Pakistan
Each of us carries certain burdens—harmful habits, negative attitudes, unsettling emotions, and impure thoughts—that deeply affect our well-being. This negativity can weigh heavily on our souls, leaving us emotionally drained and spiritually disconnected. Certain behaviors can sever our relationship with Allah, making us feel distant when we long to feel close.
It's essential to cultivate a pure heart and nurture a healthy soul. When we sense our spirits are burdened, it's time to release that weight. Below are some toxic traits we should strive to abandon to uplift our spirits, renew our faith, and draw nearer to Allah. As Muslim women in Pakistan, embracing a lifestyle that enriches our spiritual journey is crucial—much like choosing a modern hijab that reflects both our faith and identity.
And Allah says: "The Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit, but only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart." (Qur'an 26:88-89)
Pride
Pride is a common challenge; it's often remarked that arrogance stems from a lack of wisdom. In our culture, humility is greatly esteemed, yet pride can subtly infiltrate our hearts. When consumed by pride, we begin to believe we are superior to others, which diminishes our compassion and empathy. It's time to release ourselves from the grip of pride.
The Holy Qur'an warns us about arrogance:
- Pride leads to downfall: “It will be said, 'Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant.'” (Qur'an 39:72)
- Pride distances us from Allah: “But my invitation increased them not except in flight. And indeed, every time I invited them that You may forgive them, they put their fingers in their ears, covered themselves with their garments, persisted, and were arrogant with great arrogance.” (Qur'an 71:6-7)
- To overcome pride, practice selflessness: “So those who believe and do righteous deeds—He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty. But as for those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish them with a painful punishment.” (Qur'an 4:173)
Envy
Jealousy is a disease that corrodes the soul. By envying others, we neglect our own blessings and start desiring what belongs to someone else. Envy paves the way for greed to infiltrate our hearts. Harboring jealousy indicates a lack of trust in Allah's plan for us. In a close-knit society like ours, it's vital to focus on gratitude for what we have. Whatever is destined for us, Allah will surely provide.
The Qur'an speaks clearly about envy:
- Envy was among the first sins committed: “And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], 'I will surely kill you.' Said [the former], 'Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].'” (Qur'an 5:27)
- Be content with Allah's provisions: “And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.” (Qur'an 4:32)
- Allah is the Sustainer: “And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.” (Qur'an 11:6)
Greed
Islam emphasizes charity, generosity, and a spirit of giving. By aiding others, we benefit ourselves. In our community, where poverty and wealth disparity are visible, practicing generosity holds special importance. Greed contradicts these core values. Since Allah has generously provided for us, we should, in turn, extend generosity to others.
The Holy Qur'an addresses greed:
- Greed leads to misery: “So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them through them in worldly life and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers.” (Qur'an 9:85)
- The righteous allocate for those in need: “And from their properties was [given] the right of the [needy] petitioner and the deprived.” (Qur'an 51:19)
- Allah multiplies what you give: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Qur'an 2:261)
