بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
35. To make dua: asking Allah for guidance and help in our lives is part of the deen. The prophet (ﷺ) said: “Dua is worship” [Tirmidhi]
36. Making dhikr of Allah: the prophet (ﷺ) has taught us that there are multiple dhikr we can do throughout the day; morning, evening, night, before and after prayer, when sleeping, when waking up etc. These are all forms of feeding the soul, just as we feed our stomachs. Dhikr will also bring about Allah’s protection. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance” [33:41]
37. To abstain from the sins of the tongue: these include – but not limited to – lies, backbiting, swearing, vulgar words etc. The tongue is one of the major reasons for many people’s torment in the hereafter; we sadly witness many Muslims that fall into these sins. The prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him.” [Bukhari]
38. To make wudhu, ghusl and keep oneself hygienic: wudhu and ghusl are a form of purification, not just for the areas that are touched with water but also for the soul – staying clean is part of Islam. The prophet (ﷺ) said: “Purity is half of Imane (faith).” [Muslim]
39. To be steadfast in offering Salah: this does not just mean that we must pray our 5 daily prayers, this is also highlighting the importance of guarding the prayers. Performing the correct wudu, concentrating in our prayers, praying on time etc. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.” [2:238]
40. To pay zakat: this is one of the core pillars of Islam as many of us already know, it is the compulsory charity to be given to those in need from people who are capable (meet the nisab). If all capable people of the world were to pay their zakat as Allah has taught us, there will be no famine. Of course, some will be blessed with more than others in terms of wealth, but the suffering we see around the world today, where some people cannot even find bread to eat, will not exist. Allah says:
“And decree for us in this world [that which is] good and [also] in the Hereafter; indeed, we have turned back to You.” [ Allah ] said, “My punishment – I afflict with it whom I will, but My mercy encompasses all things.” So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and give zakah and those who believe in Our verses” [7:156]
Allah knows best.