5 Hacks for Every Muslim
Transform your spiritual journey with these powerful Islamic practices
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha with Deep Understanding
Start each prayer by truly focusing on the meaning of Al-Fatiha. This opening chapter contains the essence of the entire Quran and connects you directly with Allah. When you recite "Guide us to the straight path," pause and feel the sincerity in your heart. This surah is called "Umm al-Kitab" (Mother of the Book) because it summarizes the entire message of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said: "No prayer is valid without the recitation of Al-Fatiha." Each verse carries profound meaning - from praising Allah as the Lord of all worlds to seeking His guidance on the straight path. When you say "You alone we worship," make it a declaration from your heart, not just your tongue.
💡 Practical Tips:
- • Learn the translation in your native language
- • Pause after each verse to reflect on its meaning
- • Recite slowly with proper pronunciation (Tajweed)
- • Make sincere dua when saying "Guide us to the straight path"
📖 Reference: Quran 1:1-7 - "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path, the path of those You have blessed, not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray."
The Powerful Post-Prayer Dhikr (Tasbih)
After each prayer, engage in the blessed dhikr: "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah) 33 times, "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to Allah) 33 times, and "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) 34 times. This totals 100 and is one of the most rewarding acts you can do. The Prophet ﷺ said this simple practice can erase sins even if they are as numerous as the foam of the sea. This dhikr is so powerful that it outweighs mountains of gold and silver in the sight of Allah. Each word carries immense weight on the Day of Judgment. SubhanAllah glorifies Allah's perfection, Alhamdulillah acknowledges His countless blessings, and Allahu Akbar declares His supreme greatness above all creation. The angels record each word, and Allah multiplies the reward beyond our imagination.
🕌 The Complete Formula:
⏰ Pro Tips:
- • Use your fingers to count (right hand recommended)
- • Recite with presence of heart, not just tongue
- • Can be done silently or audibly
- • Takes only 2-3 minutes but rewards last forever
📖 Reference: Sahih Muslim - "Whoever recites SubhanAllah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times after each prayer, that makes 100, his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea." Also in Sahih Bukhari: "Two words are light on the tongue, heavy on the scales, and beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-Azeem."
The Miracle of Regular Sadaqah (Charity)
Give charity regularly, even if it's just a small amount. The Prophet ﷺ said "Charity does not decrease wealth" and "Protect yourself from the Fire even with half a date." Every act of giving purifies your wealth, increases your sustenance, and brings Allah's blessings into your life. Sadaqah is not just about money - a smile, helping someone, or even removing harm from the path is charity. Allah promises to replace whatever you spend in His way with something better. The act of giving creates a spiritual shield around you, protecting you from calamities and hardships. When you give with sincerity, Allah opens doors of provision you never imagined. Even the smallest act of kindness - offering water to a thirsty person, helping an elderly cross the street, or simply listening to someone in distress - counts as sadaqah and earns Allah's pleasure.
💰 Types of Sadaqah:
🎯 Daily Sadaqah Ideas:
- • Set aside $1-5 daily for charity
- • Feed a hungry person or animal
- • Help someone with their groceries
- • Teach someone something beneficial
- • Make sincere dua for someone in need
📖 Reference: Quran 2:261 - "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills." Hadith: "Every act of kindness is charity" (Sahih Bukhari). "Charity does not decrease wealth, and Allah increases the honor of one who forgives" (Sahih Muslim).
The Gateway to Paradise: Honoring Your Parents
Show kindness and respect to your parents daily. This is the second most important commandment in Islam after worshipping Allah alone. The Prophet ﷺ said "Paradise lies at the feet of your mother" and when asked about the best deed, he replied "Prayer at its proper time, then kindness to parents." Even saying "uff" (a sound of annoyance) to them is forbidden. Your parents are your ticket to Jannah. Allah has elevated the status of parents so high that He mentions obedience to them right after His own worship in the Quran. Every prayer they make for you is answered, and every tear they shed due to your kindness brings you closer to Allah's mercy. The sacrifices they made during your childhood - sleepless nights, endless worries, unconditional love - deserve your lifelong gratitude. When they grow old and need your care, remember how they cared for you when you were helpless. Their satisfaction is Allah's satisfaction, and their displeasure can block your path to paradise.
