Think Positively — No Matter How Hard Life Is:

Islam teaches us to direct our thoughts toward what is Good and to ignore Bad thoughts — Like outward statements, thoughts we pursue are simply inward statements that should be good or at least neutral.

If we entertain a bad thought, we should Follow it with several positive inward statements to cancel its effect.

Islam Emphasizes Positive Thinking — Even though many Muslims today choose to Think Negatively about the world and its inhabitants, Islam actually encourages the opposite.

Think Positive About Allah:

"I am as My servant thinks of Me. I am with him when he remembers Me. If he mentions Me within himself, I mention him within Myself. If he mentions Me in an assembly, I mention him in a better assembly. If he comes near to Me a handspan, I come near to him the distance of a cubit. If he comes near to Me the distance of a cubit, I come near to him the distance of two outspread arms. If he comes to Me walking, I come to him running".(Sahih Al-Bukhari :6856)

In this Hadith Al-Qudsi, Allah Himself informs us of the importance of Positive Thinking about Him — We must maintain Good Thoughts about our Creator and not allow the devil to place evil thoughts in our minds. The more positively we think about Allah, the more benefits we will gain From this in this world and the next.

Avoid Negative Thoughts:

"Beware of suspicion, as suspicion is the falsest talk, and do not spy upon each other, and do not listen to the evil talk of the people about others’ affairs, and do not have enmity with one another, but be brothers. And none should ask for the hand of a girl who is already engaged to his (Muslim) brother, but one should wait till the first suitor marries her or leaves her". (Saheeh Bukhari :5970).

Negative Thinking about our Fellow Muslims is a root cause of Enmity, Jealousy, and Disunity. This Hadith prohibits all causes of Negative Thinking, whether it be unfounded Suspicion, Backbiting, or Spying. All these sins must be avoided.

Our Thoughts have a Powerful ability to determine our Feelings and Emotional States and ultimately affect how we behave,For better or worse.

Islam teaches us to direct the act Reflection (Tafakkur), or Deep Thought, towards the signs of Allah, the names and attributes of Allah, to his blessings and wonders, to hope in the Hereafter, and to optimism.

By controlling our thought processes in a positive manner, we can increase the effectiveness of our prayers and worship as well as relieve ourselves From the anger, depression,and anxieties that Worldly Thoughts Induce.

Contrary to popular belief, we have control over which thoughts we choose to Follow. We may not have a choice over which particular thought occurs initially in our minds at a given time, but we do have a choice to either ignore it or pursue it.

Our Voluntary Thoughts are Nothing more than Inward Statements. Hence, the rule is that we should only engage good thoughts or keep our minds silent.

Ibn Abbas reported: "The Messenger of Allah(saw) was optimistic and he did not see evil omens, and he liked good names". (Musnad Aḥmad:2762, Grade: Sahih).

Positive Thinking and Optimism are most important as they relate to our prayers, supplications, and acts of Worship.

The Messenger of Allah(saw) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak goodness or remain silent". (Sahiih al-Bukhari: 6110).

"Whoever loves the meeting with Allah, Allah too, loves the meeting with him; and whoever hates the meeting with Allah, Allah too, hates the meeting with him". (Saheeh Bukhari :6508).

Positive Thinking is so important in Islam, that it is emphasized at the time of death. Muslims should not only think good about their Creator, they should think best of Him.

This is especially important at the time of death, that Believers be encouraged to Focus on Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness. In doing so, they leave this world in a Positive State of Mind. Not only should we live positive lives, but we should die in a positive state of mind too.

Ibn Al-Qayyim writes: The most beneficial remedy is that you preoccupy yourself with thoughts of what should concern you and not those that should not concern you.

Thinking about what does not matter to you is the door of every evil. Whoever reflects upon what does not concern him, then he will miss what does concern him. (Source: al-Fawā’id 1/175).

This means busying ourselves with Worldly Thoughts only to the extent necessary, and also learning not to worry about matters beyond our circle of influence or control.

If we Constantly Worry or get upset by things we cannot change, that will take our attention away From what we can change.

After understanding the effects of Positive and Negative Thoughts, we then need to direct our thought processes towards positive trains of thought and learn to dismiss negative thoughts before they take us into a downward spiral.

Many of the Prophet’s Companions considered the skill to direct Thought in a Positive way as the Enlightenment of True Faith.

Umar ibn Abdul Aziz said: "Speaking in remembrance of Allah the Exalted is good, yet thought upon the blessings of Allah is the best act of worship".

(Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr 3:190).

Positive Thinking should lead to an Optimistic outlook and Good expectations in Allah and his Mercy. These Good expectations are the Inner Secret that makes our prayers and Worship most effective and Fulfilling.

Life Is Difficult For Every Human Being Because We Have Come In This World To Give A Test And To Please Our Creator.

Therefore, make a Strong Relationship with your Creator and it will be only when we obey his orders — When we share good, then Positive Thoughts will come.

May Allah(swt) protect us all From Negative Thoughts. (Ameen).

JazakAllah (May Allah reward you [with] goodness)For reading.

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