What a decade!

I'm sure, just like me, you've had a crazy ride with all the highs and lows.

So, as we end this decade and look forward to a new year and a new start, lets's take a moment together to recap the top 10 blog post articles and top 10 videos from We Be Inspired.

After all, WBI was born in this decade.

I wanted to create a platform where I could share with you daily inspiration and motivation to help us live a life full of purpose, with purpose.

It's what I want for myself and it's the path I've been on for the last almost 26 years now.

I'm (sometimes) obsessed with being the person I was created to be and to find myself through all the challenges and difficulties as well as the good times.

Together, I wanted us to use all our God gifted abilities and talents to truly live out our best life, helping ourselves, each other, humanity, and all of creation, and in the process also get closer to our Creator, God Almighty - Allah (swt) - work on strengthening our connection with Him, working on perfecting our ibaadah - our worship - and preparing for our best afterlife - for as I always say, each moment is our only moment!

This is my passion and my life purpose - to help you reconnect with God!

So, grab your hot or cold drinks and snacks, and get ready to be inspired and motivated, and step into the world of Islamic Spiritual and Personal Development.

And if you're new to this world, then, this is an awesome place to start right now, and when you finish, continue browsing the website for more content, articles, videos, and resources.

Oh, and, make sure you grab your notebook and pen - you're going to need it for sure!

Let's do this.

Let the class begin.

Bismillah-ExCel!

Top 10 Blog Post Articles from 2011-2019:

#10 YOU are NOT a Mistake!

 God created you for a reason - for a purpose. 

Each moment is teaching you a lesson and this lesson is shaping up the human you are meant to be - the human you are being right now. 

The only thing is how you perceive it and how you react. 

This will determine your path in life and what you achieve.

YOU are needed in this world - it's time you believe this and start living life full on!
 
#9 Give and You shall Receive!

We live in a society and culture where we want to work hard only so we accumulate all the goods of this world. 

We want, want and want!

Its ok to have goods of this world - if done in moderation.

We need a roof on top our heads and clothes on our body. We need that. So we work for it and its ok.

But it's not always just about us as an individual, but we as a group, a community, humanity.

​After reading this post, you'll become a giver too (if you aren't already) and watch the abundance you receive in return.

#8 I'm a Victim - Get ME out of HERE!

The topic we are going to look at today is about 'Self-sabotage' and 'Victim mentality'.

Today's topic is pretty deep - in more ways than one. So before we begin I request you to read this only if you are ready to move on from all negativity in your life, if you're looking for some solutions and answers and if you want to start making positive changes in your world.

If you're feeling very low and emotional then this topic may really hit home and may upset you or may even make you angry.

​But do read it and do the exercises as it'll really help you.

#7 Need A Quick Spiritual Fix?

So here's the plan for us insha'Allah.

I'll give you the overall plan, but its for you to make your own schedule - because we've all got different daily schedules.

I mean normal people's schedule begins from 9am til 5pm, but someone as abnormal as me, my schedule is 5pm till 6am! (Don't ask!)

(Side note - it's 2019 and it's still the same - the 5pm till 6am thing!).

#6 Are YOU Aware of YOU?

How do we spend most of our days? Do we consciously go through the day knowing what we are doing or do we just ‘flow’ through the day on auto-pilot? Maybe you’re half and half – half on auto and half conscious? 

And, so, the question is – what about the other half? Time to find out now!

#5 Courage Doesn’t Always Roar!

Today's topic is about; 'Courage and being Courageous’.

Before we continue further I just want to point out that this topic is not only for females but also for males.

In a society where gender biases are at a high we are always told that men are brave and women are weak.

We're not talking about the gender differences which Allah (swt) has created but how we always tell boys; 'Boys don't cry they are brave' and we tell girls; 'It's ok to cry, you're a girl!'.

​You might cry when you read this post, but it's OK, it's a healing process. 

Watch how your courage is unleashed.

#4 Is YOUR Patience A Virtue? 

