To do everything in our daily life accordingly so we can lead a successful life, we need to concentrate. Whether it is to our work or study, we need to make the most of it. But staying focused and concentrate is indeed another problem. Many Muslims find it hard to concentrate to work and study, so they do many things in between.
The result is, time becomes ineffective. And even though many hours has passed, the work has not yet to be done. Concentration not only needed in daily life, but also in worshiping Allah SWT. As a good Muslims, let’s get better and better by the day. Both in our daily life and religious life.
Here are the useful tips on how to improve concentration in Islam:
1. Make a Productivity Plan
Reserve a certain time for you to do all of your task and follow it properly. For example, if you find yourself can concentrate best in the morning, then increase the productivity in the morning. Do the most challenging tasks first, and save the simpler ones for the later time. Try different experiment so that you know what time your concentration at its best. Read more about Reasons Why Good Deeds Rejected by Allah SWT
2. Get Rid of the Gadget
The key to improve concentration is by removing all the distraction. In this case, is the gadget. Your phone, tablets, and other devices can really tempting. You always want to touch them, and once you did, it breaks your concentration forever. It will be almost impossible for you to get back again.
3. Stay Away from the Social Media
The even bigger distraction is the social media. Playing with the social media while working on stuff is never effective. In fact, it takes you longer to finish the job, and there is also possibility that the job would remain unfinished. You lost the track of time, enjoy scrolling through the page of someone else’s feed. Read more about How to Give Thanks in Islam
4. Do Not Multitask
Some Muslims think that multitasking is effective, as it is like passing through two islands with one paddle. But it is not. Multitasking only break your concentration into pieces, and confusing you about what is which. Doing one job at one time is definitely better and you will have plenty time to do others afterwards. Read more about How to Motivate Yourself to Study in Islam
5. Breakdown to Small Pieces
It’s impossible to understand the big picture immediately. Break them down into small pieces so you can understand it better. It’s okay to learn about something little by little by patient and taking the time. Because how much you can understand is more important than how fast you can understand it. Allah has reminded us wisely:
“By (the Token of) time (through the Ages). Verily Man is in loss. Except such as have Faith and do righteous deeds and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth and of Patience and Constancy.” (Al Asr:1-3)
6. Take Time to Break
Your head will explode and your concentration would be falling down if you work continuously. You are human and you need time to break. Take it when you need it. Choose your favorite method to take a break, whether it’s drinking a cup of coffee, sitting in the park bench, or taking a fast nap. Read more about Importance of Reciting Salawat in Islam
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7. Do Not Push Yourself Too Hard
Everyone wished to do their best. A Muslim will give all he has to do better. But don’t go through the limit. You know where your productivity level ended, so when it has meet the end then back up. Don’t push yourself too hard. Take a break, refresh your mind, and start again.
8. Rest When the Time Comes
Don’t forget the basic needs while trying to improve the concentration. Eat well, sleep well, pray well, and entertain yourself well. The most important thing is make time to pray and talk to Allah. Faith is what keep you grounded and focused. Read more about Importance of Health in Islam
9. Stay Up After Fajr
One Hadith said:
“I asked Jaabir ibn Samurah, ‘Did you used to sit with the Messenger of Allaah?’ He said, ‘Yes, frequently. He would not get up from the place where he had prayed Subh until the sun rose. When the sun rose, he would get up. They used to talk about things that had happened during the Jaahiliyyah, and they would laugh and smile.” – Muslim.
Make the most of early morning after Fajr to improve your concentration.
10. Memorize the Quran
Whoever memorize the Quran will never forget anything in his life. It’s a good way to improve both memory and concentration. Treat your brain like a muscle that need to be trained everyday. If you use it in a way that will pleased Allah, then concentrating is only piece of a cake. Read more about How to Memorize Quran
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11. Perform Tahajjud Prayer
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
Allah’s Apostle said, “Satan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he reads and exhales the following words, ‘The night is long, so stay asleep.’ When one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart.” – Bukhari
12. Don’t Forget the Dua
Whenever you face difficulties on something, make dua and call for your Allah SWT. He will always be there to hear everything you wanted to say, including when you say you want to be more concentrated. Read more about Importance of Nafl Prayer
13. Eat Raisins and Honey
These two food is the food the Prophet (SAW) liked the most.
Aishah (RA) said: I used to take a handful of dried dates and a handful or raisins and put them in a vessel, and then crush them (and soak in water). Then I would give it to the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) to drink. Sunan Abu Dawud. Aishah (RA) said: Allah’s Apostle used to love sweet edible things and honey. – Bukhari.
So those are the useful ways on how to improve concentration in Islam. Those ways are indeed easy to do. From now on let us be more focused and concentrate in everything we do. Let’s give all we have and pour all of our heart in it. We should live a successful life both in dunya and afterlife.