The 10 Best Days Of Your Life Ark D Hijja 1430

The 10 Best Days of Your The 10 Best Days of Your LifeLife

&&Making it Happen at an Extraordinary Level in Dhul HijjaMaking it Happen at an Extraordinary Level in Dhul Hijja

Asad R KhanAsad R Khan

Asad R Khan Ark2Ark.com Dhul Hijja 1430

PreludePrelude The following material was shared during a The following material was shared during a

presentation delivered to people attending a talk on presentation delivered to people attending a talk on Dhul Hijja (The 12Dhul Hijja (The 12thth month of the Islamic calendar) month of the Islamic calendar) and using its power to create a change in ones life.and using its power to create a change in ones life.

Although the material here will be useful, many of Although the material here will be useful, many of the anecdotes, examples and stories shared will not the anecdotes, examples and stories shared will not be contained here.be contained here.

It is usually more useful to attend a talk/seminar It is usually more useful to attend a talk/seminar and hear the information first-hand and keep notes and hear the information first-hand and keep notes to supplement the live learning.to supplement the live learning.

Non-the-less, I hope this instigates a desire in you Non-the-less, I hope this instigates a desire in you to make the change necessary to establish a life to make the change necessary to establish a life pattern of superior quality and real satisfaction.pattern of superior quality and real satisfaction.


OutcomesOutcomes To learn the importance of following To learn the importance of following

the ‘best way’the ‘best way’

To learn strategies that help create a To learn strategies that help create a lasting changelasting change

To develop some action points to take To develop some action points to take life to the next level from here-onlife to the next level from here-on


3 Types of Knowledge3 Types of Knowledge

It is related from ’Abdullah ibn ’Amr It is related from ’Abdullah ibn ’Amr ibn al-‘As that the Prophet said, ibn al-‘As that the Prophet said, “There are 3 types of knowledge – “There are 3 types of knowledge – any other knowledge is superfluous any other knowledge is superfluous

1.1. a precise ayah (verse of Qur‘an), a precise ayah (verse of Qur‘an), 2.2. an established sunna or an established sunna or 3.3. a just share (of inheritance).”a just share (of inheritance).”

(1) ALLAH & THE (1) ALLAH & THE QURANQURAN


Essence of WorshipEssence of Worship AllahAllah says, says,

““Say: if your fathers, your sons, your Say: if your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribe and brothers, your wives, your tribe and

your possessions you have earned, the your possessions you have earned, the commerce you fear may slacken, commerce you fear may slacken,

dwellings you love – if these are dearer dwellings you love – if these are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger to you than Allah and His Messenger and to struggle in His way, then wait and to struggle in His way, then wait

until Allah brings His command.”until Allah brings His command.” (9:25) (9:25)


Core of Belief & WorshipCore of Belief & WorshipWhat – or who - do you worship?What – or who - do you worship?

Status, Privileges, Contacts & Status, Privileges, Contacts & Connections, Connections,

Home life, Children, Creature Comforts,Home life, Children, Creature Comforts, Economy, Money, Possessions,Economy, Money, Possessions, Idols, Heroes, Saints, Leaders,Idols, Heroes, Saints, Leaders, Technology, Abilities, Self, etc.Technology, Abilities, Self, etc.


WorshipWorship An entity or being that is the centre of An entity or being that is the centre of

one’s devotion, calling, trust, attention and one’s devotion, calling, trust, attention and true passion.true passion.

This devotion overrides all other aspects in This devotion overrides all other aspects in times of need as well as pleasure.times of need as well as pleasure.

It is believed that the object of worship will It is believed that the object of worship will deliver good and prevent evil from befalling deliver good and prevent evil from befalling the worshipper.the worshipper.

Protection and deliverance are seen as key Protection and deliverance are seen as key qualities of the deity.qualities of the deity.


Allah Loves You…Allah Loves You… Allah says, “Say: if you love Allah, Allah says, “Say: if you love Allah,

follow me and follow me and He will love you and He will love you and forgive youforgive you your wrong actions.” your wrong actions.” (3:31)(3:31)

““Believe in Allah and His Messenger, Believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet who believes in the unlettered Prophet who believes in Allah and His words. Follow him, Allah and His words. Follow him, perhaps you will be guided.”perhaps you will be guided.” (7:157) (7:157)

(2) OUR BLESSED (2) OUR BLESSED PROPHET (S)PROPHET (S)

& THE WISDOM OF HIS WAY& THE WISDOM OF HIS WAY


The Beauty of the The Beauty of the SunnahSunnah

Umar ibn Abdul Aziz said, “The Messenger of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz said, “The Messenger of Allah made a Sunna and the people in command Allah made a Sunna and the people in command after him made after him made sunnassunnas. To adopt them is to . To adopt them is to confirm the Book of Allah and to act on them is confirm the Book of Allah and to act on them is to obey Allah and strengthen the to obey Allah and strengthen the deendeen of Allah. of Allah. It is not for anyone to change the Sunna or alter It is not for anyone to change the Sunna or alter it or to look into the opinion of those who it or to look into the opinion of those who oppose it. Whoever follows it is guided. oppose it. Whoever follows it is guided. Whoever Whoever seeks help by it will have victory.seeks help by it will have victory. Whoever Whoever opposes it and follows other than the path of the opposes it and follows other than the path of the believers, Allah will entrust him to what he believers, Allah will entrust him to what he turns to and will roast him in turns to and will roast him in JahannamJahannam, which , which is bad ending.”is bad ending.”


Power of SunnahPower of Sunnah Al-Hasan ibn Abi‘l-Hasan (r) said, Al-Hasan ibn Abi‘l-Hasan (r) said,

““A little action following a A little action following a sunnasunna is better is better than a lot of action following an than a lot of action following an

innovation.”innovation.”

Ibn Mas’ud (r) used to say, Ibn Mas’ud (r) used to say, ““Doing a little of the Doing a little of the SunnaSunna is better than is better than

striving hard in innovation.”striving hard in innovation.”


Obligation to follow the Obligation to follow the SunnaSunna

‘‘A’isha (r) said, “The Messenger of Allah (s) A’isha (r) said, “The Messenger of Allah (s) did something as an example in order to did something as an example in order to make things easier for people but some make things easier for people but some people refrained from doing it. When the people refrained from doing it. When the Prophet heard about that, he praised Allah Prophet heard about that, he praised Allah and said, and said, ‘What do you think of people who ‘What do you think of people who refrain from anything that I myself do? By refrain from anything that I myself do? By Allah, I am the greatest of them in Allah, I am the greatest of them in knowledge of Allah and the strongest of knowledge of Allah and the strongest of then in fear of Allah.’ ”then in fear of Allah.’ ” (Muslim & Bukhari) (Muslim & Bukhari)