...Or does it make you more impatient? 

Well, we have been hearing all our lives that patience is a virtue!

Is it true though? And has it worked for YOU?

Has patience become a virtue for you or made you even more impatient?

Let's find out and cultivate patience in our life.

#3 What are YOU doing this Moment?

Moments: Know that every moment you have is an opportunity. 

An opportunity to grow, to excel to make your dreams a reality. 

How do YOU spend your moments and what are you doing this moment?

Each moment is our only moment so find out how you can live each moment to the fullest.

#2 Have YOU Found YOUR Purpose Yet? 

* Ever questioned and asked what you're doing here on Planet Earth?

* Ever had one of those days when you said; 'I've had enough! No more! I don't get it! Why ME!??

* Ever wanted peace and comfort - enough of the hustle bustle of daily life and just time to be you???

*Reflection Moment (take a minute)*

If so, then I ask you, what's stopping you from being you and having peace and comfort in life?

Read to discover your purpose in life and then live it out full til the end of your lifetime.

#1 There's something Special inside of YOU

"You say that you are just a body, but inside of you is something greater than the Universe." Imam Shafi (rahimullah).

We are spiritual beings living in physical bodies - both need taking care of. Our soul needs ibaadah (worship) and our body needs the right foods and exercise. When both the soul and body are aligned - we are at an overall state of peace and ease.

But when either one of them is misaligned then we are at dis-ease.

Have you ever felt at dis-ease? Then step inside of yourself and discover who you truly are!

Top 10 Youtube Videos from 2011-2019:

#10 Ramadan of Excellence 2019   

#9 Challenge Yourself Daily

#8 Students you're in it to win it!

#7 What the FOMO is all that about?

#6 The Power of Chunking

#5 How to get Instant Soul Therapy & Heart Relief

#4 Let's share the burden today

#3 Challenges have Solutions

#2 Your Map of the World

#1 Who the Heaven am I?

So, there you have it, a selection of articles and videos to help you heal from your wounds and the past, release the negativity, set the intention, and step into the new decade - into 2020 - with excellence, health, and abundance - in ALL areas of your life.

Thank you for being part of this journey and I look forward to your company in the coming decade(s), insha'Allah - God willing.

I'll recommit to excellence and helping you to reconnect with God.

​Please keep me in your duas too. 

With all my love, duas, and light,

Nadia :)

[BTW, if we've just met for the very first time right now on this blog post article and you resonate with my words and you want to learn more about me and how I can help you, then I invite you to CLICK HERE to join my 'Inner Circle Tribe' and grab yourself some FREE Masterclass trainings to start learning from me right away. If you're a regular WBI'er then you're good for now - keep an eye out for the regular emails.]

Recently I've been working this whole 'Let Go & Let God!' concept i.e. whilst keeping full tawakul in Allah and working hard, handing it all over to Him (swt) and asking Him (swt) to do the best and being ready and prepared to accept whatever is sent my way.

I have to say i'm in one of my very calm and relaxed modes and allowing whatever to happen, happen.

I'm loving it!


"Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah." {Qur'an; 6:79}

You may be hurting right now and it's real painful and no one gets you.

I know how that feels as I'm one of those who always had a challenge expressing my feelings - even to friends.

Oh and then sometimes you get laughed at or ignored - like your issue ain't no big deal.

But it is a big deal to you - I know!

And the thing is that social media has become so accessible that we turn to it for minute details and instant comfort.

But we know this instant 'comfort' doesn't last.

So, what now? You're still hurting and still want answers right?

Listen, if you're facing some challenges right now and just want an answer or an opening to something new or just some peace then i say do what i do; 'Let Go & Let God' - for this moment is all we have and this  moment could be our last - as when all is said and done, to Him we belong and to Him is our return!

'Those to whom hypocrites said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah , and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."' {Qur'an; 3:173}

I hope this helps and let me know in the comments below what resonated with you the most and how you'll be moving forward with this message now :)

You know i'm here to help you insha'Allah.

