7 Principles that Will Change Your Life Guaranteed

Alright, have you ever felt like you’re walking on eggshells, constantly worried about what others think of you? Do you find yourself affected by the judgments and opinions of the world around you?

Well, today’s article is your compass to navigate those stormy waters. we’re delving deep into the timeless teachings of Prophet Muhammad to uncover seven principles that will create an impenetrable shield against the impact of external judgments and opinions. Yes, you heard it right, an impenetrable shield.

Our central figure today is none other than the Beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, a man whose life serves as a timeless source of guidance and inspiration for millions around the globe. Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca in the year 570 CE, a time when the Arabian Peninsula was characterized by tribal societies and a rich tapestry of diverse beliefs. He experienced the challenges of life’s trials and tribulations firsthand, which undoubtedly shaped his remarkable character.

The Arabian Peninsula was a crossroads of civilizations, and Mecca, Muhammad’s birthplace, was a bustling trading hub. However, beneath this outward diversity lay a society plagued by deeply rooted issues. Tribal rivalries and conflicts were rampant, and people often placed their loyalty to their clans above all else. The prevailing paganism and idol worship had led many astray, clouding their moral compass.

At the heart of this challenging environment, Muhammad emerged as a beacon of light and a voice of guidance. His mission was nothing short of transformative: to invite people to worship the one true God, Allah, and to transcend the societal norms that had led them astray.

In this turbulent backdrop, Muhammad faced relentless opposition from the powerful elites who felt threatened by his message. Despite these adversities, he remained steadfast, embodying the principles we’re about to explore. So, as we delve into these seven principles, remember that they were not merely theoretical concepts but practical tools that Muhammad utilized to navigate the complexities of his time. They helped him remain unshaken in the face of adversity, and they can do the same for you in today’s world.

Principle 1: Recognizing the Controllable

Now that we’ve set the historical context, let’s dive into the first principle: recognizing what’s within our control and what’s not. This concept is as ancient as it is profound and forms the bedrock of the teachings we’re about to explore.

Recognizing what’s within our control is about acknowledging that there are aspects of life over which we have power and those over which we have none. It’s understanding that we can influence our choices, actions, and reactions, but we cannot control external events, the opinions of others, or the whims of fate.

So, how does the great Prophet Muhammad illuminate this concept for us? His wisdom shines through in his ability to distinguish between actions and external factors. He understood that while he could control his intentions, efforts, and decisions, he couldn’t control how others perceived him or the circumstances he found himself in.

This wisdom allowed him to persevere in the face of immense adversity. When he faced opposition, ridicule, and even threats, he remained unshaken because he recognized that the opinions of others were beyond his control. Instead, he focused on fulfilling his divine mission.

The Prophet’s ability to separate what he could control from what he couldn’t serve as a source of inner strength.

It enabled him to maintain his integrity and commitment to his beliefs regardless of the external turmoil.

Principle 2: The Power of Tawakul

Our journey through the principles continues with a concept that’s both profound and liberating: tawakul, which translates to trust in Allah. At its core, tawakul means placing our trust and reliance on the Divine, recognizing that

Allah is the ultimate controller of all affairs.

This principle teaches us that while we exert effort and make choices in life, the ultimate outcome lies in Allah’s hands. It’s about understanding that our striving and planning must be complemented by trust in Divine wisdom and surrender to the Divine will.

Now, let’s turn our gaze to the life of the Prophet Muhammad, a living embodiment of tawakul. His unwavering trust in Allah served as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. One remarkable example comes from the early days of his mission when he and his followers faced persecution and oppression in Mecca. Despite the immense challenges and danger, the Prophet trusted in Allah’s plan. He never wavered in his commitment to spreading the message of Islam.

Another powerful anecdote is the event of the Hijra, the migration from Mecca to Medina. when the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr had to hide in the Cave of Thawr to escape persecution. It was their trust in Allah that kept them resolute. Abu Bakr, in moments of anxiety, said to the Prophet, “If they look at their feet, they will see us,” to which the Prophet replied with serene trust, “What do you think of two with whom Allah is the third?”