Obligation to follow the Obligation to follow the SunnaSunna

It is related (in ad-daylami) that the Prophet It is related (in ad-daylami) that the Prophet said, “The said, “The Qur‘anQur‘an is hard and difficult for is hard and difficult for anyone who hates it. It is judgment. Whoever anyone who hates it. It is judgment. Whoever clings to clings to what I saywhat I say & understand it and retains & understand it and retains it, then it will be like the it, then it will be like the Qur‘an Qur‘an for him. for him. Whoever considers the Whoever considers the Qur‘anQur‘an and what I say and what I say unimportant and neglects it unimportant and neglects it loses this world loses this world and the nextand the next. My community is commanded to . My community is commanded to take my words and obey my command and take my words and obey my command and follow my follow my sunnasunna. Whoever is pleased with my . Whoever is pleased with my words is pleased with the words is pleased with the Qur‘an. Qur‘an. Allah says Allah says ‘Take what the Messenger bring you.’ ” (59:7)‘Take what the Messenger bring you.’ ” (59:7)


Best Action are Those of Best Action are Those of SunnaSunna

Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, “You must follow the path of Allah Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, “You must follow the path of Allah and the and the SunnaSunna. There is no slave who is on the path of . There is no slave who is on the path of Allah and the Sunnah, remembering Allah, his eyes Allah and the Sunnah, remembering Allah, his eyes overflowing out of fear of his Lord, but that Allah will overflowing out of fear of his Lord, but that Allah will never punish him. never punish him. There is no slave on the earth who is There is no slave on the earth who is on the path of Allah, but that he is like a tree whose on the path of Allah, but that he is like a tree whose leaves are dry. In the same way that a tree loses its leaves are dry. In the same way that a tree loses its leaves when a strong wind hits it, his errors fall from leaves when a strong wind hits it, his errors fall from him as the leaves are shaken from the treehim as the leaves are shaken from the tree. A minimal . A minimal course in the path of Allah and the course in the path of Allah and the SunnaSunna is better than is better than striving hard in a path contrary to the path of Allah and striving hard in a path contrary to the path of Allah and the the sunnasunna and consenting to innovation. See that your and consenting to innovation. See that your actions – whether they are striving or minimal – are on actions – whether they are striving or minimal – are on the path of the Prophets and their the path of the Prophets and their sunnasunna.”.”


Model the Prophet (s)Model the Prophet (s) ““You have a good model in the Messenger of Allah You have a good model in the Messenger of Allah

for one who hopes for Allah and the last day.” for one who hopes for Allah and the last day.” (33:21)(33:21)

Muhammad ibn ’Ali at-Tirmidhi said, Muhammad ibn ’Ali at-Tirmidhi said, “To take the “To take the Messenger as a model means to emulate him, Messenger as a model means to emulate him, follow his sunna and abandon opposition to him in follow his sunna and abandon opposition to him in either word or action.”either word or action.”

““The right action, He raises it up”The right action, He raises it up” (35:10)(35:10)


3 for: Sweetness of Belief3 for: Sweetness of Belief Anas reported (Abu Dawud) that the Anas reported (Abu Dawud) that the

Prophet (s) said, “There are Prophet (s) said, “There are 3 things3 things which cause anyone who takes refuge which cause anyone who takes refuge in them to experience the in them to experience the sweetness sweetness of beliefof belief::

1.1. that that Allah and His Messenger are more Allah and His Messenger are more belovedbeloved to him than anything else; to him than anything else;

2.2. that he that he loves a man only for Allahloves a man only for Allah;;3.3. and that he and that he dislikes the thought of dislikes the thought of

revertingreverting to disbelief as much as he would to disbelief as much as he would dislike being cast into the Fire.”dislike being cast into the Fire.”

(3) LOVING THE (3) LOVING THE BLESSED PROPHET (S)BLESSED PROPHET (S)


Reward for Loving the Reward for Loving the ProphetProphet

Anas (RA) said that a man came to Anas (RA) said that a man came to the Prophet and asked, “When will the Prophet and asked, “When will the Last Hour Come, Messenger of the Last Hour Come, Messenger of Allah?” He said, “What have you Allah?” He said, “What have you prepared for it?” He said, “I have not prepared for it?” He said, “I have not prepared a lot of prepared a lot of prayer or fasting prayer or fasting or charityor charity for it, but I love Allah and for it, but I love Allah and His Messenger.” The Prophet said, His Messenger.” The Prophet said, “You will be with the one you love.”“You will be with the one you love.”


The Signs of the Love of the The Signs of the Love of the ProphetProphet

Know that someone who loves a person Know that someone who loves a person prefers them and prefers what they like. prefers them and prefers what they like. Otherwise, he is a pretender, insincere in his Otherwise, he is a pretender, insincere in his love.love.

Someone who has sincere love of the Prophet Someone who has sincere love of the Prophet (s) will emulate the following signs.(s) will emulate the following signs.

(1) 1(1) 1stst sign is that he will emulate him, apply his sign is that he will emulate him, apply his sunnasunna, follow his words & deeds, obey his , follow his words & deeds, obey his commands and avoid his prohibitions and commands and avoid his prohibitions and take on his take on his adabadab (etiquettes) in ease and (etiquettes) in ease and hardship, joy and despairhardship, joy and despair..



(2) He will prefer what the Prophet (s) has laid (2) He will prefer what the Prophet (s) has laid down as law and encouraged, over his own down as law and encouraged, over his own passions and appetites. (59:9)passions and appetites. (59:9)

(3) His anger against people will only for the (3) His anger against people will only for the sake of the pleasure of Allah. Anas ibn Malik sake of the pleasure of Allah. Anas ibn Malik said, “The Messenger of Allah said to me, said, “The Messenger of Allah said to me, ‘‘My My son, if you can be without any grudge in your son, if you can be without any grudge in your heart against anyone in the morning and heart against anyone in the morning and evening, be like that.’evening, be like that.’ Then he added, Then he added, ‘My ‘My son, that is part of my sunna. Whoever gives son, that is part of my sunna. Whoever gives life to my sunna has loved me and whoever life to my sunna has loved me and whoever loves me is with me in the Gardenloves me is with me in the Garden.”**.”**


True Love: Gateway to True Love: Gateway to HeavenHeaven

** Anyone who possesses this particular ** Anyone who possesses this particular quality has perfect love for Allah and His quality has perfect love for Allah and His Messenger. Anyone slightly lacking in it is Messenger. Anyone slightly lacking in it is imperfect in his love while not entirely devoid imperfect in his love while not entirely devoid of it. The proof of this in what the Prophet (s) of it. The proof of this in what the Prophet (s) said about the man who was given the said about the man who was given the haddhadd – – punishment for drinking. A man there cursed punishment for drinking. A man there cursed him and the Prophet said, “him and the Prophet said, “Do not curse him. Do not curse him. He loves Allah and His MessengerHe loves Allah and His Messenger.”.”



(4) Another sign is to mention him often. (4) Another sign is to mention him often. Whoever loves something mentions it a lot.Whoever loves something mentions it a lot.

(5) Another is great yearning to meet him. (5) Another is great yearning to meet him. Every lover yearns for their beloved.Every lover yearns for their beloved.

(6) On of its signs is that as well as mentioning (6) On of its signs is that as well as mentioning him often, someone who loves him will exalt him often, someone who loves him will exalt and respect him when he mentions him and and respect him when he mentions him and display humility and abasement when he display humility and abasement when he hears his name.hears his name.

