Tips to develop Ithar
If we find that we are falling short on the list, we should make some effort to become more selfless. A few tips are noted below:
Life is a test
First, we should know that this life is a test. Allah says in the Qur’an,
{Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion, and He is Able to do all things.
Who has created death and life, that He may test which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving.} (Al-Mulk 67:1-2)
An understanding of our purpose in this life should help us prioritize what is most important.
The Hereafter is Much Better
Second, we should understand that what awaits us in the hereafter is much greater than any joy that we could possibly earn in this life. Allah says,
{No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do} (As-Sajdah 32:17)
And the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Allah has said ‘I have prepared for My pious servants what no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no human heart could ever imagine!” (Al-Bukhari)
Knowing that there is something greater for us in the hereafter should help us to forsake the comforts of this life.
Good Deeds are Numerous
Third, we should understand that in Islam, there are numerous ways to do good deeds.
Allah’s Final Prophet and Messenger said,
“Every day the sun rises, charity is due on every joint on a person: administering justice between two people is a charity; assisting a man to mount his beast, or helping him load his luggage on it is a charity; a good word is a charity; every step that you take for prayer is a charity; and removing harmful things from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Start with Easy Deeds
Finally, we should start with the deed(s) that we can do consistently. For the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“The acts most pleasing to Allah are those which are done consistently, even if they are small.” (Muslim)
Importantly, acts of selflessness do more than benefit the giver and the recipient. They have profound impact on society at large. Such selfless acts help build bonds of trust and lead to reciprocation of good.
They help shatter stereotypes and break down barriers. Selflessness leads to a better world for all.
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