I created this audio program just for you.

Masha'Allah many have invested in it and have started to make those positive changes in their life so they can live upon the deen and prepare for their best akhirah now insha'Allah.

Grab your audio program 'How to get Instant Soul Therapy & Heart Relief' right here.

"And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." partial {Qur'an 2; 186}

Love, duas and light
Nadia - Your Spiritual, Creative and Personal Peak Performance Mentor Coach


Ps: If there is one piece of advice which i can give you after studying and practicing personal and spiritual peak performance for the last 20 years then it is this; 'You will always be a daily work in progress and each step will take you closer to your ultimate final destination. Keep the end in mind always!' 


Take the first step and invest in yourself and grab the audio program; 'How to get Instant Soul Therapy & Heart Relief!'

*(Image found on Google and copyright to some Diamond Soul who i have never met - thank you for these words, they really helped. God Bless You!)

We ALL want to be powerful in one way or another.

But what does power mean to you?

Have a watch of the video below and remember to register for the *FREE* Masterclass

Whatever you do in life, work, family, relationships, kids, business, sports - whatever - make sure YOU are in it to WIN it!

We are heading into half-time for Ramadan.

Are YOU making the most of it or have you started to fizzle away?

Let me help you make THIS Ramadan your ultimate and best Ramadan insha'Allah.

Remember, each moment is our only moment - whose to know if we will make it to the end of Ramadan let alone the end of today.

I've got an awesome gift for you this Ramadan.

Watch the video below right now and make sure to register immediately as spaces are absolutely limited! And this Masterclass is open to sisters and brothers.

(Just a quick one - the training is worth £197 but i'm gifting it to you for absolutely FREE and and the end of the Masterclass i have more gifts for you AND an opportunity for you to join the Ramadan-Spiritual-Fix-Club where i will be personally mentoring and coaching you through the last half of Ramadan insha'Allah). So, hurry and watch the vid and if you want to secure your seat first then CLICK HERE TO REGISTER RIGHT NOW!

A personal reflection...

They say that it has to get worse to get better.

They were right!

March 2010 - April 2014

I still get flashbacks! 

I go into deep reflection mode and get emotional and teary!

I go quiet...

I'm teary writing this...

Even back then walhamdulilah I still got to do a two week KSC Easter Playscheme through the drama and went London for an evening workshop.

Only through God's will and Mercy did I make it through those two weeks in April.

God is Great!

April 2010 - I thought it was the beginning of 'The End'.

April 2014 - Am I still alive?

Wow, subhan'Allah - I still pinch me to make sure it's real.

God is Great!

Everything is not what it always seems - especially on social media.

Don't be fooled by my 'khaapiness' on display.

There's a reason why I'm still alive and there's a reason why you are alive and reading this.

There's a reason why I do the personal and spiritual development work I do today.

Everyone is on a journey.

This journey is back to God.

This moment is all we have.

I promised that if I got better through my illness I would make each my moments count.

It's not funny being 'alive' and telling your family 'I might die and we need to prepare now' and trying to be ok with it all.

It's not funny sitting at hospital alone not taking your family with you so they won't be upset and getting those biopsies and stuff.

The Nurse: 'You're a brave girl!'

Me in my head: 'It hurts lady - it hurts! I just don't wana show you my tears!'

And yes I cried when I left that hospital!

It's not funny trying to fake smile at your nieces during the playscheme and lying to them; 'Don't worry - I'm ok - everything is ok!' And they know everything is not ok.

It's not funny seeing your Mama trying to be ok as she might lose her youngest and being brave.

Everyone is on a journey.

I know you have your story too.

It's ok if no one gets you - I get that all the time!

I'm misunderstood most the times!

Remember though Allah has put you here for a reason.

Be ok with that and do what you gotta do - even if no one gets you.

Coz we're all on a journey and it's all gona end soon.

Make the most of yours - make your moments count - as this moment is all we have...