These instances, among many others, underscore the Prophet’s deep and unshakable trust in divine guidance. His life is a testament to the power of tawakul, showing us that when we trust in Allah’s plan, we can navigate even the most challenging circumstances with grace and resilience.

Principle 3: Embracing Patience (Sabr)

Our exploration of these transformative principles continues with sabr, which translates to

Patience in the face of life’s trials and tribulations.

Sabr is the steadfastness and resilience that enables us to endure with grace and without complaint. It’s about maintaining composure and inner peace even in the most trying circumstances.

One remarkable example of the Prophet’s patience was during the early years of his prophethood in Mecca. As he invited the people to the message of Islam, he faced relentless opposition and persecution. Yet, he persevered with unwavering patience, enduring insults, mockery, and even physical harm. His response was characterized not by anger or retaliation but by resilience and a deep sense of purpose.

Another striking illustration of sabr is the period known as the Year of Sorrow. During this time, the Prophet faced the loss of his beloved wife Khadijah and his supportive uncle Abu Talib, both of whom had played pivotal roles in his life. Despite these profound personal losses, he remained patient and steadfast, continuing to fulfill his prophetic mission.

Perhaps one of the most poignant instances of sabr was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah when the Prophet and his companions were prevented from performing the pilgrimage to Mecca. They accepted a peace treaty with terms that seemed disadvantageous. However, the Prophet exhibited immense patience, recognizing that the divine plan often unfolds in ways we may not immediately understand.

These stories from the life of the Prophet serve as powerful reminders of the transformative power of sabr. They show us that patience is not passive resignation but an active choice to persevere with grace regardless of the challenges we face.

Principle 4: Cultivating Gratitude (Shukr)

Moving forward on our journey through these remarkable principles, we come to shukr, the essence of gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you; it’s about cultivating a mindset of appreciation for the blessings in our lives, no matter how small they may seem. It’s a shield that guards our hearts against the corrosive effects of external judgments.

Now, let’s delve into the life of the Prophet Muhammad to witness how he embodied gratitude even in the most challenging of circumstances. One poignant example is from the early days of his mission in Mecca when he and his followers faced persecution and economic hardship. Despite these trials, the Prophet remained thankful for the support of his loving wife Khadijah and the steadfast companions who stood by his side. He didn’t focus on what he lacked; rather, he expressed gratitude for the resilience and faith of those around him.

Another instance that highlights the Prophet’s gratitude is the Battle of Uhud. This battle brought both triumphs and tragedies, but even amidst adversity, the Prophet remained thankful. He acknowledged the blessings of faith, unity, and the unwavering commitment of his companions.

One of the most powerful lessons in gratitude comes from the Prophet’s daily life. He would begin and end his day with expressions of gratitude to Allah for the simplest of blessings, such as the ability to breathe and the gift of another day. His gratitude was not reserved for grand gestures but extended to the mundane moments of life.

These instances from the life of the Prophet teach us that gratitude is a shield against negativity and judgment. It’s a way to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering contentment and inner peace.

Principle 5: Taqwa (God Consciousness)

Our journey through these transformative principles takes a profound turn as we delve into the concept of taqwa, often translated as God Consciousness or piety.

Taqwa is the vigilant awareness of Allah’s presence and a deep commitment to living in accordance with His guidance. It’s the inner compass that helps us stay true to our principles even in the face of criticism and adversity.

Taqwa is like a constant reminder of our moral and ethical values. When we’re God-conscious, we are acutely aware of our actions and decisions, ensuring they align with our faith and principles. This awareness acts as a shield, helping us resist the pressure to compromise our beliefs when faced with criticism or societal norms that contradict them.

Think about the Prophet Muhammad. His unwavering taqwa kept him steadfast in his mission even when he was met with hostility and rejection. His commitment to monotheism, compassion, and justice was unshaken because of his unwavering God Consciousness.