Ishaq at-Tujibi said, “Whenever the Companions of the Ishaq at-Tujibi said, “Whenever the Companions of the Prophet (s) heard his name after he died, they were Prophet (s) heard his name after he died, they were humble, their skins trembled and they wept. It was the humble, their skins trembled and they wept. It was the same with many of the Followers. Some of them act like same with many of the Followers. Some of them act like that out of love and yearning for him, others out of that out of love and yearning for him, others out of respect and esteem.”respect and esteem.”



(7) Another of its signs is love for those who (7) Another of its signs is love for those who love the Prophet and the other people of his love the Prophet and the other people of his house and his Companions, both of the house and his Companions, both of the Muhajirun and Ansar, for his sake. Such a Muhajirun and Ansar, for his sake. Such a person will also be hostile to those who hate person will also be hostile to those who hate them and curse them. them and curse them.

Whoever loves anyone, loves those he loves.Whoever loves anyone, loves those he loves. The Prophet (s) said about al-Hasan and al-Husayn, “O The Prophet (s) said about al-Hasan and al-Husayn, “O

Allah, I love them, so love them.”Allah, I love them, so love them.” In al Hasan’s variant, “O Allah, I love him, so love the In al Hasan’s variant, “O Allah, I love him, so love the

one who loves him.”one who loves him.” He also said, “Whoever loves them loves me. Whoever He also said, “Whoever loves them loves me. Whoever

loves me loves Allah. Whoever hates them hates me. loves me loves Allah. Whoever hates them hates me. Whoever hates me hates Allah.Whoever hates me hates Allah.



(8) Another sign is hatred for anyone who (8) Another sign is hatred for anyone who hates Allah and His Messenger, having hates Allah and His Messenger, having enmity towards all who have enmity enmity towards all who have enmity towards him, avoidance of all those who towards him, avoidance of all those who oppose his oppose his sunnasunna and introduce and introduce innovations into his deen, and finding innovations into his deen, and finding every matter contrary to his every matter contrary to his shari’ashari’a burdensome.burdensome.

Allah says, “You will not find any people who Allah says, “You will not find any people who believe in Allah & the Last Day who are loving believe in Allah & the Last Day who are loving to anyone who opposes Allah and His to anyone who opposes Allah and His Messenger.” (58:22)Messenger.” (58:22)



(9) Another sign of it is love of the Qur’an which the (9) Another sign of it is love of the Qur’an which the Prophet brought, by which he guided and was Prophet brought, by which he guided and was guided, and whose character he took on so that guided, and whose character he took on so that ‘A’isha said, “His Character was the Qur’an.” *‘A’isha said, “His Character was the Qur’an.” *

Part of the love for the Qur’an is its recitation and acting by it Part of the love for the Qur’an is its recitation and acting by it and understanding it, and loving his sunna and keeping within and understanding it, and loving his sunna and keeping within its limits.its limits.

Ibn Mas’ud said, “No one needs to ask himself about anything Ibn Mas’ud said, “No one needs to ask himself about anything except the except the Qur’anQur’an. If he loves the Qur’an, he loves Allah and . If he loves the Qur’an, he loves Allah and His Messenger.”His Messenger.”

The Believer who recites the Quran and applies it, is like the The Believer who recites the Quran and applies it, is like the (uttruj) fruit, whose smell is fragrant and taste is sweet” Al-(uttruj) fruit, whose smell is fragrant and taste is sweet” Al-BukhariBukhari


What Do We Really Love?What Do We Really Love? * Sahl ibn ‘Abdullah said,* Sahl ibn ‘Abdullah said,

““The sign of the love of Allah is love of the The sign of the love of Allah is love of the Qur’an. The sign of love of the Qur’an is love of Qur’an. The sign of love of the Qur’an is love of the Prophet (s) The sign of love of the Prophet the Prophet (s) The sign of love of the Prophet

is love of the sunna. The sign for the love of the is love of the sunna. The sign for the love of the sunna is love of the Next World. The sign for sunna is love of the Next World. The sign for the love of the Next World is hatred of this the love of the Next World is hatred of this

world. The sign of hatred of this world is that world. The sign of hatred of this world is that you do not store-up any of it except for you do not store-up any of it except for

provision and what you need to arrive safely in provision and what you need to arrive safely in the Next World.”the Next World.”



(10) One of the signs of love for the (10) One of the signs of love for the Prophet is having compassion for Prophet is having compassion for his community, giving them good his community, giving them good counsel, striving for their best counsel, striving for their best interests and removing what is interests and removing what is harmful from them just as the harmful from them just as the Prophet was “compassionate, Prophet was “compassionate, merciful to the believers.” (9:128)merciful to the believers.” (9:128)



(11) One of the signs of perfect love is (11) One of the signs of perfect love is that the one who aspires to it does that the one who aspires to it does without in this world and prefers without in this world and prefers poverty.poverty.

The Prophet said to Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, The Prophet said to Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, “Poverty for those among you who love me “Poverty for those among you who love me comes quicker than a flood from the top of comes quicker than a flood from the top of the mountain to the bottom.” (Tirmidhi)the mountain to the bottom.” (Tirmidhi)

(4) KNOW YOUR (4) KNOW YOUR BLESSED PROPHET (S)BLESSED PROPHET (S)

& HIS SUBLIME & HIS SUBLIME CHARACTERCHARACTER


About The Great Prophet About The Great Prophet (s)(s)

From Imam Ali (RA):-From Imam Ali (RA):- Al-Husayn said, “I asked my father about Al-Husayn said, “I asked my father about

how the Messenger of Allah (s) was at how the Messenger of Allah (s) was at homehome. .

He said, ‘It was allowed him to enter his house for his own He said, ‘It was allowed him to enter his house for his own comfort. When he retired to his house, he divided his time into 3 comfort. When he retired to his house, he divided his time into 3 parts – one part for Allah, one for his family and one for himself. parts – one part for Allah, one for his family and one for himself. Then he divided his part between his people and himself. He used Then he divided his part between his people and himself. He used the time for the people more for the common people than for the the time for the people more for the common people than for the elite. He did not reserve anything for himself to their exclusion.elite. He did not reserve anything for himself to their exclusion.

Of his conduct in the part reserved for himself was that he would Of his conduct in the part reserved for himself was that he would show preference to the people of merit, and would divide the time show preference to the people of merit, and would divide the time according to their excellence in the according to their excellence in the deendeen..

Some people needed one thing, some needed two, and some had Some people needed one thing, some needed two, and some had many needs. He concerned himself with them and kept them busy many needs. He concerned himself with them and kept them busy doing things that were good for them and the community. He doing things that were good for them and the community. He always asked about them and what was happening to them. always asked about them and what was happening to them.



He used to say, He used to say, “Those who are present should “Those who are present should convey things to those who are absent and you convey things to those who are absent and you should let me know about what is needed by should let me know about what is needed by people who cannot convey their needs to me.people who cannot convey their needs to me.

On the day of Rising, Allah will make firm the On the day of Rising, Allah will make firm the feet of a person who conveys to a ruler the need feet of a person who conveys to a ruler the need of someone who cannot convey it himself.”of someone who cannot convey it himself.”