I know I don't share this with y'all - but I am today - just so you get a glimpse into my world and maybe it gives you some soul therapy too.

Nadia x

Today's date - 5th March - is very special for me, my parents, my soul-sistah and her parents and sister too!

What's so special about today's date?

On Monday 5th March 2001 I, alongside a billion other souls, were on the plains of Arafat - for our 'Journey of a Lifetime!

Yes, it was 'our' Hajj Day! :)

My soul-sistah and I (and her sister too) first met on the coach, outside our mosque. I had previously visited Mecca and Medina - well 6 months previously (summer 2000) and our relatives went with us - their daughters were a few years younger than me and we were there for two weeks. I had friends!

This time round we would be there for a month and although we went with a big group I didn't know anyone and as soon as I got on to the coach I saw my soul-sistah and her sister, we all smiled at each other and I said to my mum; 'Ami, ami - look - my new friends!' - and the rest is history! Lol.

"Friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest, it's about who came, and never left your side." Unknown

So anyways, I thought today share a post I previously wrote during Hajj season a few years ago as this topic is our daily topic and not just for special seasons like Ramadan or Hajj. 

Are YOU feeling an emaan-low right now?

Are YOU in need of a quick spiritual fix right now??

Want some instant heart and soul therapy???

Well, read on and apply these 7 steps now.

And in fact Ramadan is about 3 months away - so let's prepare for it now insha'Allah! :)

Ready?

Bismillah-ExCel!

Grab a notepad and pen (ipads/iphones, etc, etc) and switch into Ramadan mode (to do this close your eyes and think of a day in Ramadan where you felt totally at peace and on a spiritual high - when you can feel a tingling throughout your body open your eyes and begin and yes, I can see you smiling!).

1. Obligatory Ibaadah:

Are we praying our five daily prayers and praying them on time? 

Do a prayer check! Check the times of start and end and pray now!

2. Qur'an-Time:

How much time do we spend each day on Qur'an? Reading it, reciting it, memorizing it, listening to it, understanding and studying the translation.

Schedule in time for Qur'an. If we can make a date with the TV and our favourite shows then I'm sure we can make a date with the Qur'an. Start and end the day with the Qur'an.

3. The Fast Life:

Get into Ramadan mode and fast. Fast the sunnah fast - Monday and Thursday to get into the habit and prepare you mind, body and soul now.

4. NBN - Nocturnal By Nature 

Pray the night prayer. Qiyaam, tahajjud, read books, watch lectures, listen to audio reminders, study and recite more Qur'an.

If you're going to do an all-nighter then sprinkle a dose of the above insha'Allah. You'll be glad you did! (Otherwise, just go to sleep and get some rest!)

5. Just Dua It!

Do you make dua? Allah says; 'Remember me and I shall remember you.' In a hadith qudsi He (swt) also says; '...walk to me and I shall run to you!' Yet most of us are still crawling!

Run to Allah!!! We have no where else to go!

Make dua, lots and lots. For yourself, family, your pet parrot and cat, the entire Ummah. Raise your hands to the skies and make dua!

(No I don't have a mia mithu (parrot) but I do have a cat - Mano).

Study the Names and Attributes of Allah and so when you make dua you can call Him with those names (i.e. asking for rizq, forgiveness - its more powerful when asking by those specific names).

Make dua when it rains, when breaking the fast, between asr and maghrib prayer on Friday - on these occasions ones duas are answered.

The supplication of every one of you will be granted if he does not get impatient and say (for example): `I supplicated my Rubb but my prayer has not been granted'.'' [Bukhari and Muslim]

6. Dhikr Allah

'Keep the tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah'.

Make dhikr constantly.

If you're still struggling with vain talk and vulgar language - time to wash the mouth and tongue with dhikr Allah. Try it!

Just remind yourself - 'Dhikr and Tasbee'.

7. Charity

RasoolAllah (sws) said even a smile is charity but I'm sure that we can give more than a smile.

