In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper meanings and values that can bring us peace and purpose.
As we navigate the challenges of modern living, the timeless wisdom found in the core concepts of Islam offers profound guidance. By incorporating these principles into our lives, we can cultivate a stronger sense of faith, gratitude, and mindfulness.
Here are seven essential Islamic concepts that you can apply to your life right now:
- Istiqamah (استقامة)
- Qanaah (قَنَاعَةٌ )
- Istikharah (الاستخارة)
- Khusyuk (خشوع )
- Niyyah (نِيَّة)
- Tawakkul (تَوَكُّل)
- Sabr (صَبْرٌ)
By embracing these teachings, we can enrich our spiritual journey and enhance our everyday experiences, insyaAllah.
Reading time: 7 minutes
Table of Contents
Istiqamah (استقامة)
Noun. to be straight, to be consistent
Istiqamah is all about staying consistent and steadfast in your beliefs, actions, and goals. It encourages us to stick to the right path, no matter what challenges or temptations come our way.
By practicing istiqamah, we can build resilience and inner strength, ensuring that our actions always align with our values and that we stay dedicated to our personal and spiritual growth.
Want to dive deeper into istiqamah?
Check out ‘When You Think You’re Falling’ by Ameera Aslam, a Singaporean-born author.
In her book, Ameera shares her journey and offers a beacon of hope for anyone dealing with spiritual burnout.
She guides readers from feelings of fear and shame to joy, hope, and gratitude. If you’re feeling hopeless or exhausted in your journey toward Allah, this book is a must-read!
Qanaah (قَنَاعَةٌ )
Noun. Contentment
Qanaah teaches us to be satisfied with what we have, rather than constantly seeking more.
It’s about finding peace and happiness with what’s already present in our lives, leading to a more fulfilling and grateful mindset.For a great read on this topic, check out ‘Sedikit, Tapi Cukup’ by Fakhri Fadzli, the author of Fainni Qarib and Tuhan Tetap Menjaga Kita.
In his relaxed and approachable writing style, Fakhri guides us on how to build inner wealth through qanaah—feeling content and accepting Allah’s plans.
As he beautifully puts it, “If you have a heart that feels content, you and the king of the world are the same.”
Note: The book is written in Bahasa Melayu.
Istikharah (الاستخارة)
Noun. Seeking Guidance
Istikharah is the act of seeking guidance from Allah before making important decisions. It involves performing a specific prayer and then trusting in Allah’s wisdom to choose what is best for you.
For further insights into this practice, consider reading ‘Adakah Ini Terbaik’ by Khairun Nazrin, a Shariah Advisor and the author of Bangun Pagi-Pagi Berkat Sepanjang Hari.
This book delves into the art of seeking and returning to Allah SWT for all decisions.
As Khairun Nazrin eloquently puts it, “If you wish to ask, ask from Allah. If you seek help, seek help from Allah.”
Note: The book is written in Bahasa Melayu.
Khusyuk (خشوع )
Noun. Concentration
Khusyuk refers to a state of deep concentration, humility, and attentiveness in prayer and worship. It teaches the importance of being fully present in the moment and showing respect in our actions.
For deeper insights into cultivating khusyuk, consider reading ‘Duduk Sebentar’ by Fakhrul Islam, a leading trainer at Mubeena Academy.
This book invites us to reflect on and reassess the distractions we experience in life.
As Fakhrul Islam aptly puts it, “When reading the Quran, we should read calmly, not in a hurry to finish.”
Note: The book is written in Bahasa Melayu.
Niyyah (نِيَّة)
Noun. Intention
Niyyah emphasizes the importance of having a sincere intention in all actions.
It teaches that our intentions should be pure and directed towards seeking Allah’s pleasure, whether in worship or daily activities.
For further exploration of this concept, consider reading ‘Blessings in the Little Things’ by Roedah Mansour, a Cham American from Seattle, USA. Through the concept of “heartwork,” this book offers a roadmap for reviving your heart and finding meaning in the mundane.
As Roedah Mansour beautifully expresses, “Even if you are in doubt, know you are worth more than you can imagine. You are precious to your Maker. And who else do you need acceptance from?”
Tawakkul (تَوَكُّل)
Noun. to put trust, to rely
Tawakkul teaches us to trust in Allah’s plans, recognizing that He is the best of planners. While we may struggle to make peace with His planning at times, it is in our moments of darkness and uncertainty that Allah sends His guidance to us.
Trusting in Allah means nurturing a balance between taking action and relying on His will. It’s about striving our best while surrendering the outcome to Allah alone. The concept of Tawakkul encourages us to let go of the need for control and trust in Allah’s plans, while still putting in our efforts to achieve our goals.
For further exploration of this concept, consider reading ‘He Found You Lost, and Guided You’ by Ayesha Syahira.
This book delves into nurturing trust in Allah, especially when we feel we’re in control of our lives’ timelines. It invites us to believe in the good things Allah has planned for us.
As the book beautifully reminds us, “In the darkest moments, remember that Allah is always with you. Even if it seems like everything is falling apart, have faith that Allah has a plan for you. Trust in Him, and He will guide you through the darkness.”
Sabr (صَبْرٌ)
Noun. perseverance, persistence
Life is full of tests, and while we know this, experiencing those tests can leave us feeling shocked, numb, and stuck in a dark tunnel of brokenness. As we try to be strong and patient (sabr) in the face of adversity, the pain we feel inside can become overwhelming, making it hard to move forward. We might drown in our emotions and lose touch with who we are because of our “brokenness.”
For deeper understanding, read ‘Dear Broken Soul: Return Home to God’ by Liyana Musfirah and Maimunah Mosli. This book explores how heartbreak affects us and how we can heal by seeking God through our brokenness. It reminds us that no matter how broken we feel, our hearts always have a home to return to — with God.
As the book beautifully states, “If there is one blessing in life you should be thankful for, it would have to be your past experiences. Without them, you are merely a blank canvas, but they have shaped and coloured you this version of a masterpiece that is so unique and special.”
In conclusion,
Incorporating these seven Islamic concepts—Istiqamah, Qanaah, Istikharah, Khusyuk, Niyyah, Tawakkul, and Sabr—into your life can lead to greater faith, gratitude, and mindfulness.
Each concept offers profound lessons that can help you navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. To dive deeper into these teachings, explore the recommended books by visiting www.imanshoppe.com – Start your journey toward spiritual enrichment today!
FAQs About Best Islamic Books
How do I choose the right Islamic book for my specific interests?
First, determine which topic interests you most, either Islamic history, jurisprudence, spirituality, or self-improvement. Consume online reviews like Goodreads and suggestions from dependable sources. You can also look at the book’s summaries or previews if there are any to help in knowing about them.
Can I find Islamic books in languages other than Arabic or English?
Yes, Muslim books are in virtually all known languages. Try to locate renowned publishers/distributors that provide either translations or original work in the language you choose. Several translations of classical works provide access for global audiences.
Are there any resources for Islamic books for children and teenagers?
Yes. We offer a variety of Islamic books for children and teenagers, covering topics such as Islamic stories, history and Prophets of Islam. Available both in English and Bahasa Melayu, you can browse the collection here -> https://www.imanshoppe.com/collections/children?
Penulis Tamu Nor Husna | Social media
Copywriter IMAN