Islam is a way of life that teaches love, kindness, and devotion to Allah. Every Muslim desires to improve, but sometimes, life’s distractions make it difficult. If you are wondering how to become a better Muslim, the answer is simple—follow Islam’s teachings with sincerity and consistency. This article will provide easy-to-follow steps that will help you strengthen your faith, improve your character, and build a closer connection with Allah.
1. Strengthen Your Faith (Iman) and Trust in Allah
Faith (Iman) is the foundation of being a good Muslim. A strong faith gives you peace, courage, and hope. Here’s how you can increase your faith:
- Read and Understand the Quran Daily: The Quran is Allah’s message to us. Reading even a small part each day will fill your heart with wisdom and guidance.
- Learn About Islam: Study the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), read Islamic books, and listen to scholars who explain Islam simply.
- Think About Allah’s Blessings: Look at the beauty of nature, the air you breathe, and the food you eat. Everything is a gift from Allah. Being grateful increases faith.
- Surround Yourself with Good Friends: Spend time with people who encourage you to pray, do good deeds, and remind you of Allah.
- Remember Allah Often (Dhikr): Saying simple words like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar daily keeps your heart connected to Allah.
2. Perform Prayers on Time and Make Du’a Often
Salah (prayer) is one of the five pillars of Islam and a way to connect with Allah. If you want to know how to become a better Muslim, making prayer a priority is key.
Pray Five Times a Day Without Delay: Set reminders if needed. Salah brings peace and helps you stay disciplined.
Understand What You Say in Prayer: Learn the meanings of the words in Salah. When you understand them, you will pray with more focus and love.
Make Du’a (Supplication) Anytime: Talk to Allah about everything—your worries, hopes, and dreams. He listens and answers in the best way. The Prayers and Supplications Taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: The Solution to Problems is a powerful guide that reminds us of the exact words and ways the Prophet ﷺ turned to Allah in times of ease and difficulty.
Pray Extra (Nafl) Prayers: If you can, pray extra voluntary prayers, such as Tahajjud at night. They bring you closer to Allah.
Perform Wudu (Ablution) Properly: A pure body leads to a pure heart. Take your time during wudu and do it with sincerity.
3. Show Kindness and Have Good Manners
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that having good character is one of the best ways to be a better Muslim.
- Be Honest Always: Lying and cheating harm relationships and take blessings away.
- Help Others With a Pure Heart: Whether it’s carrying someone’s groceries or smiling at a stranger, small good deeds matter.
- Control Your Anger: If someone upsets you, take a deep breath, say “Bismillah,” and respond with patience.
- Speak with Kindness: Words can heal or hurt. Always choose gentle and respectful words.
- Forgive Others: Holding grudges weighs down the heart. Islam teaches us to forgive others and seek forgiveness from Allah.
4. Give Charity and Care for Those in Need
Islam teaches us to care for the poor and needy. Giving charity purifies our hearts and wealth.
- Give Zakat (Obligatory Charity) if You Can: This is a duty for those who are able.
- Give Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity): Even if you don’t have money, you can give your time, a smile, or a kind word.
- Share Food with Others: Feeding someone is a simple yet powerful way to earn rewards from Allah.
- Help Orphans and the Needy: The Prophet (peace be upon him) was very kind to orphans. Supporting them brings great blessings.
5. Read and Reflect on the Quran
The Quran is the guidebook for life. To truly understand how to become a better Muslim, you must connect with it.
- Make a Habit of Reading the Quran: Even if it’s just one verse a day, it will bring blessings.
- Listen to the Quran’s Recitation: It calms the heart and strengthens faith.
- Act Upon Its Teachings: The Quran teaches patience, honesty, and kindness. Practice what you learn.
- Memorize Short Surahs: Learning small chapters of the Quran will help you feel closer to Allah.
6. Always Seek Forgiveness and Improve Yourself
No one is perfect. Islam teaches that Allah is the Most Forgiving and loves those who seek His mercy.
- Say “Astaghfirullah” (I Seek Forgiveness) Often: This erases sins and brings peace.
- Try to Be Better Every Day: Even small improvements, like praying on time or speaking kindly, bring great rewards.
- Be Patient and Never Give Up: Becoming a better Muslim takes time. Keep trying, and Allah will help you.
- Repent Sincerely (Tawbah): If you make mistakes, turn back to Allah with a sincere heart. He is always ready to forgive.
7. Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example for all Muslims. Following his Sunnah helps you become a better person.
- Greet Others with “Assalamu Alaikum”: This spreads peace and love among Muslims.
- Eat with Your Right Hand and Say Bismillah: Following these small habits brings blessings.
- Sleep on Your Right Side: This is a Sunnah and promotes good health.
- Smile Often: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that smiling is an act of charity.
FAQs
How does patience help in becoming a better Muslim?
Patience is key in Islam. Facing challenges with patience brings rewards from Allah. If you want to learn how to become a better Muslim, practice patience in daily life, whether in hardship or dealing with others.
What role does gratitude play in Islam?
Gratitude strengthens faith and brings peace. To understand how to become a better Muslim, acknowledge Allah’s blessings, say “Alhamdulillah” often, and appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you lack.
How can I control my desires and stay on the right path?
Islam teaches self-discipline. Lowering your gaze, avoiding haram, and engaging in halal activities will help. Learning how to become a better Muslim means controlling desires and seeking Allah’s pleasure above worldly temptations.
How do good intentions impact my deeds as a Muslim?
In Islam, intention matters more than the action itself. If you truly seek how to become a better Muslim, always ensure your deeds—big or small—are done for the sake of Allah, not for praise or recognition.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to become a better Muslim is a journey. By strengthening faith, praying on time, showing kindness, giving charity, reading the Quran, seeking forgiveness, and following the Sunnah, anyone can improve and grow closer to Allah. Every small effort counts. Start today—The Classy Books offers inspiring Islamic reads that can guide and motivate you on this path. How to Become a Better Muslim, and may Allah guide us all. Ameen.
