How to Function Like a High-Quality Muslim in a World of Distractions

Find peace in the noise by living the Qur’an

The noise in the world can be deafening. We expect the dunya to be utopic and peaceful, yet Allah SWT has planned it to be otherwise so we may return to Him in a state of helplessness and neediness to Him.

One way is to seek peace with the Qur’an, as it is the cure to our anxious hearts. Find tranquility in the Qur’an and its meaning as it guides you through this clamorous life:

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌۭ وَرَحْمَةٌۭ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًۭا

We send down the Quran as a healing and mercy for the believers, but it only increases the wrongdoers in loss

(Surah Al-Isra Verse 82)

Move swiftly from idleness

Distractions and the noise will get to us. How then should we react?

Allah SWT says that the believers do this:

وَإِذَا مَرُّوا۟ بِٱللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا۟ كِرَامًۭا

“And when they come across falsehood/futile activity, they pass it by with dignity.”

(Surah Al-Furqan, Verse 72)

So walk away, swiftly and gracefully from things and matters that may not cause you goodness, and move towards the light.

Always have one good deed every day

The High quality Muslim is one who seeks every moment to do good, so that all his bad deeds will be wiped away. He doesn’t wait to be ready to do good, and sees good acts as expiation. He simply just does what can help His deed count.

Allah SWT says in Surah Hud verse 114:

إِنَّ ٱلْحَسَنَـٰتِ يُذْهِبْنَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ذِكْرَىٰ لِلذَّٰكِرِينَ

“Surely good deeds wipe out evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful.”

Do not invest your energy into things that don’t matter

We only have a very short time in this life to live. At times, even 24 hours is not enough. To maximise the limited time we have here, refrain from being involved in things that bring little to no benefit to our livelihood and deen. The latest gossip online, drama around you or the spiciest news will not help you in your hereafter.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,

“Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.”

(Hasan)

Seek beneficial knowledge, with the correct teachers

Functioning like a high quality Muslim includes elevating yourself in your knowledge. As much as upskilling is important for your career, enhancing our knowledge about the deen is even more important. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”

While doing so, search for the correct teachers, know their backgrounds, and ensure they cite sources correctly, learn and respect them.

Ibn Sirin said, “This knowledge is a religion, so consider from whom you receive your religion.”

Find good companions and keep a distance from those who lead you astray

To ensure you become a high functioning Muslim, you need to find your flock. Find those who have similar goals and visions in their deen like you do, so you do not need to compromise on faith. Their presence will also motivate you to do goodness, and be a better Muslim.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“A man is upon the religion of his best friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”

(Sahih)

Constant zikr and remembrance of Allah anytime anywhere

It is the small habits that make the man. A high functioning Muslim remembers Allah in any situation as much as he can. The commutes to work, in the work that he does and even in the stillness of moments, the heart is filled with Zikr.

To be a high functioning Muslim, constantly remember Allah, by randomly praying to Him or having your own set of litanies to recite wherever you go.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ذِكْرًۭا كَثِيرًۭا

“O believers! Always remember Allah often.”

(Al-Ahzab. verse 41)

Work and succeed with the hereafter in mind

Root your life and endeavours to the sole purpose of the hereafter. That does not mean merely letting Allah do the work. One who devotes his work to the hereafter would do in the most noble, ethical and diligent way possible.

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Whoever is concerned about the Hereafter, Allah will place richness in his heart, bring his affairs together, and the world will inevitably come to him. Whoever is concerned about the world, Allah will place poverty between his eyes, disorder his affairs, and he will get nothing of the world but what is decreed for him.” (Sahih)

Give and constantly serve others

The blessings you gain for Allah is to be shared with the people around you. Show your gratitude to Allah SWT by helping others, and share your blessings with them. Serving parents, giving charity, and aiding our brothers and sisters in need is service.

The Prophet SAW said:

“The best of you are those who are most beneficial to others.” (Hasan)