Give a pound to a charity a day.

Set up a direct debit to give charity on a deceased loved ones name.

Give and you shall receive! 

All our rizq is a blessing from Allah and He is the true owner of it. We can't take money to our grave - we can't use it as ransom to keep the punishment away! And so if Allah has blessed you with wealth then spend on those who have less than you.

Those are our 7 steps to a quick spiritual fix.

Is there anything else we could add to that list? 

Comment below and let's inspire our 'We Be Inspired' community.

Oh and here's some inspiration from the Qur'an and Sunnah about friendships! :)

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And (remember) the Day when the wrong-doer will bite his hands and say: Woe to me! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Woe to me! If only I had not taken so- and-so as a friend! He has led me astray from this Reminder (the Qur’an) after it had come to me. And Satan is ever a deserter to man in the hour of need.” (Al-Qur’an 25:27-29)

And...

The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Remember those good old days when we used to write letters to our friends and loved ones?

Whatever happened to them?!

Well anyways, I have just written you a letter.

If you have been considering working with me in a one 2 one coaching, mentoring and healing session or even wanted to attend a workshop but still not sure then click here now to read the letter - because now is a chance for you to make that decision.

I have just launched the VIP Days!

*Takbir*

I am pretty open and transparent in this letter.

I am a private person at times and I don't usually open up to everyone - however over the years writing has really helped me to express my emotions and feelings alhamdulilah - but I also believe it is important for you to know more about me, my journey and how and why I can help you on your journey in this life too.

So click here to read the all important personal letter from me to you and let me help you help yourself insha'Allah.

---> Click here for the VIP Days letter from me to you! <---

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” {Qur’an; 2:2}

As another Ramadan draws to an end we may suddenly fall into the ‘Post-Ramadan-Blues’. We have barely broken our final fast that we start to moan and ‘Oh I feel sad and upset’.

But isn’t Eid a gift from Allah? And should we not be grateful to Allah for this Day? And should we not look forward to the celebration?

We seem to give more weight and precedence to other celebrations in our lives – whether that is a birthday, wedding, new born, graduation, new job, new house [insert the special moment you like to celebrate] and yet as soon as maghrib adhan is called on the final fast we seem to get the ‘Blues’.

Our religion Islam is not about getting the blues or being in a negative state!

Yes, things happen, we fall, cry, make up, break up and cry a little more – but does life end here?

Maybe you have been through some of the above so you can relate – because I sure have been through a good few of those myself.

You may be feeling blue because you feel you didn't do enough – and you feel you should have done more.

Listen, you did as much as you could in your circumstance and honestly instead of worrying how little you did now – as Ramadan is over – make continuous dua that the little you did Allah accepts it.

I pray that Allah accepts it from you and me.

You may be wondering how I can sound so cold or be so direct about it. You may be thinking ‘Does she think she is better than the rest and all her deeds are accepted’ and the answer to your wonderings is ‘Absolutely NO!’.

I too am sad that Ramadan is leaving and I too wish I could do more – however when we get into this type of negative rhetorical we fall downwards and downwards.

We just got blessed with such a beautiful month and we are already being ungrateful for that by being blue?

I mean we can at least read some voluntary nafl for gratefulness right? Or even some voluntary nafl to ask Allah to accept our deeds and allow us to continue right?

Here’s the thing.

Well, two things.

Firstly we get hooked up on to the blues. We listen to and read about what everyone else is saying [think social media – the F word!] and then we may feel we have to feel the same way – so we put ourselves into that state and we become blue and start talking blue.

It’s all in the mind we are the ones who are thinking what we are thinking.

The Lord of Ramadan is still our Lord outside of Ramadan and how many more opportunities does He (swt) bless us with throughout the year which also have extra reward?

Exactly! [Get pen and paper and list them please].

Secondly once we get ourselves onto the blue-downward-ride we seem to go round and round. We keep thinking we didn’t do enough – we keep thinking we should have done more – we keep thinking everything is over.

