Getting closer to Allah (SWT) is the ultimate goal of every believer. This connection offers spiritual tranquility, guidance, and a sense of purpose. Allah reminds us in the Quran: “O you who believe! Fear Allah and seek the means of approach to Him, and strive in His way so that you may succeed” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:35). Achieving nearness to Allah requires consistent daily actions rooted in sincerity and devotion. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended” (Sahih Bukhari).
Throughout Islamic history, as reflected in the Quran and authentic Hadith, believers have sought closeness to Allah through daily acts of devotion. For instance, the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) dedicated themselves to worship and acts of kindness. Their lives are filled with examples of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment. This article provides five simple daily habits, supported by authentic Islamic sources, that can bring any believer closer to Allah.
1. Perform Consistent and Focused Prayers (Salah)
Salah is the foundation of Islamic worship and the most critical act in a believer’s daily life. Allah commands in the Quran: “Establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:43). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that Salah is the first matter a servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment. If it is sound, all other deeds will be sound as well (Sahih Muslim).
The story of Bilal ibn Rabah, the Prophet’s muezzin, exemplifies devotion to Salah. Despite severe persecution, Bilal remained steadfast, repeating “Ahad, Ahad” (One, One) as he was tortured for his belief in the oneness of Allah. His dedication earned him high status, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) told him he had heard Bilal’s footsteps in Paradise because of his regular prayers.
Moreover, the Quran highlights the importance of maintaining prayers: “Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater” (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45). Historical figures like Imam Abu Hanifa, who spent entire nights in prayer, serve as examples of how Salah transforms lives.
Practical Steps to Improve Salah:
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- Pray on time with full concentration.
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- Understand the meanings of the recitations.
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- Perform additional Sunnah prayers.
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- Make sincere dua after each prayer.
Key Takeaways:
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- Salah connects you to Allah, bringing spiritual purification and inner peace.
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- Consistency in prayer fosters a deep and unshakeable connection with Allah.
2. Recite and Reflect on the Quran Daily
The Quran is the divine word of Allah and serves as a complete guide for humanity. “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would revise the Quran with the angel Gabriel every Ramadan (Sahih Bukhari).
The Quran’s transformative power is evident in the story of Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s conversion. Hearing Surah Ta-Ha moved him so deeply that he embraced Islam, illustrating the Quran’s ability to soften hearts. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it” (Sahih Bukhari).
Additionally, Allah says: “And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” (Surah Al-Qamar, 54:17). This emphasizes that regular recitation and reflection are within everyone’s reach.
Practical Steps for Quran Engagement:
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- Dedicate daily time for Quran recitation.
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- Study translations and explanations.
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- Reflect on how Quranic teachings apply to your life.
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- Memorize short surahs gradually.
Key Takeaways:
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- The Quran offers spiritual insight and moral clarity.
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- Regular recitation and reflection strengthen the heart and nurture faith.
3. Engage in Daily Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Dhikr, the remembrance of Allah, keeps the heart connected to Him. Allah states: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The example of the one who remembers Allah and the one who does not is like the example of the living and the dead” (Sahih Bukhari).
Dhikr was central in the lives of the Companions. For example, the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised his daughter Fatimah and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them) to recite praises of Allah before sleeping (Sahih Bukhari). These simple acts were foundational for spiritual well-being.
Effective Dhikr Practices:
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- Recite SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar daily.
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- Begin and end each day with supplications.
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- Seek forgiveness with Astaghfirullah.
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- Reflect on Allah’s creation and blessings.
Key Takeaways:
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- Dhikr brings peace to the heart and mind.
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- It shields believers from negative thoughts and distractions.
4. Perform Acts of Kindness and Service to Others
Serving others is a vital means of earning Allah’s pleasure. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved people to Allah are those who bring the most benefit to others” (Sahih Muslim). Allah also commands: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:36).
The Ansar of Madinah are historical examples of selflessness. Their generosity in sharing with the Muhajirun earned them praise in the Quran: “And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them…” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:9).
Practical Acts of Kindness:
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- Assist family members and neighbors.
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- Support those in need through time, skills, or resources.
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- Volunteer in community service projects.
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- Show respect and compassion to all.
Key Takeaways:
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- Kindness is a means of earning Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness.
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- Serving others nurtures humility, empathy, and community.
5. Make Sincere and Regular Dua (Supplication)
Dua is a direct line of communication with Allah. Allah says: “And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: “Dua is the essence of worship” (Sahih Bukhari).
Prophets such as Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Musa (peace be upon him) regularly made supplications, recorded in the Quran, showing believers how to approach Allah with humility. Their stories exemplify trust in Allah’s plans.
How to Make Effective Dua:
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- Begin with praise for Allah and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
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- Be sincere and humble.
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- Make dua during special times, such as after prayers and during the last third of the night.
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- Persist in dua, trusting in Allah’s wisdom.
Key Takeaways:
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- Dua nurtures hope and trust in Allah’s plans.
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- It builds a personal and profound relationship with Allah.
Conclusion
Drawing closer to Allah requires dedication, sincerity, and consistency. Incorporating daily practices such as performing Salah, engaging with the Quran, remembering Allah through Dhikr, serving others, and making sincere Dua cultivates a meaningful relationship with Allah. The Quran beautifully reminds us: “And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186).
Final Du’a:
O Allah, guide our hearts towards You, fill our lives with Your remembrance, and draw us closer to You with every step we take. Grant us sincerity, purity in our intentions, and steadfastness in our faith. Ameen.
Key Points Recap:
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- Perform consistent and focused Salah.
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- Recite and reflect on the Quran daily.
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- Engage in regular Dhikr for a mindful heart.
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- Perform acts of kindness and serve others.
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- Make sincere and persistent Dua.
By embracing these habits, In Sha Allah we can experience the profound joy of being closer to Allah and live a life guided by His mercy and wisdom.