DISCIPLINE YOUR THOUGHTS

‘Whoever has no command over himself (thoughts) becomes subjected to the others.’ —Jalaluddin Rumi (r.a.)

The only power we have absolute control and freedom over is our thoughts. Our thoughts influence our material world. Through daily practice and focused energy, we have the ability to develop a strong, disciplined mind. With disciplined thoughts we can achieve miracles; once we have built good habits, they will work for us.

Almighty Allah says in the Noble Qur’an Surah at-Tauba: ‘Do they not realize that Almighty Allah knows both their secret thoughts (ideas) and what they talk about in private, and Almighty Allah has full knowledge of all things unseen?’ ([9]:78). Almighty Allah wants us to guard and discipline our thoughts. He knows all the thoughts in our innermost hearts, and what we say to one another in the most intimate of situations. He is absolutely aware of all our most secret thoughts and intentions.

Almighty Allah warns us about the intention in our hearts. In Surah al-Baqarah, He says: ‘Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is oft-forgiving, most forbearing’ ([2]:225). Almighty Allah says that He will forgive us for our wrong thoughts that we have not acted upon. Almighty Allah will reward us for our thoughts based on good intentions even if we have not acted upon them yet. This reflects Allah’s immense Mercy and Grace toward His servants.

When we have a negative thought, we must be careful not to utter these words. The quality of our life depends on the words we use. Thoughts have power; so do words; Almighty Allah will forgive our thoughts that are not voiced. The words we speak have results; they can build or destroy us.

In a hadith narrated by Umar Ibn Khattab, the noble Messenger Muhammad (S) said: ‘Your actions will be judged according to your intentions.’ Allah knows all of our innermost thoughts that we think about all day long.

Almighty Allah is aware of our deepest secret intentions. We cannot think without Almighty Allah knowing about it. Intention is a very powerful force; Almighty Allah explains in the Noble Qur’an that our intentions must always be to serve mankind. In Surah al-Ahzab, Almighty Allah emphasizes: ‘[What counts is] the intention of your hearts and Allah is Oft Returning, Most Merciful’ ([33]:05). Good intentions will help us develop our will power and won’t

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permit anything to interfere with us. The result will be that we will be able to fulfil our desire and achieve success.

Our existence as physical beings cannot be understood separately from what we think and feel, because the cells of our flesh and blood are directly and powerfully influenced by our thoughts. Every thought creates a molecule; everything that takes place at the mental, emotional and spiritual levels of our existence manifests itself in the physical level as well. Who we are and whom we choose to become is also what we think, feel and believe.

Thought is the only power in the universe whose existence cannot be denied. When we discipline our thoughts, we place at our disposal a powerful tool from Almighty Allah. The control of this force makes us the captains of our souls and masters of our destiny.

Salah, which is our direct link with Allah, directs us to live to the fullest and helps us care for our thoughts as we would care for our most prized possessions. Salah has the power to remove our inner turbulence. It has the power to harness and channel the essential will-power required to achieve self-discipline. By disciplining our thoughts, we balance our emotions with our reasoning, giving us the ability to think before we act.

The Noble Qur’an is extremely rich in wisdom because it comes directly from Allah, the Master and Lord of all the worlds and the Most Wise. By keeping constant company with, and reading the Noble Qur’an with proper understanding, its powers and miracles will unleash our true potential.

Over a period, only good intentions and thoughts will enter our minds.

Thoughts are like embryos; they start small but grow quickly, eventually taking on their own lives. We must make necessary adjustments in daily routines. Correct thinking gives us the life we want and deserve.

Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality. Our thoughts are messengers sent out to influence our physical world. When they are emotionalized, they become magnetized and attract similar thoughts.

To make correct and sustainable improvement in our outer world, we must start within and change the calibre and nature of our thoughts. Once we get the inside right, the outside will fall into place! Primary reality is within and secondary reality is without. Direct your attention inwards and have a look inside yourself. What kinds of thoughts is the mind producing?

Sufis, and other Allah-conscious people, as a matter of self-discipline, always direct their thoughts inwards. A poet made a cogent remark when he said: ‘The picture of the Beloved is in the mirror of the heart. You see Him when you bend your head a little, towards the heart.’ In sufi terminology this is called Muraqabah—or meditation.

We must train our conscious minds to think thoughts of success, health, happiness and prosperity. Let us keep our

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thoughts busy with expectations of the best and make sure the thoughts we habitually think are based upon what we want to see happen in our lives. Thoughts of gratitude to Almighty Allah attract His attention. ‘Watch your thoughts; they attract what you think of.’

Almighty Allah (SWT) did not send the Noble Qur’an and the noble Messenger Muhammad (S) or make Belief, Salah, Fasting, Zakat and Hajj compulsory without reason. He created humankind and He knows what is good for us.

The five daily prayers are the best times to experience and reconnect with the power of Almighty Allah. This is what salah means. It is derived from the Arabic root word sila, meaning link. Thus, when we offer our five times daily salat, we are connecting with Allah.

Almighty Allah wants nothing but success for His creation. Everything He has made compulsory will help us unleash His power from within and discover Him