But here’s the deal (halaal deal) – it’s not over! It’s not over until we are 9 feet under!

So do yourselves a favour right now and snap out of it! I’ll be right here when you’re ready to continue and please only 5 minutes ok? Good!

……….waiting

Back?

Awesome!

“I am as My servant’s opinion of Me.” (Bukhari)

Think good of Allah as He is our Creator and He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Seriously, if we think negative – negative will happen.

We need to watch what we say to ourselves.

We need to purify our intention and sincerity.

Energy flows where intention goes.

Think positive of Allah – there is no need whatsoever to think negative of Him. I mean, this is a whole topic in and of itself however just for now know that if you are reading this then #1 you are alive, #2 you are more blessed that those in places such as Syria and Palestine right now and #3 There is ALWAYS hope – ALWAYS!

So take a deep breath in – hold – release and say ‘THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE’.

And now, let me ask you – and this is purely reflectional for you as it is for me – if Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an then how much did you and I read, recite and study the tafsir?

And before you slip to the blues again – think RED – (it’s my favourite colour)

You know by now that I’m all about self-help (i.e. as Allah says He will not change our condition until we first take that step, right) and I’m a personal development junkie. And if you’re reading this right now then that means you are someone who wants to make positive changes in your life starting right now and prepare for your best akhirah insha’Allah.

See Ramadan may have left us but we shouldn't leave it or our ibaadah – worship – from this month.

*Re-read that sentence and reflect on it for a moment*

This is what the blues does to us – it makes us lose hope!

Did you know that the Qur’an and the Bible are known to be the #1 self-help books?

Shocked?

And you thought that the dude or dudess who got onto the New York #1 bestseller list had all the answers for you.

Nope!

And just before I continue, yes do read self-help and personal development books, because I do and I write on personal development.

However if you have noticed then you would have noticed that my message is primarily based upon firstly the Qur’an and Sunnah and then everyday life.

Now what this means for us is that Ramadan may have left us for another year – and may Allah bless us with another Ramadan insha’Allah [kul – ameen!] however it has left you and I with a gift – the gift that it came to remind us about – the gift that we've already got on our shelf – the Qur’an.

If you are someone who wants to live a life upon the deen and prepare for your best akhirah then right now know that Ramadan came to remind you of a gift you already have which you may not connect with too often around the year.

Now, dearest soul, is the time to hold on tightly to this gift!

Do not fall into the shaytaan trap of the blues.

Listen – it is ok to miss Ramadan and the unity it brings and the tarawih prayers and the sisterhood/brotherhood – I get it.

But don’t let it leave now.

It leaves when we hit the downward.

So grab your Qur’an and be thankful to Allah that you have the best and #1 self-help book right with you. In fact it is your ULTIMATE self-help book and with it in your life you can never go wrong.

We make a dua in Surah Fatiha where we ask Allah (swt) to guide us on the ‘Straight Path’ and subhan’Allah – look at the power of our dua – Allah (swt) answers it instantaneously in the next following Surah where He (swt) says that THIS BOOK (the Qur’an) is a GUIDANCE for those who are conscious of Allah – aware of Him – fear Him – love Him – want His forgiveness and mercy – this book has the answers!

I invite you to embrace it and promise to read, study and live by it insha’Allah.

I’ll show you how in the tips and action points below.

But just before I get there I want to say a big phat EID MABROOK to you and your family from me and my family – taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum  - may Allah accept it from you and us – [ameen!]

You may not understand everything the Qur’an is saying at the moment – but that is ok because that will change – remember ‘Hope’. Also the thing is that because we are so accustomed to getting advice and help from elsewhere (friends, social media, etc) we can’t seem to connect to the concept that the Qur’an has all the answers for us.

But all we need to do is look at the Seerah of Rasool Allah and we will come to know that yes the Qur’an does have all the answers for me as Aisha (RA) said that Rasool Allah was the ‘walking Qur’an’ – as he was the Qur’an translated into action.