This was all that was mentioned in his presence This was all that was mentioned in his presence and he would only accept this from people.’ ”and he would only accept this from people.’ ”

The hadith of Sufyan ibn Wukay’ says, The hadith of Sufyan ibn Wukay’ says, ‘‘They They entered as seekers and only parted after having entered as seekers and only parted after having tasted something, leaving as guides,’ i.e. as men tasted something, leaving as guides,’ i.e. as men of of fiqhfiqh..



Al-Husayn said, “Tell me about when he Al-Husayn said, “Tell me about when he went out and how he behaved then?”went out and how he behaved then?”

His father replied, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him His father replied, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, held his tongue except what concerned and grant him peace, held his tongue except what concerned people. He brought people together and did not split them. He people. He brought people together and did not split them. He honoured the nobles of every group of people and appointed them honoured the nobles of every group of people and appointed them over their people.over their people.

He was cautious about people and on his guard against them, but He was cautious about people and on his guard against them, but he did that without averting his face from them or being he did that without averting his face from them or being discourteous. He asked about his Companions and he asked discourteous. He asked about his Companions and he asked people how other people were. He praised what was good and people how other people were. He praised what was good and encouraged it, and disliked what was ugly and discouraged it. He encouraged it, and disliked what was ugly and discouraged it. He took a balanced course, without making changes.took a balanced course, without making changes.

He was not negligent, fearing that people would become He was not negligent, fearing that people would become negligent or weary. He was prepared for any eventuality. He did negligent or weary. He was prepared for any eventuality. He did not neglect a right nor did he let his debts reach the point where not neglect a right nor did he let his debts reach the point where others had to help him.others had to help him.



The best and most preferred people in his eyes were those who The best and most preferred people in his eyes were those who had good counsel for all. Those he most esteemed were those had good counsel for all. Those he most esteemed were those who supported and helped him.”who supported and helped him.”

Al-Husayn then asked him about his Al-Husayn then asked him about his assembly and how he behaved in it?assembly and how he behaved in it?

He said, “The Messenger of Allah (s) did not sit down or stand He said, “The Messenger of Allah (s) did not sit down or stand up without mentioning Allah. He did not reserve a special place up without mentioning Allah. He did not reserve a special place for himself and forbade other people to do so. When he came to for himself and forbade other people to do so. When he came to people, he sat down at the edge of the assembly and told other people, he sat down at the edge of the assembly and told other people to do the same.people to do the same.

He gave everyone who sat with him his share so that no one He gave everyone who sat with him his share so that no one who sat with him thought that anyone was honoured more than who sat with him thought that anyone was honoured more than he was. If anyone sat with him or stood near him to ask for he was. If anyone sat with him or stood near him to ask for something, he put up with that person until the person turned something, he put up with that person until the person turned away. When someone asked him for something he needed, he away. When someone asked him for something he needed, he either departed with it or with some consoling words. He had either departed with it or with some consoling words. He had the kindest and best behaviour of all people, being like a father the kindest and best behaviour of all people, being like a father to them. They were all equal of their rights with him.to them. They were all equal of their rights with him.



““His assembly was one of forbearance, modesty, His assembly was one of forbearance, modesty, patience and trust. Voices were not raised in it nor were patience and trust. Voices were not raised in it nor were shortcomings made public nor lapses exposed. Its shortcomings made public nor lapses exposed. Its members were attached to each other by fear of Allah members were attached to each other by fear of Allah and were humble. The old were respected and mercy and were humble. The old were respected and mercy was shown to the young. They helped those with needs was shown to the young. They helped those with needs and showed mercy to strangers.”and showed mercy to strangers.”

Al-Husayn then asked about how the Al-Husayn then asked about how the Messenger of Allah behaved with his Messenger of Allah behaved with his companions. companions.

‘‘Ali said, “The Messenger of Allah (s) was always Ali said, “The Messenger of Allah (s) was always cheerful, easy-tempered, mild. He was neither rough nor cheerful, easy-tempered, mild. He was neither rough nor course. He did not shout nor utter obscenities. He did course. He did not shout nor utter obscenities. He did not find fault with nor over-praised people. He ignored not find fault with nor over-praised people. He ignored what was superfluous and left it.what was superfluous and left it.



HeHe abandoned 3 things in himselfabandoned 3 things in himself:: HypocrisyHypocrisy Storing things upStoring things up What did not concern himWhat did not concern him

He also abandoned 3 things in respect of other peopleHe also abandoned 3 things in respect of other people:: He did not censure anyoneHe did not censure anyone He did not scold themHe did not scold them Nor try to find out their secretsNor try to find out their secrets

““He only spoke about things for which he expected a reward He only spoke about things for which he expected a reward from Allah. When he spoke, the people sitting with him were as from Allah. When he spoke, the people sitting with him were as still as if there were birds on their heads. When he was silent, still as if there were birds on their heads. When he was silent, they talked, but did not quarrel in his presence.they talked, but did not quarrel in his presence.

When someone talked in from of him, they kept quite until he When someone talked in from of him, they kept quite until he had finished. Their conversation was about the first topic had finished. Their conversation was about the first topic broached. He laughed at what they laughed at and was surprised broached. He laughed at what they laughed at and was surprised at what surprised them. He was patient with a stranger who had at what surprised them. He was patient with a stranger who had course language. He said, ‘When you find someone asking for course language. He said, ‘When you find someone asking for something he needs, then give it to him.’something he needs, then give it to him.’



He did not look for praise except to He did not look for praise except to counterbalance something. He did not interrupt counterbalance something. He did not interrupt anyone speaking until that person had himself anyone speaking until that person had himself come to an end by either speaking or getting up come to an end by either speaking or getting up from where he was sitting.’ ”from where he was sitting.’ ”

This is the end of the This is the end of the hadithhadith of Sufyan ibn Wukay’. of Sufyan ibn Wukay’. Someone else asked ’Ali Someone else asked ’Ali what the silence of the what the silence of the

Messenger was like?Messenger was like? He said, He said, he was silent for four reasonshe was silent for four reasons::

ForbearanceForbearance CautionCaution AppraisalAppraisal ReflectionReflection



His reflection was upon what would endure and His reflection was upon what would endure and what would vanish. He had forbearance in his what would vanish. He had forbearance in his patience. Nothing provocative angered him. patience. Nothing provocative angered him.

““He was cautious about four thingsHe was cautious about four things:: In adopting something good which would be followedIn adopting something good which would be followed In abandoning something bad which would be In abandoning something bad which would be

abandonedabandoned In striving to determine what would be beneficial for In striving to determine what would be beneficial for

his communityhis community In striving to determine what would combine the In striving to determine what would combine the

business of this world and the next.”business of this world and the next.”

(5) HABITS(5) HABITS


So What Did He (s) Do?So What Did He (s) Do? In Morning, Evening & NightIn Morning, Evening & Night At Home, In PrivateAt Home, In Private In Public, In an AssemblyIn Public, In an Assembly With CompanionsWith Companions What was he cautious about?What was he cautious about? What was he (s) silent about?What was he (s) silent about? What did he (s) abandon for himself What did he (s) abandon for himself

& others?& others?


