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Let's reflect on a powerful message-one rooted in our tradition but often forgotten in the noise of modern life. It's about something simple, yet transformative: fasting, eating less, sleeping less, and purifying the soul. These are not just acts of worship; they are tools for real change.
In our time, people talk about intermittent fasting, 16-hour diets, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. But Islam gave us the blueprint over 1,400 years ago. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged fasting not just in Ramadan, but throughout the year-Mondays and Thursdays, and the three white days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month).
The wisdom? To control desire.
We live in a time of excess-food is everywhere, cravings dominate us, and we rarely pause to check our intentions. Fasting kills that constant desire. It disciplines the self. You're not starving; you're regaining control.
"Your desire for food should not control you-you should control it."
Start small. Fast on the white days. Then try Mondays and Thursdays. Not for the body only-but for the heart.
Tazkiyah means purification of the soul. It's the foundation of all spiritual growth. Without tazkiyah, worship becomes robotic. With it, your prayer becomes a conversation with Allah.
The scholars of old would sleep only 3-4 hours a night-not out of obligation, but because their hearts were full. Less sleep meant more time with Allah. But they didn't deprive themselves without purpose. They knew the heart has two forces: good and evil. Whichever one you feed becomes stronger.
If you strengthen your good side, the evil inside naturally weakens. But if all you feed is your body-food, sleep, desires-the spiritual self starves.
We live in an age of indulgence. Celebrations, constant food, gatherings-everything revolves around eating. But we've forgotten the beauty of simplicity.
The Prophet ď·ş said:
"That which Allah has declared lawful is lawful, and that which He has declared unlawful is unlawful. Whatever He has remained silent upon is a pardon for you. So accept His pardon."
(Hadith - Tirmidhi)
We don't need to overcomplicate religion. Islam is ease. But that ease doesn't mean we indulge endlessly. It means we focus on the heart, discipline, and connection to our Lord.
"Know Allah in times of ease, and He will know you in times of hardship."
Don't wait for calamity to hit before turning to Allah. Build your relationship now-when life is calm, when food is plenty, when sleep is uninterrupted. That's the time to invest in your soul.
Train your heart while it's still soft. When the trials come-and they will-you'll be strong enough to face them.
If you truly want to grow, it starts with these simple yet forgotten acts:
You don't need expensive courses or complicated rituals. What you need is sincerity, action, and consistency.
"Whoever loves Allah, will try to do what pleases Him and avoid what displeases Him. And when they falter, they ask for forgiveness-not give up."
O Allah, show us truth as truth and grant us the strength to follow it. Show us falsehood as falsehood and help us to avoid it. Purify our hearts and make us of those who walk this earth lightly but whose hearts are firm with You. Ameen.
Losing Faith
