Ihsaan Magazine May 2020 Issue - Living your best Life | Page 20

Call on me, I will answer you. (Qur’an Chapter 40, Verse 60)
Everything starts with Allah [SWT].
Allah [SWT] is our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, and life’s Controller. When
facing a new opportunity, a scary venture, it often gives us butterflies in our
stomach. We feel an anxious sentiment of excitement. This is definitely out of
our comfort zone.
How do we proceed in a way that is pleasing to Allah [SWT]?
We must ask ourselves; “what direction does our moral compass point to?” Do
those we respect and those who respect us consider this opportunity good?
Do we think in 5, 10, 20 years from now we would look back on this decision
positively?
Ultimately, is this action or decision pleasing to Allah (SWT)?
2. Ask Allah [SWT] to Expand You
Allah [SWT] had tasked Musa (AS), “Go to Pharoah. Indeed, he has transgressed.”
[Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verse 24]
Pharaoh, the same ferocious tyrant who massacred babies and enslaved
populations, imagine how Musa (AS) must have felt being asked to face the leader
of the wicked. Undoubtedly daunting, but in humility, Musa (AS) pleads:
“My lord, expand for me my chest” [Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verse 25]
Sometimes we feel our
responsibilities are overbearing.
How do I do my job, fulfil my
duties to my family, take care of
the home and children and still
fulfil my duties to Allah? When
will I find time for Sunnah acts
of worship? I can’t fit Qur’an
into my schedule.
I can’t wake up at 5 am to pray.
I can’t speak up to criticize
the new work policy. I can’t be
successful at work and have
a loving relationship with my
family.
“I can’t do that.” “It’s impossible”
Can you think of the last time
you had to do something and
this was your immediate
reaction?
These statements are classic
examples of what psychologists call “fixed mindset.” It’s opposite, “the growth
mindset” has been associated with greater success and accomplishment.
Expanding your chest is the Islamic growth mindset.
If you perceive your resources to be scarce, you will feel constricted and this will
restrain your ability to see success. Allah [SWT] is The One who grants us our
resources, and the abilities to utilize those resources.
By asking Allah [SWT] to expand your chest, you may see the abundance of
opportunity and obtain a vision of what success may look like.