As a Muslim one should have to act according to the teachings of Islam and should transform the way of living according to the preaching of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and for this purpose we have to adopt good habits and break our bad habits which we are practicing.
Imagine our lives as a canvas, where we all strive to erase the marks of our bad habits and paint a better picture. Islam offers us a special guidebook for this journey. It’s not just about quitting habits, it’s a spiritual adventure that brings us closer to God.
In this article, we’ll explore how Islam teaches us to overcome these habits, so we can become better versions of ourselves both inside and out. Let’s discover the wisdom that Islam shares to help us break free from the chains of bad habits and embrace a life full of purpose and positivity.
What are bad habits in the eye of Islam?
Before discussing the ways of how to break bad habits we should have to look at what they are and are we practicing them in our daily life? In Islam, bad habits are those actions or behaviors that go against the teachings and values of the faith, hinder personal growth, and distance a person from Allah’s blessings. These habits include:
- Backbiting and Slander: Speaking ill of others behind their backs, which harms their reputation and creates discord among people.
- Lying: Deliberately deceiving others, as Islam emphasizes honesty and loyalty.
- Gossiping: Engaging in idle talk or spreading rumors that can harm individuals or relationships.
- Procrastination: Delaying important tasks or neglecting responsibilities, which can lead to wasted time and missed opportunities.
- Wasting Resources: Squandering wealth, time, or resources in extravagant or careless ways.
- Anger and Aggression: Yielding to anger in a way that harms oneself or others, rather than seeking patience and understanding.
- Arrogance: Displaying an inflated sense of self-importance, which goes against the Islamic principle of humility.
- Envy and : Feeling resentful towards others’ blessings or success, instead of being content and grateful.
- Addictions: Falling into substance abuse, excessive consumption, or any behavior that enslaves a person’s mind and body.
- Neglecting Prayers: Failing to perform the obligatory daily prayers, a cornerstone of a Muslim’s relationship with Allah.
- Dishonesty: Engaging in deceit, fraud, or any form of unethical behavior.
- Indulgence in Sinful Activities: Engaging in activities prohibited by Islam, such as gambling, interest-based transactions, or engaging in forbidden relationships.
Hadiths ABout Bad Habits:
Do you know that our noble personalities have also forbidden us from these habits? Here are some sayings of them:
Backbiting and Slander:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Do you know what backbiting is?” They said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He then said, “It is to say something about your brother that he would dislike.” Someone asked him, “But what if what I say is true?” The Messenger of Allah replied, “If what you say about him is true, you have backbitten him, and if it is not true, you have slandered him.”
Lying:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Be truthful, for indeed truth leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A person will keep speaking the truth and striving to speak the truth until they will be written as truthful with Allah.”
Anger and Aggression:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”
Envy and Jealousy:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood.”
Procrastination:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you become preoccupied, and your life before your death.”
Dishonesty:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The signs of the hypocrite are three: whenever he speaks, he lies; whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it; and whenever he is entrusted, he betrays his trust.”
The sayings of Prophets and other noble personalities flood Islam, providing evidence of its prohibition of bad habits.
How to get rid of bad habits?
Well, there are various ways through which you can get rid of bad habits but do remember that you have to be consistent and should be punctual of good if you want to leave bad.
Self-awareness:
Recognize and admit the bad habits you possess. Acknowledgment is the first step towards change.
Seeking Forgiveness: Turn to Allah in repentance (Tawbah). Sincerely ask for forgiveness for the past and make a firm intention to change.
Replacement with Good Habits:
Substitute bad habits with positive ones that align with Islamic values. For example, replace gossiping with beneficial conversations or replace wasteful activities with acts of charity.
Learning and Reflection:
Study relevant verses from the Quran and Hadith that address the specific habit. Reflect on their meanings and implications in your life.
Company of Virtuous People:
Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and model good behavior, as their positive influence can help in breaking bad habits.
Self-Discipline:
Strengthen your self-discipline through consistent practice. This might involve setting goals, creating routines, and maintaining accountability.
Pray to Allah for strength, guidance, and help in overcoming the bad habit. Trust in His mercy and assistance.
Mindfulness and Reflection:
Regularly evaluate your progress. Keep a journal to track your successes, challenges, and the moments you felt tempted by the bad habit.
Distraction and Replacement:
When the urge to engage in the bad habit arises, redirect your attention towards a different activity or engage in acts of worship, such as making Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
Patience and Perseverance:
Breaking bad habits is a journey that requires time and patience. Prepare to face setbacks and continue moving forward.
Accountability Partner:
Share your goals with a trustworthy friend or family member who can support and remind you of your commitment.
Professional Help:
In cases of severe addictions or deeply ingrained habits, seeking guidance from a qualified counselor or therapist can be beneficial.
Remember, change takes time, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Be kind to yourself, seek Allah’s help, and stay committed to your goal of personal growth and spiritual betterment.
Conclusion:
In the pursuit of breaking bad habits, Islam illuminates a path of transformation that transcends mere behavior modification. It’s a journey of self-discovery, renewal, and spiritual growth. By turning to the teachings of the faith, seeking forgiveness, and embodying its values, believers can break free from the chains of detrimental behaviors. With self-awareness, determination, and reliance on Allah’s mercy, individuals can rewrite the narratives of their lives.
Every step taken towards abandoning bad habits is a step closer to attaining the purity of heart and character that Islam encourages. Through this endeavor, one not only becomes a better person but also draws nearer to the Divine, living a life that aligns with the timeless principles of Islam. May Allah reward our efforts to overcome bad habits with strength, resilience, and an ever-deepening connection. AAMEEN
