How to Become A Good Muslim

Being a Muslim is one of the greatest blessings of Allah Almighty. This blessing is bestowed upon a person in two forms. Firstly, there are people who are born in Muslim homes and thus they receive the blessing of religion from their parents. Secondly, there are people who are born in another religious environment however, in later part of life they receive guidance and start the search of truth, which ultimately leads them to Islam.

Regardless of whether a person is a born Muslim or has accepted Islam in later part of the life, the one thing that they both need to do with consistency is become a better Muslim and continue on learning and practicing all the things that make them a better Muslim. Hence, being a better or stronger Muslim does not have anything to do with being a Muslim by birth or later acceptance of Islam, rather it is imperative for every Muslim.

Although making the belief in Allah strong can help in becoming a better Muslim, however, the progression in Islam also lies in actions. Therefore, there are a variety of things which if a Muslim can incorporate in the daily life, the ultimate result would be he or she becoming a better practicing Muslim. The lines below discuss some tips pertaining to becoming a good Muslim.

Learn And Practice:

In order to become a good Muslim it is imperative that a Muslim firstly knows about the attributes and features that a good Muslim possess. The knowledge of these key elements can only be obtained if the person starts learning about Islamic rules and principles.

Although Quran is the prime source of guidance for a Muslim and all kinds of instructions could be found in it, however, if a Muslim wishes to see a living Quran, then he or she needs to observe the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and see how He put the instructions of Quran to practice. In one of his hadiths, Prophet (PBUH) said:

“He who loves my Sunnah has loved me, and he who loves me will be with me in Pradise.” (Tirmidhi, Mishkatul Masabih Hadith 175)

Thus, when a Muslim starts learning about the Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH), in addition to gaining knowledge about Islamic way of living, the Muslim also gets to profess his or her love for Prophet (PBUH) and this love is what will eventually take him or her to paradise. Hence, for becoming a good Muslim, it is imperative that the person tries learning about the life of Prophet (PBUH) and then try walking on the same path as He did.

Respecting The Parents:

Every Muslim is aware of the fact that parents are one of the greatest gifts of Allah Almighty and they have a great role to play in the life of a kid while parenting. Moreover, besides that all their life they struggle and strive hard to make the life of the children easier and convenient, therefore, they respect utmost gratitude and the highest level of respect that a human can deserve. In Quran, Allah Almighty says:

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him; and that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor.” (17-23)

Thus, from this ayah of Quran the importance of parent and the kind of attitude a Muslim must have towards them is also clear. Therefore, it is imperative that in order to become a good Muslim, one respects the parents from the bottom of the heart and express this respect in actions as well.

Consult A Teacher:

The importance and the need of a teacher is undeniable in any walk of life. No matter whatever you are doing, it is necessary to have a teacher who can guide you through the ups and downs, increase your understanding and help you reach your goal in a better manner. Pertaining to becoming a good Muslim, one must also have the spirit of gaining knowledge about Islam and for that there is a need of searching for a teacher who knows and understands Islam.  Prophet (PBUH) said in one of His hadiths:

“For him who follows a path for seeking knowledge, Allah will ease for him the path to Paradise.” (Muslim)

Therefore, it is imperative that a Muslim search for The Holy Quran teacher as well as Hadith master who guides the Muslims about the ways of Islam and how he or she can incorporate Islamic principles in daily life, hence becoming a good Muslim.

Avoid Indulging In Argument:

One of the major things that a good Muslim must possess in his or her character is avoiding the arguments in general and arguments related to Islam in particular. When such kind of arguments take place, the ultimate result is people getting angry and in that anger their the judgment and thinking ability of people becomes clouded and they take some decisions or say words for which they feel ashamed or repent later on. Therefore, it is imperative that a good Muslim starts avoiding matters of conflict and stays out of arguments as they boost anger. Pertaining to this, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in one of His Hadiths:

“Verily, anger spoils faith as aloe spoils honey.” (Tirmidhi)

Try To Learn Arabic:

Another thing which can be done pertaining to becoming a good Muslim is learning Arabic. Although it may seem hard at start, but when you keep the motive of learning more about Islam and gaining more command over its instruction, then the learning becomes easier. Therefore, try learning Arabic step by step and gradually you will see that you will understand hadiths and your Quran recitation  skills will improve as well as understanding the meanings would become a lot easier as soon you will know the tajweed rules. In Quran, Allah Almighty says:

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran that you might understand.” (12:2)

Think Islam As A Facilitator:

One of the major reasons why Muslims are not able to incorporate Islam in their lives and practice it on regular basis is their approach towards it. People think that Islam is something for which they will have to face hardship and which is something out of their routine. This happens because people go for an overnight shift towards Islam and try incorporating all of it in their lives, thus making it hard upon themselves.  Prophet (PBUH) said in His hadith:

“Those who make things hard for themselves will be destroyed. (He said it three times)” (Muslim)

Islam Is Not In Clothing:

Another major misperception that people have and that hinders in their becoming a good Muslim is the idea that in order to be a good Muslim they will have to change their way of life and their appearance. Islam is not in clothing, rather it is in the kind of values you carry, the kind of thinking you have, the way you behave with others, the way you think about yourself and others and how fearful are you of Allah. It has nothing to do with your dressing. Therefore, keep the dressing aside and wear your cultural dresses until and unless they conflict with Islamic preaching. Hence, do away with the attitude of Islam coming in a specific dress or attire, rather you can be a good Muslim by being who you are and practicing Islamic values. In Quran Allah Almighty says:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (49:13)

Try Going To Mosque:

One of the major factors that can help you in becoming a good Muslim is by getting into the habit of going to a mosque for prayer. Mosque is the hub of Islamic preaching and a place where a Muslim can worship Allah Almighty. Besides these elements going to mosque five times a day for prayer gives a Muslim chance to interact with other Muslims thus gives a chance to discuss Islam with other people and learn good things about Islam from them as well. Moreover, those who face the problem of not having the mosque near by, or give it as an excuse for not going to the mosque, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said for such people in the following way:

“The person who receives the greatest reward for the Salah is one who lives the farthest and has the farthest to walk.” (Bukhari)

Sit In the Company Of Good Muslims:

A man is known by the company he keeps, therefore, to be a good Muslim it is imperative that you keep the company of good Muslims. The people with which a person sits or interacts with have a great impact on the personality of a person, therefore, if a Muslim wishes to become a good Muslim, it is necessary that he or she avoids the company of bad people and keeps the company of good Muslims and try doing whatever they do in life pertaining to practicing Islam. Prophet (PBUH) said in His hadith:

“On the Day of Resurrection Allah Almighty will proclaim: “Where are those who have mutual love for My Glory’s sake? Today I shall shelter them in My shade where there is no shade but Mine.” (Muslim)

Therefore, when Muslims befriend each other for the sake of learning about Islam or for the reason that they want to be better Muslims, then they will receive the benefits of this act in this world and in the world hereafter as well.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, Islam is much more than appearance, in order to become a good Muslim, you will have to go for a holistic approach and gradually start adopting Islamic instructions in your life in all its aspect. Thus, when you practice Islam in every walk of life, then surely you are to become a good Muslim.