1) Be Content
Contentment brings peace and happiness, if you are content with whatever you have been given and if you are grateful to Allah then Allah will put barakah (blessings) in the things that you have, no matter how little it may be. When you look at those who have more than you do, it only adds to negative feelings and allows for competition and animosity to fester between people.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said:
“When one of you sees another who is superior to him in respect of wealth and creation, let him look to him who is below him. That is more proper that you hold not in contempt the favour of Allah towards you” (Bukhari).
If someone is content with whatever they have and with whatever situation they are in then they will remain positive, happy and grateful to Allah.
The Prophet (PBUH) said something to this effect:
“Blessed is one who is guided to Islam, and whose livelihood is just sufficient and who is contented therewith” (Tirmidhi).
2) Regard Hardships As A Form Of Salvation
Muslims are fortunate because of our belief that any hardship we endure in this world will either lessen our sins or serve as a form of reward in the Hereafter. This should make it easier for Muslims to deal with difficult situations and should serve as a form of hope. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quraan:
“If you are suffering (hardships) then surely, they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allah (for the reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not” (Surah 4: Verse 104)
The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said:
“If a Muslim is afflicted with any trouble, continuous pain, anxiety, sorrow, harm, disaster, and even a thorn which he is pierced with- Allah expiates his minor sins therefor” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah).
3) Do Good And See Good
An important part of remaining positive is to become involved in good actions or good work. Doing righteous deeds on this earth not only makes one feel good in this world but will also be beneficial in the hereafter. Instead of spending time thinking about situations and feeling sorry for ourselves we should try to get involved in something good. There is so much work that needs to be done in our communities- that none of us have an excuse. Each person can contribute in their own unique way. Allah Almighty promises a great reward for those who do righteous deeds so why are we wasting our time?
“Whoever works righteousness-whether male or female-while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)” (Surah 16: Verse 97).
Another part of remaining positive is to always see the good in others. As was discussed earlier, focusing on the good in others helps to create an environment which is generally more positive. When one person begins to focus on the positive then other people will pick up on this and they too will react positively. This will help to reduce anger and conflict in families and in the community. Suspecting others of doing things is dangerous and might be harmful to you. Allah mentions in the Quraan:
“O you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible), for suspicion in some cases is a sin” (Surah 49: Verse 12).
It just makes more sense to rather focus on the good in people and ignore the bad because Allah is the Knower of all things and the way of a Muslim is to focus on the good and hide the bad.
“A man who points out the good, is like one who does it” (Tirmidhi)
INSHALLAH I WILL PUT UP ANOTHER THREE TIPS FOR POSITIVE THINKING IN THE NEXT POST!
I HOPE THAT THIS HELPS SOMEONE IN SOME WAY, EVEN IF IT IS IN A SMALL WAY.
May Almighty Allah guide us all! Image from: mindsetscience.com
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