❤️ Ways to Honor Parents:
🚫 What to Avoid:
- • Never say "uff" or show annoyance
- • Don't walk in front of them
- • Don't call them by their first names
- • Don't make decisions that hurt them
- • Don't be too busy for them
🌟 Special Dua for Parents:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ
"Rabbi ghfir li wa li walidayya"
"My Lord, forgive me and my parents"
📖 Reference: Quran 17:23-24 - "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'uff' to them or scold them, but speak to them respectfully. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say: 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.'" Hadith: "Paradise lies at the feet of your mother" (Sunan an-Nasa'i).
The Lifelong Journey of Islamic Knowledge
Learn something new about Islam every day, whether it's reading Quran with translation, studying Hadith, or understanding Islamic principles. The Prophet ﷺ said "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave" and "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." Knowledge is not just information - it's the light that guides your soul and brings you closer to Allah. Even learning one verse or hadith daily transforms your spiritual journey. Islamic knowledge is different from worldly knowledge - it purifies the heart, strengthens faith, and prepares you for the afterlife. When you understand the wisdom behind Islamic teachings, your worship becomes more meaningful and your connection with Allah deepens. The scholars say that one hour of learning Islamic knowledge is better than a whole night of voluntary prayers. Knowledge protects you from doubts, guides you in difficult decisions, and helps you distinguish between right and wrong. Every piece of Islamic knowledge you gain becomes a light in your grave and an intercession on the Day of Judgment.
📚 Daily Learning Sources:
🎯 15-Minute Daily Plan:
- • 5 minutes: Read Quran with translation
- • 5 minutes: Study one hadith and its meaning
- • 3 minutes: Learn Arabic vocabulary (5 new words)
- • 2 minutes: Reflect and make notes
🌟 Benefits of Daily Learning:
📖 Reference: Hadith - "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave" and "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." Quran 20:114 - "My Lord, increase me in knowledge." Hadith: "Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise" (Sahih Muslim). "The superiority of the learned over the devout worshipper is like my superiority over the least of you" (Abu Dawud).
5 Hacks for Every Muslims
There are some hacks or simple and short acts that are very powerful which every Muslim should know. Here are 5 easy acts, along with references so you can check and even show your friends!
1. Smile! It’s Sunnah
So, when you are smiling, you are actually getting rewards like you gave charity!
“Your smile in the face of your brother is charity.” (Hasan hadith, Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1956)
Smiling is counted as an act of charity in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
2. Say “Subhaanallaahi wa bihamdihi” 100 times
These simple and short words are super powerful! Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever says: ‘Subhaanallaahi wa bihamdihi’ (Glory be to Allah and praise Him) one hundred times a day, will have his sins forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.” (Sahih hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari 6405; Sahih Muslim 2691)
You can say these while waiting for the bus, at home, or anywhere!
3. Help Someone (Even in a Small Way)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Every good deed is charity.” (Sahih hadith, Sahih Muslim 1005)
This literally means picking up something for a friend/family member or sharing your food is also a good deed that gets you huge rewards.
4. Make Quick Duas (Prayers) for Others
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Every time he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: ‘Ameen! May it be for you, too.’” (Sahih hadith, Sahih Muslim 2732)
So even a short dua for someone else will get an angel to make the same dua for you!
5. Say Salam (Greet with Peace)
The Quran says:
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or (at least) return it in a like manner…” (Quran, Surah An-Nisa 4:86)
And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“When you meet one another, then greet with Salam.” (Sahih hadith, Sahih Muslim 2162)