Tips and Action Points:

1. Believe!

- Believe in Allah’s mercy, in His forgiveness – believe that when you ask Him to guide you and straighten your affairs He (swt) will. Nothing is more powerful in life than belief – and nothing is more powerful than believing that Allah (swt) will make it alright and He (swt) will show you the way.

- If you’re having the doubts then firstly know it is waswasa from shaytaan and his job is to lead us off course and secondly think of all the times that Allah helped you (specifically where something major was happening and you called out to Him – we’ve all had that moment in our lives).

- Purify your intention and sincerity – these two are really important for us in all that we do – so let’s make it a habit to purify them at each step insha’Allah.

2.  Make a Qur’an Plan

- Just like a ‘To-Do’ list or scheduling your diary make a plan for your Qur’an. So in this plan you will write how much you will recite each day, what times, for how long and when will you study the tafsir, attend Qur’an courses (including hifz and tajweed) and what resources you will use. Some of the resources you could use are online YouTube videos (Like Qur’an Weekly Ramadan Gems  - if you haven’t already then I highly recommend you watch them all – 30 short 5 to 10 min videos) books, getting teachers (maybe private teachers). There are a lot of resources available to us – you have to be curious enough to do your own research – that is your study part – you can’t expect anyone to do it for you. Also in this plan you could include Family Qur’an Time – especially if you have younger siblings or children – this is the best self-help start you can give your family insha’Allah.

3. Your Dream Team

- Who is in your world? I.e. who are your friends? Time for a friend check-up!

- You want a team who will help you realize not only your potential as a human and what you’re capable of achieving but also a team who loves Qur’an just as you do – for there is nothing worse than having those in your life who don’t share the same passions and who don’t love and appreciate the Qur’an and its message!

- In this dream team you have your supporters, mentors and coaches. And you would be the same in someone else's dream team.

We all need A* players in our world - on our side. Allah created us social beings and it is in social settings we thrive and excel.

This dream team will be there to support you through all your ups and downs and will encourage you to excel. This special team is called ‘Qur’an Dream Team’. Go create yours right now insha’Allah.

The Qur’an creates a special kind of connection with our Rabb Allah – He is speaking to us through the Qur’an and we need to make it our #1 Book in our life insha’Allah.

I do hope and pray that this post today does help you in some way or another. Please leave me your comments and let me know what three things you will do right now to keep the Ramadan spirit alive and connecting with your very own #1 self-help book – the Qur’an! :)

Ever had a heart and mind conflict?

...'But my Heart says one thing and my Mind says another!'

That's what we always end up saying when we're trying to make a decision or thinking about some next steps in our life.

We fail to see the heart and mind as two separate organs doing different things and functioning in different ways.

Yes ultimately they are linked - the entire system is linked and that is why we are functioning properly.

But there are some fundamental differences between the two.

I know you Scientists are going to love this because I'm the Legal Eagle and I'm disregarding probably everything you've learnt at Med/Science School. Sorry folks! But y'all know I see things differently lol!

...The mind does what you tell it or ask it. It's like a computer. If you ask your mind; 'Why am I unsuccessful' then it will go and look for all the proof and answers to back up your question and tell you why you're unsuccessful. But if you ask; 'Why am I successful or how can I be more successful?' Then it will go and look for all the proofs to answer your question.

Yes the mind is an organ which needs exercise. So please read, read a lot - daily - give it a mental training and sharpen it. It does come in handy with those questions and we do need it so look after your mind and feed it with nutrients - not junk! (I'm not disregarding it - I love the mind because its all about the subconscious, conscious, thoughts, belief systems etc!).

But today we're talking just about the heart - its a complete different ball game.

See the heart 'KNOWS!' 

It knows the answer deep within and it knows that we know!

Yet we fail to listen to it.

Why?

Because we are human. Because we are afraid. Because we have fears. Because we don't want to fall or fail. The list goes on.

But what we don't realise is that we do more damage than good when we don't listen to it.

