“He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself. And mentions the name of his Lord and prays.” - Al A’la (87:14-15)
Human being are said to be the most perfect creatures Allah has ever created, among animals and even the Angels. Human have two qualities that none of the other two have: capability to think and desire. While animal has only desire and Angels has none, human possess both of them. It means that human has full control of their act as well as their brain.
Being blessed by such perfection, Allah SWT gave human an undeniable obligation in the world: to worship Him and spread Islam, the most rightful religion. Allah SWT is perfect and He created human with the most perfect feature. However, human are imperfect. They frequently make mistakes and commit sins.
This is where the importance of reflection in Islam lies. At some point in our lives, us human should stop, taking a look back and reflect so that we could become a good Muslims. What are the importance of reflection in Islam and what are the things Muslims could reflect upon?
1. Building Self Awareness
Reflecting into ourselves is more important than reflecting what is outside. We should build ourselves stronger than ever by improving self awareness. We must recgnize our values, our strength, as well as our weakness.
Also read: Importance of Self Reflection in Night in Islam
2. Increase the Integrity
Integrity is needed most at the crucial times, when we are stressed and have to made an important yet quick decision. If we reflect on ourselves that often, it will increase the integrity we have. In the future, the decision making process will be very much easier.
3. To be More Confident
The confidence we talk about in here is the faith we have in Allah that any decision we made will turn out good since we have Allah in our side.
When you have made the decision, then rely upon Allah. Verily, Allah loves those who trust Him. - Ali Imran (3:159)
Also read: Importance of Faith in Islam
4. Acknowledging Our Mistakes and Sins
Human will continually make mistakes and commit sins. We should acknowledge them and repent.
Abu Ayyub Ansari reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: If you were not to commit sins, Allah would have swept you out of existence and would have replaced you by another people who have committed sin, and then asked forgiveness from Allah, and He would have granted them pardon. - Muslim
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5. To Find Our Strength
During hard times, we have no one to trust but Allah. That everything will only be temporary and His help eventually come.
For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. - Ash-Sharh (94:5)
Also read: Patience in Islam
6. Find Solution About Life’s Problem
When problems come, life suddenly become hard and unbearable. Not only we need to find strength but we have to find the best solution to go out of trouble. The more we believe in Allah, the easier we find the solution.
Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” - Ar Ra’d (13:28)
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7. To Find Happiness
A happy Muslims is those who sufficient with the love they have for Allah.
“Worship God and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet). Verily, God does not like those who are proud and boastful.” (Quran 4:36)
Also read: How to Gain Happiness in Islam
Things Muslims Can Reflect On
As the importance of reflection in Islam is very high, the things that we can reflect on are also many. Reflection should be made any time and we must make it as a good habit to be done frequently. Here are some of the things that could be reflected on:
1. Allah’s Names
Learn the many names of Allah through the Quran, and soon we will know Our Creator better. It helps us understand the special relationship we have with Allah.
2. Allah’s Creation
The Earth, sky, and the whole universe is His creation. Even when we were gone, it could hardly notice since how big His creations are.
When they are reminded of the signs of their Lord, do not turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to them. - (Al-Furqan 25:73)
Also read: How to Get Blessing from Allah in Islam
3. Human’s History
Human being has found settlement on Earth by the time Prophet Adam was ousted from Jannah and being thrown here. So that by the history, we must learn how our ancestors lived and how ages change.
Have they not travelled in the land that they may observe the end of those who were before them? Certainly the abode of the Herafter is much better for the God-fearing. Do you not then reflect? (Surah 12: 109)
4. Self Reflection
Taking a look into ourselves is more important than anything. Change should always started from the inside before we intend to change others.
Also read: Importance of Repentance in Islam
5. Reflection on Society
As said above, human being has a long history. The more years has passed, the more we have to look into our society. We must learn from the mistake our ancestors have made to make sure we won’t be doing the same.
“Do they not reflect upon themselves?” - Rum (30:8)
6. Remembering Death
Death is the final destination to anyone. We have to remember death all the time, not to be sad but to remind ourselves to always walk on the right side. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the one who is the most intelligent is the one who always remembers death. (Ibn Majah).
Also read: How to Accept Death in Islam
Those are all the importance of reflection in Islam and how can we Muslims do it. May we always be a faithful and good Muslim forever. Amin.