Friday 17 Rajab 1446 AH / 17 January 2025

as Salaamu Alaykum

Welcome to the Optimized Muslim Newsletter on all things self-development for Muslims. I synthesise and filter insights, ideas, quotes, resources and more so we can become Optimized Muslims إن شاء الله

In today's email: Mindfulness, Consistency, and the Prophet's ﷺ Way

Probably a 3 Minute read

What's happening at Optimized Muslim?

I was surprised by the response to last week's email. Thanks to all those who responded. You are the real ones. 😂.

---

Are you a Muslim looking to overcome procrastination & overwhelm, prioritise properly and take action on the goals that you know deep down matter the most?

I'm currently accepting new clients for my high-performance coaching, Find out more, see testimonials and book a free call here:

---

Qur'an Ayah

"And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]" [Quran 2:45]

وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ

Hadith

“Strength is not to overpower people; real strength is to control oneself when angry.” (Related by al-Bukhārī.)”

Seerah 💚

"He ﷺ was nicknamed Al-Amīn, which means “the trustworthy.” This trait was acknowledged by his ﷺ opponents, and even those who wished him ﷺ dead admitted that he ﷺ never failed to be true to his ﷺ word."

Muhammad ﷺ, Adil Salahi

An Idea I Was Thinking About: The Power of Mindful Living

In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught in autopilot mode, rushing from one task to another, in the "washing machine of life" mode - as I like to say.

But our Deen teaches us the importance of presence and intentionality.

This ties directly to the concept of being "ibn al-waqt" (son of the moment/time), emphasizing the need to value each passing moment. (yeah..."mindfulness" wasn't conceptualized by LA hippies in the 1960s reading up on Buddhism)

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small."

This hadith teaches us two crucial lessons about personal development:

1. Consistency over intensity
2. The power of small, mindful actions

When we approach our daily activities with mindfulness and intention, even simple acts like making wudu can become powerful moments of spiritual connection or recalibration.

I especially like post Asr Salah for this. It's early enough in the day to evaluate and course correct if necessary after some reflection on the preceding hours.

Practical Tips for Mindful Living

• Start your day with intention (niyyah)
• Take short breaks between tasks for recalibrations
• Practice mindful eating

Wisdom from Islamic Scholars🧠

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said: "The heart on its journey to Allah is like a bird: love is its head, and fear and hope are its wings."

We need both fear of Allah's displeasure and hope in His mercy to progress spiritually. One wing alone would make our journey unstable.

More quotes:

"Daily Law: Make a list of the people in your life who live with purpose. Prioritize spending more time with them." Robert Greene

A man gets credit only for that part of his Prayer of which he is conscious.’ Inner Dimensions Of Islamic Worship, Imam Al Ghazali

Reads for Your Journey:📖

📚 Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf My rating: 10/10. This is one of the books that I regularly reference after having read it through multiple times. It serves as an excellent self-development manual.

• "Afflictions that assail and control people—such as miserliness, envy, treachery, malice, and arrogance—are examined in a study that discusses the causes and cures of these diseases and reveals how Islamic spirituality deals with spiritual and psychological problems."

Question to ask ourselves

How many of your daily actions are performed with genuine presence and awareness of Allah ﷻ?

Forwarded this and would like to get this straight to your inbox?

Click Here!

👉Like to read all previous newsletters like this? Click here👈

Thanks for reading . Please forward it to a like-minded friend if you benefit.

Aadil

Work with me 1:1

PS

Please give The Optimized Muslim Podcast a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Email me if you do because then I know you're special 😎