Key to life: Key to life: Understanding HabitsUnderstanding Habits

There is 1 organ in the body, if it is wholesome There is 1 organ in the body, if it is wholesome the whole body is good, & if it is corrupt, the the whole body is good, & if it is corrupt, the whole body is bad - verily, it is the heart. whole body is bad - verily, it is the heart. Therefore, Therefore,

To get a “White Heart” =To get a “White Heart” = Frequency, Consistency & Quality of Frequency, Consistency & Quality of Good ActionsGood Actions

To get a “Black Heart” =To get a “Black Heart” = Frequency, Consistency & Quality of Frequency, Consistency & Quality of Bad ActionsBad Actions


So Your Life...So Your Life... Is a sum total of your habitsIs a sum total of your habits

∑ ∑ Life = My HabitsLife = My Habits

Your habit of sensing, perceiving, judging, Your habit of sensing, perceiving, judging, calculating, processing information, talking, calculating, processing information, talking, eating, dressing, walking, relating, working, eating, dressing, walking, relating, working, playing, PRIORITISING (worship, work, rights, playing, PRIORITISING (worship, work, rights, roles and duties), Time in public, private time, etc.roles and duties), Time in public, private time, etc.


Best of ActionsBest of Actions The The most beloved action to Allahmost beloved action to Allah is is

that:that:

Which no matter how Which no matter how smallsmall Is done Is done regularly regularly (consistency)(consistency)

e.g. saying ‘Bismillah’ before eating/drinking. Because e.g. saying ‘Bismillah’ before eating/drinking. Because each each and every timeand every time you do it you are remembering Allah, linking you do it you are remembering Allah, linking yourself to Him, al-akhira, fulfilling the sunna, saving yourself to Him, al-akhira, fulfilling the sunna, saving yourself from sin and harm, prevent wasting time, and yourself from sin and harm, prevent wasting time, and having good recorded in your favour.having good recorded in your favour.


Constant ImprovementConstant Improvement The Prophet (s) warned us: He is not The Prophet (s) warned us: He is not

amongst us (*the believers*) whose - amongst us (*the believers*) whose -

““2 days are equal”2 days are equal”

i.e. there is no desire or effort to better oneself, i.e. there is no desire or effort to better oneself, only resting on laurels and allowing a sense of only resting on laurels and allowing a sense of complacency to set-in. Remember – no-one complacency to set-in. Remember – no-one knows what their last action will be, so there knows what their last action will be, so there are no such guarantees as automatic success!are no such guarantees as automatic success!


Natural OrderNatural Order From life & nature we know that the From life & nature we know that the

opposite of growth = decayopposite of growth = decay

If we are not spiritually growing, we If we are not spiritually growing, we are DYING!are DYING!


The Ultimate GoalThe Ultimate Goal

Anas reported that the Prophet (s) said, Anas reported that the Prophet (s) said,

““Whoever brings the sunna to life has Whoever brings the sunna to life has brought me to life. Whoever brings me brought me to life. Whoever brings me to life will be with me in the Garden.”to life will be with me in the Garden.”

So do you want to be him (s), or do you So do you want to be him (s), or do you love and follow someone else more??love and follow someone else more??

(6) Dhul Hijja(6) Dhul Hijja


The Wonder of Dhul HijjaThe Wonder of Dhul Hijja Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him

and his father) reported that the Prophet and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: said: "There are no days in which righteous "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."ten days." The people asked, "Not even The people asked, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." cause, and came back with nothing." (Bukhari). (Bukhari).


Revive a Sunnah!Revive a Sunnah! The Prophet (s) commanded us to The Prophet (s) commanded us to recite recite

a lota lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allah"), of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillah") and Takbeer Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillah") and Takbeer ("Allahu akbar") during this time. ("Allahu akbar") during this time.

‘‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (r) reported that the Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (r) reported that the Prophet (s) said: "There are no days Prophet (s) said: "There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Ahmad)Allah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Ahmad)


Say It Out Loud!Say It Out Loud! Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be

pleased with them) used to go out in the pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them.recite Takbeer when they heard them.

In the masjid, the home, the street and every In the masjid, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah place where it is permitted to remember Allah and mention His name out loud, as an act of and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allah, exalted is He.of Allah, exalted is He.


Prayer in Dhul HijjaPrayer in Dhul Hijja

"Upon you is to increase in your "Upon you is to increase in your prostration to Allah, for verily you do prostration to Allah, for verily you do not prostrate to Allah with even one not prostrate to Allah with even one prostration, except that He raises prostration, except that He raises you in degrees and decreases your you in degrees and decreases your sins because of it." sins because of it." [Muslim][Muslim]


The Beauty of Dhul HijjaThe Beauty of Dhul Hijja Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of

Allah (s) said, Allah (s) said, "There are no days more "There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr]."night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr]." [at- [at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]


Fasting on 9Fasting on 9thth Dhul Hijja Dhul Hijja Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of

Allah (s) said, "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is Allah (s) said, "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of it and the year following it. Fasting the day of 'Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding 'Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding it." ["the group"]it." ["the group"]

"Be content with the fact that Allah will "Be content with the fact that Allah will expiate for you your sins for the year before expiate for you your sins for the year before (the day of 'Arafah) and the year after (the day (the day of 'Arafah) and the year after (the day of 'Arafah)." [Muslim]of 'Arafah)." [Muslim]


Why 10 days?Why 10 days? Consistency of ActionConsistency of Action HabitHabit A good force of habit = A good force of habit = A grand recompense on DoJA grand recompense on DoJ

Shaytan is NOT locked-up and now Shaytan is NOT locked-up and now you have an extra battle on the you have an extra battle on the hands, unlike in Ramadan!hands, unlike in Ramadan!


Why Are They So Why Are They So Blessed?Blessed?

Because Allah swears by them: Because Allah swears by them:

"By the dawn; by the ten nights""By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al- [al-Fajr 89:1-2]Fajr 89:1-2]

Prophet (s) testified by themProphet (s) testified by them


Why Else?Why Else? Ibn Hajar says in Fath al-Bârî:Ibn Hajar says in Fath al-Bârî:

““The most apparent reason for the ten days The most apparent reason for the ten days of Dhul-Hijja being distinguished in of Dhul-Hijja being distinguished in

excellence is due to the assembly of the excellence is due to the assembly of the greatest acts of worship in this period, i.e. greatest acts of worship in this period, i.e. salawât (prayers), siyâm (fasting), sadaqah salawât (prayers), siyâm (fasting), sadaqah

(charity) and the hajj (pilgrimage). In no (charity) and the hajj (pilgrimage). In no other periods do other periods do these great deeds these great deeds

combinecombine.”.”


Big TaskBig Task

Nafs + Shayateen + -ve habits = Nafs + Shayateen + -ve habits = Treble TroubleTreble Trouble

So, what are you going to do?So, what are you going to do?


Start Making A Change Start Making A Change ByBy

REACHING OUT FOR ALLAH’S REACHING OUT FOR ALLAH’S MERCY – MERCY –

THE GREAETEST OF WHICH THE GREAETEST OF WHICH DESCENDS ON DESCENDS ON THE DAY OF THE DAY OF ARAFATARAFAT(9(9thth Dhul Hijja). Dhul Hijja).


Allah Perfected Our Allah Perfected Our ReligionReligion

These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafah (the Day These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafah (the Day of ‘Arafah), on which Allah of ‘Arafah), on which Allah perfected His perfected His ReligionReligion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the . Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. sins of two years.

