spoken often and frankly about the places my journey of self discovery has taken me over the course of 2 decades. From Feminism and self- help to the occult under the guise of "Life coaching" and "healing" to studying the works of early Muslim scholars and finding the answers in Quran and Sunnah. Many avenues took me to dead ends while some others led deep into darkness and oblivion. I was fortunate to have been saved and guided to the path of truth. If we become distracted by the glitter of false truths, we will never break through the barriers that stand in the way of The Ultimate truth - Allah!

I have learnt much along the way that has impacted my life and contributed to the person I am today. I am sharing some of what I've learnt in the hope that it may be of benefit to someone and a means of Sadaqah e Jaariya for me. In sha Allah.

I've learnt that life IS self development, all of it. We are placed on this earth as raw potential, what we become is a result of how we endure and navigate our way through the life that was written for us. We are all a work in progress until the Day we die, then we will see the results of our efforts. Every path was written before we were even born. Each person is on their own journey and it is a journey between them and Allah. Our behavior is about what's going on inside of us, just as the behavior of others is an indication of what's going on inside of them. Instead of focusing on others and their undesirable traits and triggers, we should do the work on ourselves so that we may be a light and example for others to follow.

Allah doesn't expect us to be perfect, He does however encourage us to try our best. At the end of each day we should reflect honestly over our actions of the day and contemplate how in future we can strive to be better. This way, we wake up each morning with the motivation to be better than we were the day before.

The lessons I've learned on this journey could fill volumes, but there are a few jewels that I believe form the foundation upon which we can continue to build, a starting point for the benefit of anyone who is searching for the true meaning of what it is to be human in alignment with lessons from The Quran and sunnah

*These are the Alifs* (first principles) *of Insaniyyat* (being human)

- *Iman*

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever says there is no God but Allah sincerely, he will be admitted into Paradise.”

faith in Allah, the unseen and qadr. This is most important. It's like the 1 before many Zeroes.

You can have $1000 000, what happens when we remove that 1?

I've seen first hand just how easy it is to adopt a simple belief that can take that 1 away, then even if outwardly you are doing ibadah all day, it counts for nothing. The mind cannot hold 2 conflicting views at the same time; guard that 1 with your life, it is the key to your salvation! A person's Iman can become eroded so it is imperative we seek to continously refresh our Iman.

- *ikhlaas* ,

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2564

Actions depend on intentions and the success of the action depends on the purity of intention. Doing things purely for the sake of Allah creates humility and frees us from the expectation and attachment to outcomes as we understand whatever outcome Allah chooses for us is whats best. This saves us from being devastated when things don't work out as we plan or when we don't achieve what we think is best for us. Ikhlaas includes being true to ourselves and living honestly in alignment with our truths.

- *ihsaan* excellence.

Abu Ya’la Shaddad ibn Aus, radiyallahu ‘anhu, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said:

“Verily, Allah has enjoined excellence (ihsan) with regard to everything. ..

The level to which we should all aspire. In any situation ask yourself; "what does Ihsaan look like in this situation?"

Then do that.

Being conscious that you are in Allah's gaze. This takes immense discipline, and self- restraint.

Sometimes that could look like making excuses for the behavior of others and being the one who takes the first step towards reconciliation. Not just reciprocation of goodness to those who are good to you, but being good to those who are bad to you; to make an effort to join with those who cut off from you.

This also means treating yourself with excellent. Not sabotaging your growth by giving in to desires that take you away from Allah and your Ultimate goals for Aakhira.

- *Ikraam* service

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever helps ease one in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter. Allah helps the servant as long as he helps his brother...

This hadith shows us that Allah will treat us as we treat others.

. Doing acts of service for others without any expectation of reciprocation. Sometimes it may mean forgoing your Rights and giving preference to others over yourself, knowing full well it may never be acknowledged.

Forgiving people even if they are not sorry for having wronged you.

This is no small feat, that's why the reward is the best spot in Paradise. It's an excellent deal!

This also means doing what is necessary to strengthen yourself. Grounding yourself in your relationship with Allah allows you to tap into reserves of strength. Ikraam for yourself means taking care of your needs so that you are replenished and not pouring from an empty cup.

- *ittibah* of the Sunnah of Nabi saw.

(O Messenger!) Tell people: 'If you indeed love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and will forgive you your sins. Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate. (3:31)

Following in his blessed footsteps. He (saw) walked the path to success infallibly and by following step by step in those footprints we too will reach the same destination. When scaling a cliff face, the surest way to get to the top safely is placing your foot into the foothold of climbers who came before you. Only a fool would think they can go in a different direction and end up safely in the same place.

We have a sickening trend emerging among those who claim to be Muslim. They reject the hadith of Nabi saw and prefer instead to attempt to follow the Qur’an based on their own intellect. The above ayah shows that the following of the Sunnah is imperative inorder to earn Allah's love.

- *ihtisaba* anticipating rewards from Allah alone.

This makes the points above easier. Adopting this mindset also gives meaning to our struggles and suffering. It places hope at the end of a dark tunnel. It also makes us mindful of our actions as we know that by doing them we are banking rewards for the Hereafter. Have the best opinion of Allah and He will treat you accordingly.

When all is said and done we will return to Allah so its best to invest with Him. The returns are out of this world.

It is this certainty that motivates us to remain steadfast even though we may not find any material incentives around us. It is this certainty that inspires a believer to do the right thing even when no one is watching.

- *istiqamah* to remain steadfast.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.”

Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4240

Allah loves consistency. He Loves those acts which are done with consistency even if they are little.

Consistency is key to success. It is the key to changing habits, building new habits in place of older ones.

Be consistent in your duties to Allah and His servants.

Be consistent in those matters that pertain to your self-care and your family. Creating a schedule and remaining consistent makes life easier, After a while those actions become effortless.

As Muslims, we have been given the greatest advantage in our Deen. All the answers we seek are found here. Our lives should be an expression of immense gratitude for this great favour. Just the ability to speak to Allah and call upon Him in dua is worth more than the entire Universe and all it contains. We don't need complicated conferences that yield little result, life is simple it is we who complicate it unnecessarily then complain about the result.

May Allah grant us understanding and the ability to make each year better than the last. To establish consistency in worshipping Him in the Best manner and write our names among those He has favoured.

Ameen