How to become a better Muslim

Being close to Allah brings unparalleled inner peace and tranquility, as it aligns the heart with its ultimate purpose: worship and reliance on the Creator. Through acts of devotion such as prayer, remembrance (dhikr), and reflection on His blessings, a believer finds comfort and strength, even amidst life’s trials.

Allah promises in the Qur’an, “Indeed, with the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28). Therefore, striving to become a better Muslim is essential, as it deepens our connection with Allah and enhances our inner peace and sense of purpose.

By improving our worship, character, and daily actions, we not only fulfill our duties as His servants but also experience the spiritual and emotional rewards of living a life centered on faith. This journey ensures success in this world and eternal bliss in the Hereafter.
Here are 10 tips which help you to become a better muslim:

1.Strengthen Your Faith (Iman):

Develop a deep connection with Allah by understanding His names and attributes, and increase your trust in Him. Strengthening your faith (Iman) begins with deepening your connection to Allah through worship, knowledge, and reflection.

Start by understanding Allah’s names and attributes, such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving), to appreciate His infinite mercy and wisdom.
Perform the five daily prayers with sincerity and focus, and make time for supplication (dua) to share your hopes, fears, and gratitude with Allah.

Consistently engage in acts of remembrance (dhikr), such as reciting SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and La ilaha illallah, to keep Allah in your thoughts throughout the day. Regularly read and reflect on the Quran, treating it as a guide for both your spiritual and daily life.

Additionally, reflect on the wonders of Allah’s creation and His countless blessings in your life. Observing the intricacies of nature and the universe can strengthen your conviction in His power and majesty.

Surround yourself with pious company who inspire you to grow in faith and encourage you to practice Islam more consistently. Seek knowledge through authentic sources to better understand your religion, and act upon what you learn.

Small, consistent good deeds, such as helping others or giving charity, further nurture your faith and bring you closer to Allah. Strengthening faith is a lifelong journey that requires sincerity, dedication, and trust in Allah’s plan.

2.Pray on Time:

Praying on time holds immense value in Islam as it signifies obedience, discipline, and a deep connection with Allah. The five daily prayers (Salah) are among the most important pillars of Islam, prescribed to structure the believer’s day and maintain a constant remembrance of Allah.

When performed on time, prayer demonstrates a Muslim’s commitment to prioritizing their relationship with their Creator above worldly distractions.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of timely prayer, stating, “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:103). By adhering to these specified times, a Muslim shows gratitude, humility, and devotion to Allah.

Timely prayer not only fulfills a religious obligation but also instills discipline and organization in a person’s life. It helps individuals pause amidst their busy routines to reflect, seek guidance, and strengthen their connection with Allah.

Moreover, the spiritual and emotional benefits of praying on time are profound. It brings peace to the heart, reduces stress, and enhances mindfulness by aligning one’s day with moments of spiritual renewal.

Regularly praying on time also increases the likelihood of maintaining khushoo (focus and humility) in prayer, making it a source of comfort and strength. In essence, punctuality in prayer reflects a believer’s sincerity and commitment to living a life centered on faith.

3.Read and Reflect on the Quran:

Reading and reflecting on the Quran is a vital practice for Muslims to deepen their connection with Allah and gain guidance in life. The Quran is not just a book of worship; it is a comprehensive guide that offers wisdom, solutions to challenges, and spiritual nourishment.

Regularly reading the Quran, even in small portions, helps Muslims stay connected to Allah’s words and reinforces their faith. Reflecting on its meanings allows a believer to understand its context and apply its teachings in daily life.

Allah encourages reflection in the Quran, stating, “Do they not then reflect on the Quran?” (Surah Muhammad, 47:24), highlighting the importance of contemplating its verses deeply.

By reflecting on the Quran, Muslims can uncover profound lessons about patience, gratitude, humility, and the purpose of life. It is a means to find answers to personal and societal issues, as the Quran addresses every aspect of human existence.

