Thursday 12th January 2023

as Salaamu Alaykum

Weekly Newsletter bringing together some useful content on all things self-development from a Muslim's perspective.

Project Update: New podcast on the developments in cryptocurrency and Artificial Intelligence with Sh Mu'Aawiyah Tucker is now out on YouTube and Podcasting platforms.

If you like reading this email, please forward it to someone that is like-minded. You help the project but also gain potential rewards. Thank you

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

Click Here!

Qur'an

“Have you seen the one who takes their own desires as their god? (45:23)

Hadith

The Prophet may peace and blessings be upon him said, “The best deeds are those which are small, but consistent.”

Self-accountability

ʿUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb said: “take account of yourselves before it is taken of you. Weigh your deeds before they are weighed for you (on the Day of Judgment), and beautify yourselves (with good deeds) for the great display (on the Day of Judgment).

Al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī says: “You will always find a believer questioning himself: ‘What did I mean by this word? What did I eat this food for? What do I mean by speaking to myself thus?’ A transgressor will go on never blaming himself.” The true believer is constantly self-reproaching as Allah ﷻ mentions in the Quran: “And by the self-reproaching soul! Does man think We shall not put his bones back together? In fact, We can reshape his very fingertips.” [Quran 75: 2-4]

Note: What gets measured, gets managed. Just like you wouldn't think of running a business or even managing a project without monitoring and tracking the key metrics, we should try to engage in a practice of "Muhasabah" (retrospection, accountability) and "Muraqabah" (Meditation, watching over oneself". Each day, take a few minutes to reflect on the key points of the day that you think took you closer to Jannah or moved you further away.

Six ingredients of happiness:

• The first is to have a firm trust in Allah, the Almighty.
• The second is resigning oneself to the inescapable fact that everything that is decreed will happen and will follow its unalterable course.
• The third is that patience has no substitute for the positive effect it has on the afflicted.
• The fourth is an unwavering belief in the implications of this question: “Without showing forbearance, what will I accomplish?”
• The fifth is to ask oneself: “Why should I be a willful party to my own destruction?”
• The sixth is knowing that from one hour to the next, circumstances are transformed, and difficulties vanish.

(Aid al Qarni, Don't be sad - Book Link)

Interesting links and recommended content🤔

• Allah Will Remember YOU (When Nobody Else Will) -A recent powerful Khutbah by Ust Nouman Ali Khan Link

• Height adjustable Standing Desk Converter - I bought this in April 2022 and it works better than I had expected. It sits on top of your existing desk and you can raise it by pulling a lever on the side so you effectively have a standing desk. I usually alternate between sitting and standing which is what is recommended. Link

• John Hopkins' Interactive map of the Universe. Link

Questions to ask ourselves

“A year from now, what will you wish you had started today.”

Some quotes from my readings:

The Way to Love by Anthony De Mello

Think of the people who in exactly the same condition that you find yourself in now would not feel the slightest insecurity. There are such people.

How to Use Your Enemies by Baltasar Gracián

A day without an argument leads to a sleep-filled night. To live a lot and to enjoy life is to live twice: this is the fruit of peace. 

"You have to show up before inspiration will." James Clear

Recent content:

🎥 Sh Mu'Aawiyah Tucker (2) - Artificial Intelligence, Crypto Developments, Living on Bitcoin & More

Sh Muaawiyah Tucker was a guest on the podcast for a second time and we discussed the developments in the crypto space since March 2021, his views on Ethereum, how to live the "Bitcoin Standard" and avoid Riba-based banking, the flawed arguments behind "necessity" for mortgages and loans, Making Hijrah, Artificial Intelligence and Central Bank Digital currencies.

Click here to watch the video

🎥 Are Mental Health issues a sign of weak Eeman? (Muslim Consultant Psychiatrist Answers)

Are mental health issues a sign of weak Eeman?

Click here to watch the video

🎥 Unpacking The 'Red Pill' 💊From A Muslim Perspective - What We Agree With & Disagree On

In this video, we discuss which parts of "Red Pill" do we as Muslims disagree with and which ideas are not opposed to Islamic teachings.

Click here to watch the video

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

Click Here!

 I want to hear from like-minded people, please feel free to reply.

Like to read all previous newsletters? Click here

Enjoy, Aadil (Optimizedmuslim.com)