I want to develop a stable relationship with Allah so that in spite of all the challenges I will be on the right path. And indeed Allah's help is near, but Allah will guide me if I keep turning towards him.
So how will my problem of studies be sorted if my relationship with Allah is not stable?I want to schedule my day Islamically, so how will I develop a relationship with Allah and how will I be determined in studies?
Answer
In this counseling answer:
- Improve your prayer: If you are stable with praying all five prayers on time, the next step is trying to deepen your presence in them.
- Connect more with the Quran. Read it with the question in your mind: “What does Allah want to tell me today?”
- Stop at times and be proud of our achievements. Relax and celebrate.
- Consider the natural cycle of your energy levels and put exercising on your schedule.
Wa aleikom salam,
Thank you for writing to us.
In your message, you say you were a “fully determined” student but you lost motivation.
You want to schedule your life in a better and more Islamic way. You feel you are unable to do your best either as a Muslim or as a student. You wish to develop a stronger bond with Allah and to once again become more determined.
Your Relationship with Allah
Let’s look at first your relationship with Allah as it is a basis of everything as a Muslim.
Indeed, we all need to keep a strong relationship with Allah in order to feel successful in life. Allah says in the Quran:
Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful. (Quran 24:31)
O you who believe! Do your duty to Allah and fear Him. And seek the means of approach to Him, and strive hard in His Cause (as much as you can), so that you may be successful. (Quran 5.35)
However, in life, we have many things to do, so we can easily feel overwhelmed and lost among the tasks. We end up dedicating so little time to our most important relationship in life: to Allah.
So, you are not at all alone in your struggles. Indeed, I haven’t met a Muslim who sometimes does not find himself or herself in the same shoes.
The most important thing is that you stop for a moment and realize that something is wrong, then seek solutions for how it could be better.
Just like you did; it shows to Allah your sincerity, masha’Allah. Be proud you have taken this step.
Prayer
The first thing I would advise you to do is improve your prayer. Prayer is our number-one connection with Allah. He says in the Quran:
And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humble. (Quran 2:45)
If you are stable with praying all five prayers on time, the next step is trying to deepen your presence in them by, for example, saying your prayers slowly with much focus on each word.
I also like to take care of my breathing during the prayer, as it also helps bring you into a meditative state. Try moving slowly while imagining that you are really in front of Allah.
You can also improve your prayer by spending some minutes after it making duas.
Again, focus on Allah; imagine that He right now sees and hears you, and you can complain about anything to Him sincerely.
He cares about you. Tell Him how bad you feel about not being determined in your faith and studies. How much you suffer from not having a proper daily schedule.
Ask for forgiveness and thank Him for the good things that happen in your life. Talk to Him as if you were talking to your best friend, or your mother.
“And indeed, We have created man, and We know whatever thoughts his inner self develops, and We are closer to him than (his) jugular vein.” (Quran 50:16)
Your Relationship with the Quran
The second step should be your connection with the Quran, as it is our ultimate guide in life. Read it with the question in your mind: “What does Allah want to tell me today?”
Try thinking of creating a morning or night routine with it, or read it sometime around the prayer times. It can be just 10–15 minutes of your day, a few pages, but regularly, every day.
Step by step. Start, and, inshallah, Allah will bless you, and you will feel more connected to Him.
About Your Studies
Mashallah, there has been a time when you felt determined. How was it?
What did you do at the time that you may no longer do? What has changed? Maybe you face more stress than before, and that has caused you to become less determined?
It is important to stop at times and be proud of our achievements.
Relax and celebrate. You cannot push yourself harder and harder all the time.
Especially, if you have recently experienced a stressful change in your life. Put relaxation and having fun in your schedule as well. Reward yourself with something you love doing once you are done with a task.
Energy Levels & Excercise
So please, sister, when scheduling, try not only to focus on the time but your energy as well. Do not just look at how many hours you want to study but also at how much energy you have that day.
For women, it is even more important because our energy level goes through a monthly cycle—our menstruation cycle. Accept that, for example, when you are about to have your period, you will not be able to focus and push hard on things as much as you can after your period ends.
I also advise you to put exercising on your schedule. It recharges your body and soul, and you will find that you will be able to concentrate more on your studies.
Restating your intention with your studies might also help you find the fire you need to keep it going.
Most importantly, make sincere dua to Allah to help you with your studies.
I hope you find some comfort in my answer.
Read more from Sr. Aya:
- Is Praying in Arabic Difficult For You?
- How to Protect Our Prayer in a Fast-Paced World
- Reverts: Don’t Turn Away – Keep Your Faith Strong!
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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees are liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.