Enhancing Your 3Ps this Ramadan

We often hear that 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐞 and it is a trait that is built over many years complemented by the acts of 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, and 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 thoughts.

As Muslims, Prophet Muhammad SAW is the best example of how we can become progressive Muslims - by practicing these traits mentioned above. Our Messenger was not free from tribulations and struggled with different challenges in his life. This include losing his parents when he was a child, seeing his beloved wife and children passed on, and facing rebellion from his people when he was spreading Islam. Despite all these, he was patient in his tests; he persevered to achieve what Allah SWT had ordered him to do; and remained positive despite the pain he had to endure.

The month of Ramadan is, therefore, a good starting point for us to reflect on ways to bring balance to our physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual quotients. On top of our daily zikir, we can strive to be a successful Muslim loved by Allah SWT by enhancing our patience; persevere in our endeavours and be optimistic Muslims who will benefit and earn the rewards from Him in this world and hereafter.

The Three Ps - Patience, Perseverance and Positivity

1. Patience (Sabar) – Patience is seen as a 𝐧𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐭 in the eyes of Allah SWT and those who accepts the challenges with a steadfast faith will be rewarded abundantly. As a Muslim, there are many instances where our patience is tested. Always find out the triggers and avoid them as much as possible. Learn to hold back our tongues from saying things or actions that may hurt and offend others or break ties and bonds between people. Allah has said that in the Quran.

When we realise that 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 SWT, we will acknowledge that there is a reason behind everything that happens. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐒𝐖𝐓 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. In essence, patience is a virtue, and especially so when you learn to do this in Ramadan, it will enable you to uncover one of the worthy values you will carry for the rest of your life.

2. Persevere – In Islam, 𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐲𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐫 are two 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. Everything that thrives in this world is based on consistent effort and persistence. Even the grass that grows on the ground is based on the combined efforts of the sun, water and wind. For Muslims who believe in Allah SWT, he will know that he will be tested regardless of their race, language or status. There will be situations where we cannot control what has happened or will happen. Allah SWT has promised in Surah Al Insyirah, which Allah SW revealed to Prophet SAW as a consolation to ease his unease and discomfort. In verses 4 and 5, Allah SWT said :

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا.

إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا (4) Surely with difficulty is ease. (5)With difficulty is surely ease

This verse serves as a message of hope and encouragement for us when we face hardships and persevere in what we do. The verse also reminds us to always remember Allah SWT in times of distress for his help. Just like patience, perseverance is an integral part of our faith. If we are oppressed, we can 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐫’ 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬.

وَالْعَصْرِ.

إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ.

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ.

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss. Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

3. Positivity – In Islam, being positive means having 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐮𝐳𝐨𝐧 on the things that happens in our lives. This include in our relationships with our brothers and sisters. In addition, having an optimistic view on what has been laid for us by Allah SWT is a virtue of a successful Muslim. Among some good habits to instill positivity in us to 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐧-𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 in any situation, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 that Allah will bestow from the incidents, 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 as much as possible and 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 in any situation.

Make this Ramadan as a turning point in your life by reviewing and adjusting your intentions behind every act that you do. Being grateful for what you have is another step to achieving positivity in your lives. Always adjust your intention and attempt to please Allah through your daily actions and remain positive despite the hurdles that come your way.

Starting the habit of becoming a successful Muslim do take time. However, Allah SWT loves His servants who strives to make a change for the better. Let's make it a point to review and assess how we can be better. Learn to identify and recognise what worked and doing more of it.

May these tips help you enhance and improve your three Ps and make you a better individual this Ramadan and in months to come. Don't forget to share this blog with your friends and family, and may we all get the same blessings and barakah from the knowledge.

======================================================================

Your Infaq contributions help greatly in sustaining our Da’wah and operational efforts.

To make a contribution of any amount:

1. PayNow UEN S65MQ0004G 2. Bank Transfer - OCBC Business A/C 581-65191-6001 3. Cheque payment to "LPM Al Abdul Razak"

Thank you for helping us serve you.