These days also include These days also include Yawm al-NaharYawm al-Nahar (the (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.other day.


Some Actions to Some Actions to ConsiderConsider

FastingFasting TakbeerTakbeer Performing Hajj / UmraPerforming Hajj / Umra Doing More Good Deeds in GeneralDoing More Good Deeds in General SacrifceSacrifce Sincere RepentanceSincere Repentance Upholding the Ties of KinshipUpholding the Ties of Kinship Etc.Etc.

(7) CAPTURE TIME(7) CAPTURE TIME

& You’ll Never Live in Regret& You’ll Never Live in Regret


Night & DayNight & Day

““You Are But Night & Day. As You Are But Night & Day. As Each Day Goes By So Does A Each Day Goes By So Does A

Part Of You.”Part Of You.” Imam Hasan Al BasriImam Hasan Al Basri


Creating an Extraordinary Creating an Extraordinary Quality of LifeQuality of Life

THE QUICKEST WAY TO CHANGE THE QUICKEST WAY TO CHANGE YOUR FOCUS IS THROUGH YOUR FOCUS IS THROUGH

QUESTIONS.QUESTIONS.

(1)(1)What’s my What’s my OUTCOMEOUTCOME: What do I really : What do I really want?want?

(2)(2)What’s my What’s my PURPOSEPURPOSE: Why do I really want : Why do I really want it?it?

(3)(3)What specific What specific ACTIONSACTIONS must I take to make must I take to make this happen?this happen?


Quality Questions = Quality Questions = Quality LifeQuality Life

{1} What are you happy about right now? {1} What are you happy about right now? What What couldcould you be happy or excited about? you be happy or excited about?

{2} What are you proud of in your life right {2} What are you proud of in your life right now? What now? What couldcould you be proud about? you be proud about?

{3} What are you grateful for? What {3} What are you grateful for? What couldcould you be grateful for?you be grateful for?

{4} o do you love? Who loves you? Who {4} o do you love? Who loves you? Who couldcould you love? Who you love? Who couldcould you allow to you allow to love you?love you?


How Do You Take Control How Do You Take Control of Your Focus?of Your Focus?

Step 1: See the situation as it is, not Step 1: See the situation as it is, not worse than it isworse than it is

Step 2: See the situation better than it Step 2: See the situation better than it isis

Step 3: Take action & make it the way Step 3: Take action & make it the way you see ityou see it


Successful People Run Successful People Run Their Own MindTheir Own Mind

(1) They Know WHAT They Want: THE TARGETFirst, they know the target they’re going for – the measurable results they’re seeking, and thus they don’t get caught up in the process. They understand the outcome they are after, and that there are many ways to achieve it. The more clear you are about the result you want, the easier it is to find a way to make it happen. So the first question you must answer in life is “What do I really want? What is the target I’m after? What is my real outcome?”

(2) They Know Why They Want It: THE PURPOSEThose who succeed not only understand the specific outcome they are after in a given situation, but they also have unleashed the driving force of purpose. So often in life we know what we ‘should’ do, but we don’t have compelling enough reasons, a significant ‘why’ to get ourselves to do whatever it takes to achieve what we really want. Once you know what it is you really want, you must ask yourself, “Why do you want it?” “What will it give me?” “How will it make me feel to produce this result?” “What is my purpose?” This will give you the critical missing link that all traditional time planning methods fail to provide. ‘To-do’ lists don’t give you the why, and without a strong enough why, we rarely follow through.

(3) They Know What IT Will Take to Make It Happen: They have an ACTION PLANFinally, successful people understand that if they know what they want specifically, and why they want it, they can figure out how to create or achieve anything on which they focus. They ask themselves the critical question, “What specific actions must I take in order to achieve this outcome/result that I am committed to?” Remember, when your outcome is crystal clear, and the reasons you must achieve it are providing you with enough emotional drive, discovering the best way to get the job done becomes obvious. Remember, there are many ways to achieve any result! If one way doesn’t work, and you know your outcome and have a strong enough purpose, you’ll easily find another way.

Those who truly succeed in life, and more importantly, achieve fulfilment, have 3 things in common:


The Power of FocusThe Power of Focus(1) Fear

We will avoid anything that we believe has the potential to give us PAIN. All human beings have a need to avoid pain-it’s a survival instinct. When we believe something might lead to pain, we focus on it. The challenge is that if we focus on what we fear, we feel it today and experience it as it has already happened. Remember, the coward dies a thousand deaths, the courageous man only once. Living in fear does not equate to a proactive life-it will guarantee drama, stress and reactivity rather than fulfilment.

(2) Demand From Other PeopleReally, this a form of pain too. We don’t want to disappoint people, and we recognise that in order to maintain relationships with people we must meet their needs. So often in life, we know what to do, but we don’t do what we know. The OPA system will help you to change that mindset because it will show you how to move yourself in the direction you want to go to rather than looking for someone else to motivate you. To do things for your reasons will give you a lasting sense of drive instead of just a momentary feeling of motivation. Remember, motivation is temporary; drive is permanent.

(3) PleasureMost people live their lives in such an extreme state of stress that they simply long for a sense of relief. So what gets our attention? Little things that make us feel good immediately, like having something to eat or drink or smoke or play, or maybe doing something we know will give us an immediate sense of accomplishment like cleaning off our desk rather than working on a report or project.

There are 3 areas that consistently demand our focus in the absence of a plan:


The Power of FocusThe Power of Focus

The Reasonable Man Adapts Himself to The Reasonable Man Adapts Himself to The World;The World;

The Unreasonable One Persists in The Unreasonable One Persists in Trying to Adapt The World to Himself.Trying to Adapt The World to Himself.

Therefore, All Progress Depends on The Therefore, All Progress Depends on The Unreasonable Man.Unreasonable Man.

- Sir George Bernard Shaw- Sir George Bernard Shaw


Make it Happen For YouMake it Happen For You ““Do not let the self in you Do not let the self in you

rush madly after rush madly after inordinate desires, inordinate desires, because it will drive you because it will drive you to the path of wickedness to the path of wickedness and vice, or oppression and vice, or oppression and tyranny.” and tyranny.” ‘Ali ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi TalibAbi Talib

The path of the people of The path of the people of faith comprises faith comprises knowledge of the truth knowledge of the truth and adherence to it in and adherence to it in their conduct.”their conduct.” Ibn Ibn KathirKathir

The master in the art of The master in the art of living makes little living makes little distinction between his work distinction between his work and his play, his labour and and his play, his labour and his leisure, his mind and his his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and body, his information and his reaction, his love and his his reaction, his love and his religion. He hardly knows religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply which is which. He simply pursues his vision of pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to does, leaving others to decide whether he is decide whether he is working or playing. To him working or playing. To him he is always doing both.he is always doing both. James MichenerJames Michener


Master YourselfMaster Yourself So that you are:So that you are:

You are running on trackYou are running on track Living the life of your dreams, in accordance with Living the life of your dreams, in accordance with

the Principles & Practices of Islamthe Principles & Practices of Islam Are not perturbed by external influence & Are not perturbed by external influence &

triggerstriggers Can respond to environmental stimuli with action Can respond to environmental stimuli with action

based on preferred choice and better practicebased on preferred choice and better practice Have a heightened sense of self-awarenessHave a heightened sense of self-awareness Can deliver your best most of the timeCan deliver your best most of the time Adapt the world around you such that others are Adapt the world around you such that others are

benefited in the long termbenefited in the long term


What Is the Focus of What Is the Focus of Your Life?Your Life?

