CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS

‘Express not in haste the thoughts of Thy mind, for Thou can reveal them when Thou wilt.’ —Shaikh Sa’adi (ra)

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f we try it, we will see it is true: our minds can only hold one thought at a time. It is possible to create a positive, creative mindset in a short period. The process is straightforward; when a negative thought occupies the focal point of our minds, we must think of Almighty Allah’s names and replace the undesirable thought with an uplifting one.

The mind is similar to a giant slide projector, with our every thought depicting a slide. When a negative slide comes onscreen, swiftly replace it with a positive one. We should carry a thirty-three-beaded tasbeeh with us wherever we go. Every time a negative thought comes to mind, use the tasbeeh and repeat Almighty Allah’s names. The tasbeeh is a gentle reminder that we are travelling towards mental expertness and taking responsibility of the thoughts that fill our minds.

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It is imperative that we understand why we were created and what our purpose in life is. Almighty Allah says in the Noble Qur’an Surah az-Zariyat: ‘I have not created the Jinns and men except that they should serve Me. No sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me’ ([51]:56).

In Surah al-Anbiya, Almighty Allah reminds us: ‘Not for idle sport did We create the Heavens and the Earth. ([21]:16).

Almighty Allah declares that He did not create man as a pastime or for idle sport, but to serve Him. He created this universe for a definite purpose. He conducts the affairs of the world in His infinite wisdom, and does not leave it to run aimlessly. Almighty Allah sent the noble Messenger Muhammad (S) and revealed to Him the Noble Qur’an to guide mankind. He outlines our duties and obligations on how to live successfully in this material world and return fulfilled to the spiritual dimension.

Once we have a purpose and vision for life, the passion to succeed is great. When we do right and follow Almighty Allah’s laws, our attitude is pleasant and optimistic.

Reading the Noble Qur’an is the first stepping stone to selfmastery. It is easy to replace gloomy thoughts with cheerful, positive ones. The Noble Qur’an helps us concentrate on being cheerful and energetic; it teaches us to live in ‘the now’. Glorify the names of Almighty Allah and experience success and happiness.

 

In the Noble Qur’an Surah an-Nahl, Almighty Allah tells us: ‘Whosoever works righteous deeds, whether man or woman, and makes a faith-commitment [to Allah]; verily, to him We will give a new life, a life that is good and pure and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions. When thou dost read the Noble Qur’an, seek Allah’s protection from Satan, the accursed one. No authority has he over those who make a firm commitment [to Allah] and put their trust in their Sustainer’ ([16]:97–99).

Almighty Allah promises the righteous His Mercy and Grace. By being among the righteous, we will experience peace and contentment. Our thoughts will be controlled, we will not be assailed by Iblees (Satan) at every turn, and we will attain purity in our thoughts. By engaging the Noble Qur’an with sincerity and thoughtfulness, we will experience visible transformation in our daily lives and actions. Evil has no authority or influence on the believer who puts his trust in Almighty Allah and reads the Noble Qur’an regularly.

Almighty Allah calls on the believer to celebrate His praises all the time. In the Noble Qur’an Surah al-Ahzab, Almighty Allah says, ‘And Glorify Him [Allah] morning and evening’ ([33]:42). By glorifying Almighty Allah’s names we attract His power more closely to us and develop a bond with Him. This affinity generates a feeling of happiness that reassures us that Almighty Allah is with us. We are not alone; we live under His protective Care and Mercy.

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Almighty Allah loves His creation. Glorifying and remembering Almighty Allah keeps our hearts alive and we are careful that whatever we do, falls within the laws prescribed by Almighty Allah. The human heart is lost and confused until it establishes a link with the Creator. Remembrance and Glorifying Almighty Allah give us a sense of security and a feeling of belonging that motivates us to action.

Almighty Allah’s special Mercy is for those who believe and trust in Him. His everlasting blessing is that He gives us knowledge of the spiritual world and helps us attain it.

In Surah al-Imran, we read: ‘Allah will reward those who serve Him with gratitude’ ([3]:144). Success and happiness are guaranteed if we do the right thing with purpose, passion, integrity and gratitude. Almighty Allah is pleased when we follow His commands and live with an attitude of gratitude. Our gratefulness draws more favours from Him.

In Surah Luqman, Almighty Allah emphasizes: ‘Show thy gratitude to Allah. Any whosoever is grateful does so for the benefit of his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise’ ([31]:12). Gratitude opens the door for more mercy and blessings from Almighty Allah. By sincerely expressing thanks with love and passion, spiritual and material abundance will flow into our lives.

When performing salah, carry out the movements with devotion and joyful enthusiasm. Almighty Allah’s guidance and influence will descend on us when we offer salah, and read the Noble Qur’an in English and Arabic every day.

We will, insha’Allah, notice a remarkable difference in our thinking. Almighty Allah calls on us to guard our thoughts and keep our spiritual gaze focused on Him.

Our thoughts are little bundles of vital energy. By constantly controlling our thoughts and countering every negative thought with a positive one, we allow positivity to dominate our minds. By focusing on our thoughts, we will enhance the value of our thinking, which will determine the quality of our lives.

In the noble Qur’an Almighty Allah says: ‘Enjoin prayer on thy people and be constant therein.’

Thoughts, attitudes and healing intentions of one individual can influence the functioning of another. When we ask a pious person to pray for our health, his prayers and healing intentions will help heal our bodies with the approval and blessings of Almighty Allah.

Almighty Allah addresses both men and women; He has no favourites. They are both equally responsible for their actions and their commensurate reward or punishment. Sincere faith and right conduct will attract Almighty Allah’s Mercy and Grace. Almighty Allah will bless the righteous believers with a life full of pleasure and contentment in this world as well as in the Hereafter.

Success and excellence in this temporary life can only be achieved if the thoughts in our mind line up with the values of Almighty Allah, as in the noble Qur’an and the Sunnah of our noble Messenger Muhammad (S).