Pondering over verses about Allah’s mercy, creation, and promises fosters a sense of hope and trust in Him. To reflect effectively, one can study the tafsir (exegesis) to gain insights into the meanings and context of the verses.

Applying these lessons in daily life bridges the gap between understanding and practice. This habit strengthens faith, brings spiritual clarity, and fosters a deeper love for Allah and His guidance.

4.Make Constant Dua and Dhikr:

Remembrance of Allah is a powerful way to maintain a close and meaningful relationship with Allah. Dua is a direct communication with Allah where a believer can express their needs, gratitude, and repentance.

It reflects humility and reliance on Allah, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Dua is worship” (Tirmidhi).

By making dua regularly, a person builds a habit of seeking Allah’s guidance and mercy in every aspect of life, knowing that Allah responds to sincere supplications: “And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you'” (Surah Ghafir, 40:60).

Similarly, dhikr keeps the heart connected to Allah and helps believers stay mindful of Him throughout the day. Reciting phrases like SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) are simple yet profound acts of worship that bring immense rewards.

Dhikr also purifies the heart, reduces stress, and instills inner peace, as Allah says, “Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28). Making constant dua and dhikr allows a Muslim to remain spiritually grounded and strengthens their faith by cultivating an enduring sense of gratitude and trust in Allah.

Making dua and dhikr a constant part of your daily life can transform your relationship with Allah and your overall spiritual well-being.

Dua is not just about asking Allah for what you want; it is an act of humility and trust in His wisdom and mercy. It reminds you that Allah is always near, ready to listen to your hopes, fears, and concerns.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged believers to make dua often, saying, “Your Lord is Generous and Shy. If His servant raises his hands to Him, He becomes shy to return them empty” (Tirmidhi).

Whether you are seeking help, expressing gratitude, or repenting for sins, dua strengthens your reliance on Allah and reassures you that He controls all affairs.

5.Seek Knowledge:

It is a central aspect of Islam and one of the most virtuous acts a believer can engage in. It is through knowledge that one understands their purpose in life, the commands of Allah, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Prophet said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Ibn Majah). This obligation encompasses both religious knowledge—understanding the Quran, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and the principles of worship—and beneficial worldly knowledge that contributes to personal growth and society.

Allah honors those who seek knowledge, as He states in the Quran, “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees” (Surah Al-Mujadila, 58:11).

Seeking knowledge requires sincerity, humility, and effort. Begin by learning the basics of Islam, such as the pillars of faith and practice, while also studying the Quran and Sunnah to understand the message of Islam deeply.

Attend classes, listen to lectures from authentic scholars, and read books that expand your understanding of both religious and worldly matters.

Knowledge without application is incomplete, so strive to act upon what you learn and share it with others to benefit them as well. Surround yourself with people who encourage learning, and always ask Allah to increase you in beneficial knowledge, as the Quran teaches us to pray: “My Lord, increase me in knowledge” (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:114). The pursuit of knowledge not only strengthens your faith but also empowers you to navigate life with wisdom and clarity.

6.Avoid Sins and Repent Often:

Stay away from sinful behavior, seek forgiveness for mistakes, and sincerely repent with the intention of not repeating sins.Avoiding sins and repenting often are essential elements in a Muslim’s journey toward spiritual purification and closeness to Allah.

Islam teaches that all human beings are imperfect, and everyone will commit sins; however, the key is to actively strive to avoid sinful actions and to seek forgiveness when mistakes are made.

The Quran reminds us, “And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by sin], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allah?” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:135).

Avoiding sin requires conscious effort, self-discipline, and vigilance over one’s actions, speech, and intentions.

Muslims are encouraged to stay away from anything that could lead to sin, whether through bad company, negative environments, or harmful habits.

By maintaining good intentions and seeking Allah’s protection from temptation, a believer can guard themselves from wrongdoing.
Repentance (Tawbah) is a central practice in Islam, as it provides a way to cleanse the heart and restore a person’s relationship with Allah.