Not Urgent, Not ImportantNot Urgent, Not Important

Urgent, Not ImportantUrgent, Not Important

Urgent & ImportantUrgent & Important

ImportantImportantNot UrgentNot Urgent

The ZoneThe Zone

The Dimension of Fulfilment

The Dimension of Distraction

The Dimension of Demand

The Dimension of Delusion


(1) The Dimension of Distraction: Not Important & Not Urgent.

(2) The Dimension of Delusion: Urgent but Not Important.

(3) The Dimension of Demand: Urgent & Important.

(4) The Zone: Very Important But Not Urgent.


Time TargetsTime Targets

If you want to be If you want to be fulfilled and achieve fulfilled and achieve at a much higher at a much higher level, you must spend level, you must spend an average of 40-70% an average of 40-70% of your time in the of your time in the Zone of FulfilmentZone of Fulfilment


Stressed PeopleStressed People As a Successful Person You MUST Spend As a Successful Person You MUST Spend

LESS than 5-10% in the Dimension of LESS than 5-10% in the Dimension of Distraction and spend more than 45%, at Distraction and spend more than 45%, at least, in the Zone of Fulfilment.least, in the Zone of Fulfilment.

Stressed people spend more than 80% of Stressed people spend more than 80% of their time in the Dimension of Demand their time in the Dimension of Demand (Urgent & Important)(Urgent & Important)

They have an Urgency AddictionThey have an Urgency Addiction


Control ModelControl Model

80 % is Psychology /

20% is Mechanics

Things You Can’t Things You Can’t Control or InfluenceControl or Influence

Things You Can Things You Can InfluenceInfluence

Things You Can Things You Can Control Control

((i.e.i.e. Your Emotional State) Your Emotional State)


The Power of VisionThe Power of Vision

The Circle of

Life

100%100%10

0%

100%

100%

100%

Spiritual

0%

PhysicalFinancial

Work

Family

Em

otio

nal

Shade in area according to level of satisfaction


……..which direction ..which direction are you going?are you going?

Everyone is on a Success Cycle…Everyone is on a Success Cycle…

People’s potential is People’s potential is almost unlimited. But, almost unlimited. But,

do most people’s do most people’s results reflect the level results reflect the level of potential they have?of potential they have?

Potential Action

ResultsBelief / Attitude

(8) STRATEGIES (8) STRATEGIES

FOR LASTING CHANGE & LIFE FOR LASTING CHANGE & LIFE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT


DecisionsDecisions The only thing that changes your life The only thing that changes your life

is Decisionsis Decisions If you get more knowledge, that’s niceIf you get more knowledge, that’s nice If you get inspired, that’s niceIf you get inspired, that’s nice What’s really needed is What’s really needed is decisionsdecisions

Not just any decisions, but time-Not just any decisions, but time-related, schedule-based decisionsrelated, schedule-based decisions

This is what we are doing here…todayThis is what we are doing here…today


Decisions shape DestinyDecisions shape Destiny The moment you The moment you DECIDEDECIDE on something, on something,

You got to give it You got to give it MEANINGMEANING** – which – which gives gives emotionemotion to it to it

& in turn this creates & in turn this creates ACTIONACTION

* Meaning* Meaning: e.g. asking yourself what would : e.g. asking yourself what would happen to my life if I actually did this? What happen to my life if I actually did this? What would happen to my life if I let it go and didn’t would happen to my life if I let it go and didn’t carry through? What would I get if I achieved carry through? What would I get if I achieved it?it?


2 Invisible Forces that 2 Invisible Forces that Shape UsShape Us

1.1. In the ‘moment’ = Our In the ‘moment’ = Our ‘State’‘State’ (psychological / emotional). You are in (psychological / emotional). You are in different states when you are:different states when you are:

• Driving, eating, sitting, talking, waiting, arguing, Driving, eating, sitting, talking, waiting, arguing, • Walking, playing, reading, cleaning, bathing, Walking, playing, reading, cleaning, bathing,

praying, designing etc.praying, designing etc.

2.2. Longer-term = Our Longer-term = Our modelmodel of ourselves of ourselves and the worldand the world

• Including beliefs, values, judgements and Including beliefs, values, judgements and practicespractices


Strategies For ChangeStrategies For Change Whole-System Change: Whole-System Change:

Mind, Body, Heart & SpiritMind, Body, Heart & Spirit Determination & Faith:Determination & Faith:

Having the Will to SucceedHaving the Will to Succeed

The Power to do what we want lies in The Power to do what we want lies in decisions, followed through with a decisions, followed through with a

commitment to a plan of action.commitment to a plan of action.


Key OutcomesKey Outcomes What do you want out of life?What do you want out of life?

Imagine your ideal life-styleImagine your ideal life-style Represent it on paperRepresent it on paper


Areas of Major ConcernAreas of Major Concern What’s holding you back?What’s holding you back? Which one thing if you let go would help Which one thing if you let go would help

you to change your life more than you to change your life more than anything else?anything else?

What drives you?What drives you? Which one thing properly adopted and Which one thing properly adopted and

executed would excel you in most of the executed would excel you in most of the key areas of your life?key areas of your life?

Think about different areas of your life and Think about different areas of your life and categorise them for simplicity, such as…categorise them for simplicity, such as…


Spheres of ReferenceSpheres of Reference

Work

Personal

Relationships

Spiritual


In Other WordsIn Other Words

To Live

To Learn

To Love

To Leave A Legacy


The Power of Effective The Power of Effective Decision MakingDecision Making

Remember, every decision carries a Remember, every decision carries a consequenceconsequence

Your brain is constantly making 3 Your brain is constantly making 3 decisions:-decisions:- What am I going to focus on?What am I going to focus on? What does this mean?What does this mean? What am I going to do?What am I going to do?


4 Reasons Why People Put 4 Reasons Why People Put Off DecisionsOff Decisions

1.1. FearFear fear of failure, but the only failure is failing to decidefear of failure, but the only failure is failing to decide

2.2. Uncertainty about the futureUncertainty about the future Decisions must be based on the greatest probabilityDecisions must be based on the greatest probability

3.3. People have weak decision-making musclesPeople have weak decision-making muscles Decisions must be based on the greatest probabilityDecisions must be based on the greatest probability The way to get good at decision-making is to make The way to get good at decision-making is to make

more of themmore of them4.4. People feel overwhelmedPeople feel overwhelmed

Decision-making requires a system that will cause us Decision-making requires a system that will cause us to focus more on our outcomes and produce the to focus more on our outcomes and produce the results that will benefit us most in the long-term.results that will benefit us most in the long-term.


Don’t Worry About Making Don’t Worry About Making MistakesMistakes

Success is the result of good judgment.

Good judgment is the result of experience.

Experience is often the result of bad judgment.


4 Rules for Decision 4 Rules for Decision MakingMaking

(1) All important and/or difficult decisions must be made on paper. Do not do it in your head! This causes a “Looping Process” that makes effective decision making difficult to impossible , and makes people crazy!

