+–We should strive to give the best version of ourselves to Allah, but how can we achieve this if we can’t love ourselves? Loving oneself requires adopting a mindful attitude; so you start to notice when you are shifting into a negative state. Self-love requires treating yourself kindly – just like you would treat your best friend perhaps. What matters most is the state of our hearts. If it is relaxed, the body and mind will also be at ease. Allah says:

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ

“And verily, We gave Luqman the wisdom that, “Be grateful to Allah.” And whoever (is) grateful then only he is grateful for himself. And whoever (is) ungrateful, then indeed, Allah (is) Free of need, Praiseworthy.” (Surah Luqman 31:12)

Being mindful of Allah, and pondering about our actions leads to improving oneself. Islam encourages us to take care of our body, mind, and soul for us to give the best version of ourselves. Ask Allah to help you improve in both faith and character. Having the right intention coupled with the right action will assist you further. Making constant Istighfar will make a way out of any hardship you’re in. So celebrate your {small and big} victories and always reward yourself. Allah says:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ فَتَنَّا بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لِّيَقُولُوا أَهَٰؤُلَاءِ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّن بَيْنِنَا أَلَيْسَ اللَّ

“And thus We try some of them with others that they say, “Are these (whom) Allah has favoured [upon them] from among us?” Is not Allah most knowing of those who are grateful?” (Surah Al-An`am 6:53)

Thanks or gratitude means reciprocating kindness and giving praise to the one who has done good and kind things. The one who is most deserving of thanks and praise from people is Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, because of the great favours and blessings that He has bestowed upon His slaves in both spiritual and worldly terms. If we are thankful to him then it means we are believers and if not then disbelievers.

How to become more being thankful to Allah, here are some points to know:

1. Allah is the Giver of life and it is only through His grace
2. Allah has instilled love in us as well as a sign of Him
3. Allah knows the little things that do not matter to us
4. Allah knows the past and the future and the present
5. Allah tests us to purify us and wash away our sins
6. Allah knows what we conceal and what we reveal
7. Allah is indeed a protecting friend and supporter
8. Allah lets them go and gives us many chances
9. Allah’s knowledge compasses all things
10. Allah tests some people with poverty
11. Allah knows all that is in our hearts
12. Allah knows all that is in our hearts
13. Allah is that He is the All-Knowing
14. Allah knows the result of our test
15. Allah is the most impartial Judge
16. Thanking Allah for life
17. Thanking Allah for everything
18. Thanking Allah for His blessings
19. Thanking Allah for what you have
20. Thankful to Allah to attain Tauheed
21. Thanking Allah with physical faculties
22. Thanking is a real source of all goodness
23. Thanking and patient in times of difficulty
24. Thanking Allah leads to abundance in Allah’s favours
25. Thanking and expressing gratitude through the tongue

The secret to true happiness is content with everything Allah has given us. When we look at those who have been gifted with materialistic things, we desire to be like them. We chase the Dunya and ultimately get dissatisfied when we can’t achieve what we want. However, we must remember that happiness is the contentment of the heart and peace of mind. A little that makes you happy is better than a lot that makes you miserable.

Allah Almighty says in The Holy Quran:

• “It is You we worship, and we ask for help.” (Quran 1:5)
• “And your Lord said, ‘Call on Me, I will respond to you.” (Quran 40:60)
• “A human being can have nothing but what he strives for.” (Quran 53:39)
• “Nay! But worship Allah and be among the thankful ones.” (Zumar 39:66)
• “…So take what I have given you and be among the grateful.” (Quran 7:144)
• “I created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me.” (Quran 51:56)
• “Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.” (Surah Al-Baqara, 152)
• “Indeed God is the possessor of bounty for all people but most people do not give thanks.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 243)

If we are thankful to him then it means we are believers and if not then disbelievers. We have to be grateful for everything that we have in which health, wealth, breath, family, friends and for all other things whether it’s too small or big and most importantly for being a Muslim. Allah has commanded us to give thanks to Him for those blessings, and not to deny them.

Contributes to wellbeing is positive emotions, this is what we feel:

• We can never count Allah’s Blessings: Be ever grateful to Allah for everything that you possess including your wealth, health, status, intellectual abilities, and life.
• Be a Bearer of Good News: “Give glad tidings, and do not scare people away. Make things easy, and do not make things difficult.” (Abu Dawud)
• Be Positive & Certain About Your Dua (Supplication): “Supplicate Allah Almighty and be certain that He will answer your prayer.” (Tirmidhi).
• Strong Believer Doesn’t Make Excuses: The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although it is good in each. Desire that which will bring you to benefit, and seek help from Allah and do not give way to incapacity.
• Do Good Regardless of Others’ Treatment: Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well and that if they do wrong you will do wrong.
• Be Patient & Positive in Difficult Times: Whoever abstains from asking others, Allah will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allah will make him self-sufficient.
• Istighfar Makes a Way Out: Whoever does a lot of Istighfar (asking for forgiveness), Allah will provide him with a way out of each concern he has and will solve all his troubles.
• Everything I have is a gift from Allah: We must surround ourselves with righteous people who instil the remembrance of Allah and hopefulness in us. The ones who will stand strong alongside us and provide support in times of hardships.
• Allah is enough for me: Keep your inner circle for those who will inspire you through their actions and words. Positive talks create positive energy, which will project outwardly. It is these people who truly want the best for you so you may bloom in every aspect of life.
• Allah made me unique: Once we function in harmony with Allah’s beautiful laws of love and forgiveness and this includes spreading good, true and beautiful thoughts our lives will flower as they were meant to
• Allah’s help I can achieve anything: Take advantage of your positive energy and employ them in doing well in this life. Let’s learn, read and after that, you will find the entire universe will extend to you it’s the heart and the whole world will hug you with its beauty. Allah says:

شَاكِرًا لِّأَنْعُمِهِ اجْتَبَاهُ وَهَدَاهُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

“Thankful for His favours. He chose him and guided him to the way straight.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:121)

Allah has created us with a purpose and we must strive and fulfil that purpose. He has given us unique skills and qualities, which will help strengthen our self-confidence. Neither should we think low of ourselves nor become arrogant. Trust Allah to assist you in utilizing your amazing capabilities to succeed and help the Ummah. Allah says:

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ

“And verily, We gave Luqman the wisdom that, “Be grateful to Allah.” And whoever (is) grateful then only he is grateful for himself. And whoever (is) ungrateful, then indeed, Allah (is) Free of need, Praiseworthy.” (Surah Luqman 31:12 )

A habit of thankfulness helps us appreciate the good things that others do for us. The more one is thankful, the more Allah blesses him. It is His promise. Allah rewards those who thank Him for the blessings and remain patient when the times are tough. We should always be thankful to Allah for every breath we take, for every step we take, for every minute we spend. This life is a blessing from Allah and we are bound to live it peacefully.