The act of repentance involves feeling genuine remorse for one’s sins, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and making a sincere intention to avoid committing the same mistakes again.

Allah promises to forgive those who turn to Him with a pure heart, as He says, “And He it is who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons misdeeds” (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:25).

A regular habit of seeking forgiveness, even for minor mistakes, keeps the heart soft and aware of Allah’s mercy.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known to repent often, saying, “I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day” (Bukhari).

By constantly repenting and striving to avoid sin, a Muslim remains spiritually active, humble, and aware of their dependence on Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

7.Give Charity (Sadaqah):

Helping the needy by momey is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam, and it plays a significant role in strengthening both the giver’s faith and the bonds within the community.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of charity, stating, “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a seed of grain which grows into seven ears, each of which holds a hundred grains” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261).

This highlights not only the spiritual rewards but also the multiplied benefits of charity, where even a small act of giving can yield great returns in the Hereafter.

Sadaqah is not limited to money; it can include acts of kindness, volunteering, providing for others, or offering a smile. Every good deed can be considered a form of charity if done with the intention of pleasing Allah.

8.Fast Regularly:

Fasting regularly is an important practice that helps a Muslim grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. The primary form of fasting in Islam is the fasting during the month of Ramadan, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

However, fasting beyond Ramadan can also be immensely beneficial and is highly encouraged.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven.

And whoever fasts for the sake of Allah on Mondays and Thursdays will also gain great rewards” (Bukhari). Fasting regularly outside of Ramadan, such as on Mondays and Thursdays or during the white days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month), allows a Muslim to continuously seek closeness to Allah and gain spiritual benefits.

Fasting is not only an act of abstention from food and drink but also an exercise in self-discipline, patience, and mindfulness. It serves as a reminder of the blessings of Allah and the importance of gratitude, as fasting helps individuals develop empathy for the less fortunate.

The Quran highlights the significance of fasting, saying, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183).

Regular fasting strengthens a Muslim’s relationship with Allah by fostering consciousness of one’s actions and intentions, promoting self-control over desires, and increasing devotion to worship.

It is also a way of purifying the soul, forgiving sins, and attaining inner peace. By fasting regularly, a Muslim can experience these spiritual benefits and draw closer to Allah, further enhancing their commitment to being a better Muslim.

9.Improve Your Character:

Be honest, kind, patient, and forgiving. Follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in your dealings with others.Improving your character as a Muslim involves strengthening your faith by seeking knowledge and performing regular prayers, while embodying honesty, kindness, and humility in all your interactions.

You should strive to control anger, practice patience, and forgive others, while also maintaining strong family ties and being just in all dealings.

Generosity through charity, both in material and acts of kindness, is crucial, as is seeking forgiveness from Allah for your mistakes.

Regular supplication (du’a) and ensuring your actions are done with sincerity for the sake of Allah are key to continuous personal growth. This journey of self-improvement requires constant reflection, effort, and reliance on Allah’s guidance.

10.Surround Yourself with Righteous Company:

Associate with people who encourage good deeds, attend Islamic gatherings, and distance yourself from negative influences.Surrounding yourself with righteous company is essential for personal growth as a Muslim, as it encourages you to adopt positive habits and strengthens your connection to Allah.

Good friends remind you to perform acts of worship, such as prayer, and inspire you to live by Islamic values like honesty, kindness, and humility.

They hold you accountable in a gentle and supportive way, helping you stay on the right path and avoid sinful behavior.

Righteous companions also offer valuable advice and wisdom, which can guide you through life’s challenges, making it easier to maintain your faith and strive towards becoming a better Muslim.

By choosing the right people to associate with, you create an environment that nurtures your spirituality and personal development.

Conclusion

By following these steps with sincerity and consistency, you can grow closer to Allah and lead a more fulfilling life as a Muslim. May Allah make it easy for you.