(2) The most important first step in all decision making is to be clear about what you want (your outcome) and why you want it (your purpose). How will you know when you’ve achieved your outcome? What is your evidence procedure?

(3) Remember, decisions are made based on probability. Rarely will you have the luxury of absolute certainty. All decision making carries some consequence-that’s its power. However, failing to make a timely and intelligent decision can also carry sever consequences to individuals and organisations.

(4) All decision making is Value Clarification. Often, you will have several outcomes you want to achieve simultaneously. Therefore, you must be clear about the order of importance of all these outcomes.

(9) Constant (9) Constant Improvement & Improvement &

Consistency of ActionsConsistency of Actions


Save Yourself from Save Yourself from Yourself!Yourself!

Whoever conquers the passion of his soul Whoever conquers the passion of his soul has conquered all men. No one has any has conquered all men. No one has any power over him, since goal of his enemies power over him, since goal of his enemies is to try to annihilate his body, yet that is to try to annihilate his body, yet that person lives his spirit. Whoever dies to his person lives his spirit. Whoever dies to his passions in this life will live in his death.passions in this life will live in his death. Al Al GhazaliGhazali

Abu Dharr (r) said that the Prophet (s) said: Abu Dharr (r) said that the Prophet (s) said: ““The best form of jihad is a man who fights The best form of jihad is a man who fights

against himself and his desire.”against himself and his desire.”


Sensual Gateways of Sensual Gateways of ShaytanShaytan

MindMind TongueTongue HeartHeart EyesEyes FeetFeet HandsHands StomachStomach


Sins & -ve Actions:Sins & -ve Actions:PersonalPersonal

ProcrastinationProcrastination Arrogance/PrideArrogance/Pride Egotism/Self-worshipEgotism/Self-worship Holding grudgesHolding grudges Unlawful looking/gazingUnlawful looking/gazing Rancour/Jealousy/EnvyRancour/Jealousy/Envy MiserlinessMiserliness ShamelessnessShamelessness InsincerityInsincerity LyingLying

PublicPublic Backbiting/GossipingBackbiting/Gossiping Slandering/Name-callingSlandering/Name-calling Cheating/FraudCheating/Fraud Showing offShowing off Humiliating/InsultingHumiliating/Insulting Cutting Ties of KinshipCutting Ties of Kinship Brutality/ViolenceBrutality/Violence Breaking Trusts/PromisesBreaking Trusts/Promises Failing to Pay-off Debt/sFailing to Pay-off Debt/s False Accusations/SpyingFalse Accusations/Spying


Specific Times & PlacesSpecific Times & Places MorningMorning

EveningEvening

NightNight

Travel TimeTravel Time

HomeHome

WorkWork

Masjid / Centres of Masjid / Centres of LearningLearning

CommunityCommunity


Good Deeds & +ve Good Deeds & +ve Actions:Actions:

PersonalPersonal Cleanliness/ThankfulnessCleanliness/Thankfulness Modesty/HumblenessModesty/Humbleness Letting go/ForgivenessLetting go/Forgiveness Good Perception/IntentionGood Perception/Intention Noble Nature/GenerosityNoble Nature/Generosity Loving for Allah’s SakeLoving for Allah’s Sake Loyalty/TrustworthinessLoyalty/Trustworthiness Seeking Allah’s Help/Du‘aSeeking Allah’s Help/Du‘a Sending Prayers upon P (s)Sending Prayers upon P (s) Reading Quran/DzikrReading Quran/Dzikr Sadaqah/TaubahSadaqah/Taubah

PublicPublic Assisting Others/Birrul Assisting Others/Birrul

WalidaynWalidayn Spreading Spreading

Salaams/CheerfulnessSalaams/Cheerfulness Giving Good Advice/Giving Good Advice/ Khidmat-ul-Khalq/ HospitalityKhidmat-ul-Khalq/ Hospitality Inviting to Good/to your HomeInviting to Good/to your Home Keeping Ties of KinshipKeeping Ties of Kinship Giving Gifts/Fulfilling RightsGiving Gifts/Fulfilling Rights Honouring Trusts/PromisesHonouring Trusts/Promises Earning Halal / Feeding OthersEarning Halal / Feeding Others Keeping Good CompanyKeeping Good Company Listening Well/CampaigningListening Well/Campaigning


As Before, Work Out As Before, Work Out Your GoalsYour Goals

Which one thing can Which one thing can you think of if you think of if regularly done will regularly done will make you excel in make you excel in other areas of your other areas of your life?life?

You Must Adopt 3:You Must Adopt 3: Prayer: salah, dikr, Prayer: salah, dikr,

tilawahtilawah FastingFasting CharityCharity

Which one thing can Which one thing can you think of if you think of if regularly challenged regularly challenged will make you excel will make you excel in other areas of in other areas of your life?your life?

You Must Drop 3:You Must Drop 3: LyingLying Getting AngryGetting Angry Being ProudBeing Proud


Key to SuccessKey to Success Combine Good Deeds Combine Good Deeds

with Repentancewith Repentance

"But as for him who "But as for him who repented, believed repented, believed and did righteous and did righteous deeds, then he will deeds, then he will be among those who be among those who are successful."are successful." [al- [al-Qasas 28:67]Qasas 28:67]

Faith & PracticeFaith & Practice

Goods Deeds & Goods Deeds & WorshipWorship

Self-Sacrifice & Self-Sacrifice & SteadfastnessSteadfastness

Good Company & Good Company & RepentanceRepentance


And Never Forget These And Never Forget These 33

1.1. LOVE ALLAH THE MOST LOVE ALLAH THE MOST Call Him to Mind & Heart RegularlyCall Him to Mind & Heart Regularly

2.2. LOVE HIS MESSENGER NEXTLOVE HIS MESSENGER NEXT Emulate and Model his practicesEmulate and Model his practices

3.3. LOVE THEM BOTH THROUGH LOVE THEM BOTH THROUGH LIVING THE QUR‘ANLIVING THE QUR‘AN

Set-aside specific time to read it, understand it, Set-aside specific time to read it, understand it, and then go forward by applying it…and then go forward by applying it…


In ConclusionIn ConclusionIn Whatever business you may be, and whatever portion you maybe In Whatever business you may be, and whatever portion you maybe

reciting from the Qur‘an-and whatever deed you (mankind) may be reciting from the Qur‘an-and whatever deed you (mankind) may be doing – We are witness thereof when you are deeply engrossed doing – We are witness thereof when you are deeply engrossed

therein. Nor is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an therein. Nor is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in heaven. And not the least and not the greatest atom on the earth or in heaven. And not the least and not the greatest

of these things but are recorded in a clear record.of these things but are recorded in a clear record.Behold! Verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they Behold! Verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they

grieve.grieve.Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil (10:61-63)Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil (10:61-63)

Follow the inspiration sent unto you, and be patient Follow the inspiration sent unto you, and be patient and constant, till Allah does decide: for He is the Best and constant, till Allah does decide: for He is the Best

to Decide. (10:109)to Decide. (10:109)

Documents

The 10 Best Days Of Your Life Ark D Hijja 1430