Practising Nobility and Mindfulness: Lessons from the Story of Isra and Mi’raj.

In Islam, true nobility lies in righteousness and connection with Allah. In this final part, we discuss the importance of practising acts of worship and mindfulness to enhance our self-confidence. Prioritising acts such as night prayer (Tahajjud), setting spiritual goals, and engaging in mindful practices help us deepen our relationship with Allah and increase our reliance on Him. By staying present, focused, and grounded in the pursuit of our goals, we develop a sense of inner peace and confidence. Mindfulness practices also allow us to navigate challenges with clarity and maintain a positive mindset, fostering overall self-confidence and contentment.

The event of Isra and Mi’raj, as detailed in Surah Al-Isra (The Quran 17:1), is indeed a profound lesson in practising nobility and mindfulness. On this miraculous night journey, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the heavens, leading the prayer in the company of other Prophets. This pivotal event underlines the importance of prayer, mindfulness, and building a strong connection with Allah.

Prayer is not only an act of worship; it’s also an opportunity for introspection and mindfulness. When we stand in prayer, we disconnect from worldly matters and enter a state of complete submission and connection with Allah. Such moments of quietude and mindfulness foster inner peace, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose, thereby enhancing our self-confidence.

In my role as a Muslim life coach, I emphasise the importance of consistent acts of worship and mindfulness practices. Making time for regular prayer, recitation of the Quran, and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) not only enhances our spiritual well-being but also has profound effects on our psychological health.

The lessons from Isra and Mi’raj also extend to the concept of nobility. In Islam, true nobility is measured by righteousness, piety, and our relationship with Allah. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has said: “The most honourable among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious.” (The Quran 49:13)

By prioritising acts of worship and mindfulness in our lives, we not only nurture a sense of inner peace and confidence but also follow a path that is pleasing to Allah. Remember, self-confidence doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s interconnected with our faith, actions, and perception of ourselves. As your life coach, I am here to help you navigate this journey, guiding you towards nurturing your self-confidence through practices rooted in Islamic teachings.

Indeed, Umm Salamah (RA), one of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wives, exemplifies the practice of nobility and mindfulness, even amidst trials and tribulations.

Umm Salamah (RA) endured significant hardships in her life. She was separated from her husband, Abu Salamah (RA), during the first migration to Abyssinia, faced the hardship of losing him later on, and experienced the challenges of widowhood. Yet, she remained noble, patient, and mindful of Allah throughout.

Her nobility shone through her response to adversity. Following the death of her husband, she recited the dua: “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return. O Allah, reward me for my affliction and replace it for me with something better” (Sahih Muslim 918). This supplication exemplifies her mindfulness and faith in Allah’s plan. She acknowledged her pain, sought reward for her patience, and placed her trust in Allah to bring forth better days.

Incredibly, Allah answered her dua with the proposal of marriage from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself, thus replacing her hardship with a status of honour and respect in the Muslim community.

As Muslim women, we can draw lessons from Umm Salamah’s (RA) nobility and mindfulness. In the face of trials, we should remain patient, knowing that Allah is with the patient (The Quran 2:153). Additionally, practising mindful acts of worship, like dua and salah, not only connects us with our Creator but also equips us with the spiritual strength to face life’s challenges.

Remember, maintaining nobility and mindfulness in our conduct, just like Umm Salamah (RA), not only brings us closer to Allah but also enhances our self-confidence as we navigate through life’s trials with grace and faith.

These narratives I have just highlighted offer timeless wisdom on fostering self-confidence and a strong reliance on Allah. They are not merely stories; they are a roadmap guiding us towards living a fulfilling and confident life grounded in the teachings of our faith.

Conclusion:

Building self-confidence, as illuminated by Islamic teachings, is indeed a lifelong journey that demands both an unwavering trust in Allah’s guidance and a mindset aligned with the timeless wisdom of the Prophets. This journey invites us to understand the essence of self-confidence, challenging us to see negative thoughts not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth and self-reflection.

The stories of remarkable women from Islamic history, such as Maryam’s (AS) steadfastness, Hajar’s relentless faith, Aisha’s (RA) resilience in the face of slander, Khadija’s (RA) ability to rise from setbacks, Fatimah’s (RA) humble self-assurance, Asiya’s defiance in the face of tyranny, and Umm Salamah’s (RA) patient mindfulness, offer valuable roadmaps in our journey of nurturing self-confidence.

Drawing inspiration from the tenacity of Prophet Nuh (AS) and the grace of Prophets Yusuf (AS) and Muhammad (PBUH), we learn to embrace perceived failures as stepping stones to success, foster a positive self-opinion, and distinguish between self-confidence and arrogance. We are reminded of the beauty of humility and the importance of recognising worth in ourselves and others.

Moreover, through the consistent practice of acts of worship and mindfulness, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) journey during Isra and Mi’raj, we cultivate inner peace and a deep connection with Allah, further bolstering our self-confidence.

As we traverse this journey, we strive not only to foster a robust sense of self-worth but also to pave the way for a purposeful and confident life deeply rooted in faith. We learn to see our lives not as a series of obstacles but as a rich tapestry of experiences designed to shape us, teach us, and bring us closer to Allah.

May Allah bless us all with high self-esteem, unwavering self-confidence, and true nobility as we continue to strive in His path. As we progress, let us remember that our ultimate reliance is on Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Wise. Ameen.