Maintaining taqwa also means that we are more inclined to seek Allah’s guidance and wisdom when faced with criticism or challenging situations. Rather than reacting impulsively, we turn to prayer, reflection, and seeking divine guidance to navigate these moments wisely.

Moreover, taqwa inspires humility. When we’re God-conscious, we recognize that we are accountable to a higher power, and this humility prevents us from becoming overly concerned about the opinions of others. We value Allah’s approval over the fleeting approval of people.

Principle 6: Pursuit of Excellence (Ihsan)

Our journey through these profound principles leads us to ihsan, the pursuit of excellence.

Ihsan isn’t just about doing things well; it’s about doing things with a level of excellence that reflects the best of our abilities. It’s a commitment to excellence in every aspect of life, and its significance cannot be overstated.

One remarkable example is the Prophet’s approach to his work as a merchant before receiving prophethood. He was known as Al-Amin or the Trustworthy One, renowned for his honesty and excellence in trade. His commitment to fairness and integrity set a shining example for others.

Another instance of ihsan is found in the way the Prophet treated people. He was known for his exceptional kindness and generosity, always going above and beyond in his interactions. His commitment to treating others excellently, regardless of their social status, left a profound impact on his companions.

In the realm of leadership, the Prophet exemplified ihsan in his role as a statesman. He established a just and inclusive society in Medina, promoting excellence in governance and decision-making. His commitment to fairness and inclusivity was evident in the Constitution of Medina, which laid the foundation for a harmonious community.

Even in the simplest of tasks, the Prophet emphasized ihsan. For instance, he encouraged his followers to excel in personal hygiene, demonstrating that even the seemingly mundane aspects of life should be approached with excellence.

These examples from the life of the Prophet illustrate the profound impact of ihsan. They show us that pursuing excellence is not limited to one aspect of life but is a holistic commitment to doing everything to the best of our abilities. It’s a way of living that reflects the teachings of Islam and empowers us to maintain our principles even when faced with criticism.

Principle 7: Sincerity (Ikhlas)

Ikhlas is about purifying our intentions, ensuring that our actions are solely for the sake of Allah, rather than seeking praise or approval from others. It’s a crucial element in our quest to remain unaffected by external opinions.

The Prophet emphasized the importance of sincerity in our actions. He taught that the value of our deeds is determined by the purity of our intentions. The story of the construction of the Quba Mosque in Medina beautifully illustrates the concept of ikhlas.

When the Prophet arrived in Medina, he immediately set out to build the Quba Mosque. He personally participated in its construction, carrying bricks and working tirelessly. His companions offered to help, but he insisted on contributing himself, demonstrating his sincere dedication to the worship of Allah, rather than seeking praise or recognition.

The concept of ikhlas extends to all aspects of life. The Prophet encouraged his followers to maintain pure intentions in their daily actions, whether it was offering prayers, giving charity, or even helping a neighbor. He emphasized that true sincerity lies in doing things solely to seek Allah’s pleasure and reward, not the admiration of others.

These teachings of the Prophet underscore the profound impact of ikhlas. They remind us that our actions should be driven by a sincere desire to please Allah, rather than a desire for external validation. When our intentions are pure, we become less affected by the opinions and judgments of others, knowing that our worth is determined by our sincerity and devotion to Allah.

Remember that external judgments need not define your worth or purpose. By embracing these principles, you’ll find the strength to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Your ultimate validation comes from your sincere devotion to Allah, and these principles will guide you on that path.

So, I invite you to reflect on how you can incorporate these principles into your daily life. Challenge yourself to recognize what’s within your control, trust in Allah’s plan, practice patience, cultivate gratitude, maintain God-consciousness, pursue excellence, and act with pure intentions. By doing so, you’ll not only shield yourself from external judgments but also shine as a beacon of strength and inspiration for those around you.