We say our heart says one thing and our mind another so we should listen to the mind as the heart comes from an emotional place so it will always make us soft and squiggly and we will end up making wrong decisions.

Have you ever made a decision from your heart? How did it feel? What were the emotions?

What if we trained our heart with goodness, nourished it with goodness and worked on purifying it? Would we still listen to it or ignore it?

Would we put full trust in Allah that He (swt) will pour goodness into our heart and guide us to goodness or are we going to give into our fears (which come from belief systems - the mind)?

We are spiritual beings on a human journey. The heart is part of our spiritualness. Not the physical heart - but the spiritual heart.

If we all went for heart examinations and cut open our chest the heart will not show the deep evilness on the surface.

That's because that is part of our spiritualness. Just the way we can't see our soul - we can't see the spiritual heart.

How does the heart become evil?

Well, we are responsible for that. We feed it with constant jealousy, envy, anger, backbitting, slander and the list goes on.

Allah (swt) says; 'Nay! But on their hearts is the Raan (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn" (83:14).

So what does this mean?

The Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “When the believer commits sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents and gives up that sin and seeks forgiveness, his heart will be polished. But if (the sin) increases, (the black spot) increases. That is the raan which Allah mentions in His Book: ‘Nay! But on their hearts is the Raan (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn’ .” Al-Tirmithi 

The purifying of the heart is a constant and daily journey.

I guess you can say it's a bit like eating food daily and drinking water daily. We need this nourishment for our body to function properly. 

We need to feed our heart daily and cleanse it daily.

Some of the basic stuff that we can do - because again this is such a deep topic that its for the scholars to delve into - pray our Salaah daily on time, read Qur'an, listen to tilawah, study the tafsir of the Qur'an - constantly remember Allah - which is also dhikr-Allah.

Yes I know its a struggle. I do struggle too and sometimes I think why?! - Especially when everything was going ok - but its because we are human and this life is a test - we have to go through these daily tests.

The Prophet (pbuh) said; "In the body there is a morsel of flesh and when it is sound the whole body is sound and when it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt. Verily it is the heart." Bukhari and Muslim

So we need to rid it off the jealousy and envy - these two are constant bad companions. They are like best friends! We get jealous and envious of others lives and achievements - even if someone gets married and they are happy, people will have something to say about it!

We need to stop corrupting our heart and if we continue then our heart will become black - full of raan and it will become dead - dead to emotions - dead to feelings - you know, cold heartedness? (yup, we've heard that before!).

So what now? 

Here's today's Tips and Action Points:

1. Make a conscious decision and hand your heart over to Allah. Ask Allah (swt) to guide it always and to help you in everything.

2. Start listening to it - listen to your gut - you know 'gut feeling?'. Trust me, you'll have this fluttery feeling in your heart and you'll know.

3. Make a plan to start purifying your heart. Yes this is going to be difficult but we're all in this together and we can do it - with Allah's help we can! If we have a constant feeling/emotion/trait like jealousy - then firstly we need to find out why we have it, recognise it, see the shortcoming on our part and then fix it!

When you start making these small but constant changes you'll notice the inner peace within you and you'll notice how you consult your heart more and you'll notice how you're consciously asking Allah to guide you to the answer. Try it!

If we fix our relationship with Allah then we won't fear listening to the heart. Maybe we know the answer and we actually understand what the heart is saying but we don't want to listen to it (like don't go to that specific place as there is haraam there but we rebel and do it anyway!).

As I always say to all my loved ones; 'Listen to YOUR heart. Hand it over to Allah and ask Him to help you and guide you - because He'll put the answer in your heart!'

We need to remember that what will help us on the Day of Judgement is not our worldly successes but a sound heart.

As the Prophet (pbuh) said; "Allah does not look towards your bodies nor toward your appearances but looks towards your heart." Muslim

Its time for us to fix up our hearts insha'Allah.

And listen to your heart - because it KNOWS! :)