1. Leading Productive Lives
Jeddah, KSA
Leading Productive Lives
Sponsored by:
Organized by:
Presented by:
Mohammed Faris, Founder & CEO, ProductiveMuslim.com

2. Facebook/Twitter friendly
This event is
Facebook/Twitter friendly
Please update our fans online with gems from this seminar
facebook.com/productivemuslim
twitter.com/abuproductive
#ProMJeddah

3. Intro + Spiritual Productivity Physical Productivity
Programme
Time
Session
5.00pm
Intro + Spiritual Productivity
7.00pm
Break
7.30pm
Physical Productivity
8.30pm
9.00pm
Focus Management
10.30pm
Q&A
11.00pm
Departure

4. Let’s Begin!

5. Principles of Productivity
I’m just a normal guy.
Sponsored by:
Organized by:
Presented by:
Mohammed Faris, Founder & CEO, ProductiveMuslim.com

6. What does Productivity mean to you?

7. Output/Input = Productivity
Industry Definition
Definitions of Productivity: Productivity is to maximize the output of the production unit.
Personal productivity: To maximize the output of your time
A person playing video games is focussed + energy but NOT towards a benenficial goal
Rest of these sessions talk about how to remain focussed + maintain energy
whenever you feel unproductive, ask yourself what are you missing? focus or energy?
Output/Input = Productivity

8. Productivity = Focus + Energy
Our Definition
Definitions of Productivity: Productivity is to maximize the output of the production unit.
Personal productivity: To maximize the output of your time
A person playing video games is focussed + energy but NOT towards a benenficial goal
Rest of these sessions talk about how to remain focussed + maintain energy
whenever you feel unproductive, ask yourself what are you missing? focus or energy?
Productivity = Focus + Energy
(towards a beneficial goal)

9. Productivity = Focus + Energy
A Muslim Definition
Definitions of Productivity: Productivity is to maximize the output of the production unit.
Personal productivity: To maximize the output of your time
A person playing video games is focussed + energy but NOT towards a benenficial goal
Rest of these sessions talk about how to remain focussed + maintain energy
whenever you feel unproductive, ask yourself what are you missing? focus or energy?
Productivity = Focus + Energy
(towards maximising your reward in Akhira)

10. A Muslim’s Perspective Productivity starts with Intentions
Outcome
“Who ever asks Allah martyrdom sincerely, Allah will grant him that status even if he dies on his bed”
Action
Must be done with
Excellence

11. Why is it important for you to be Productive?
"How many of you would say that demand in your lives has increased significantly during the past several years?"
"How many of you," I ask next, "expect that demand in your lives is going to get even greater during the next several years?"
For both, nearly every hand goes up.
"OK," I say, "so here's the $64,000 question: How many of you expect your capacity to rise right along with demand?

12. Why is it important to be Productive?
Key to Success
Gives Meaning to Life
Fulfills Your Purpose in Life

13. The Productivity Triangle
Knowledge
Consistency: (5) Narrated 'Aisha: The Prophet was asked, "What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said, "The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few." He added, 'Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability."  (Book #76, Hadith #472) [Don’t over-commit, learn to say NO!]
Action
Consistency

14. The Key to Consistency: Discipline
Personal Discipline
Mind Management
Body Management
Life Management
Spiritual Submission
You Belong to Him
You Need Him
Piety
Ibn Qayim
Being strict with Nafsa - quotes from Islam
Discipline: Day by Day
Remember your “mantra” لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
Think like a PRO!
Islam Achieves Both Aspects of Discipline for you.

15. How to develop Discipline?
Higher Purpose +
Constant Practice
Ibn Qayim
Being strict with Nafsa - quotes from Islam
Discipline: Day by Day
Remember your “mantra” لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
Think like a PRO!
Self-Accountability +

16. Islam has all 3 ingredients
Higher Purpose = Serving Allah
Ibn Qayim
Being strict with Nafsa - quotes from Islam
Discipline: Day by Day
Remember your “mantra” لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
Think like a PRO!
Constant Practice = Salah + Fasting
Self-Accountability = Our Records

17. More Practical Advice
Best time to be disciplined is when you least want to
Better to die trying...then to give up!
Be aware of “slipping” points
Have a Mentor/Coach/Teacher
Dua Dua Dua
Ibn Qayim
Being strict with Nafsa - quotes from Islam
Discipline: Day by Day
Remember your “mantra” لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
Think like a PRO!

18. Group Exercise:
Choose 1 thing you find difficult to be disciplined in and pinpoint at least
1 slipping point
Time: 5 minutes

19. Misconceptions of Productivity
Being Busy ≠ Being Productive
Being Productive ≠ no fun, no friends, no TV, no FB..etc.
Being Productive is not an event!
Ibn Qayim
Being strict with Nafsa - quotes from Islam
Discipline: Day by Day
Remember your “mantra” لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
Think like a PRO!

20. "How many of you would say that demand in your lives has increased significantly during the past several years?"
"How many of you," I ask next, "expect that demand in your lives is going to get even greater during the next several years?"
For both, nearly every hand goes up.
"OK," I say, "so here's the $64,000 question: How many of you expect your capacity to rise right along with demand?
3 Types of Productivity

21. The 3 Types of Productivity
Islam
Spiritual
Productivity
Description of ProducitveMuslims in the Quran:
“Muhammad is the apostle of Allah. and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward” (Surah Al-Fath, Chapter #48, Verse #29)
The first question we ask is why Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) described the companions differently in the different Books. The scholars who delved into this verse say that because the Jewish people didn’t adhere to the Law that was set for them and did not follow it properly (they had the knowledge but didn’t follow it), Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) wanted to show them the example of a future nation who would abide by the Law and worship Allah, hence the beautiful description of the Companions and their Salah.
On the other hand, the Christians were extremely religiously committed; doing things they weren’t even asked to do, such as becoming monks and nuns, and shunning the life of this world. Thus, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) wanted to give them the example of a future nation that would be religious whilst also productive and active. Similar to a plant which stands on its own, the sahaba did not rely on others to give them sustenance, and brought delight and wonders to those around them.
=====
Abu Juhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) made a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abud-Darda'. Salman paid a visit to Abud-Darda' and found Umm Darda' (his wife) dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied: "Your brother Abud-Darda' is not interested in (the luxuries of) this world. In the meantime Abud-Darda' came in and prepared a meal for Salman. Salman requested Abud-Darda' to eat (with him) but Abud- Darda' said: "I am fasting.'' Salman said: "I am not going to eat unless you eat.'' So, Abud-Darda' ate (with Salman). When it was night and (a part of the night passed), Abud-Darda' got up (to offer the night prayer) but Salman asked him to sleep and Abud- Darda' slept. After some time Abud-Darda' again got up but Salman asked him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night, Salman asked him to get up and both of them offered (Tahajjud) prayer. Then Salman told Abud-Darda': "You owe a duty to your Rubb, you owe a duty to your body; you owe a duty to your family; so you should give to every one his due.” Abud-Darda' came to the Prophet (PBUH) and reported the whole story. Prophet (PBUH) said, "Salman is right".
[Al-Bukhari].
The 3 spheres of productivity feed into each other.
Physical
Productivity
Social
Productivity

22. Social Responsibility = ProductiveMuslim
3 Qualities of a ProductiveMuslim
Spiritual Strength +
Physical Vitality
Social Responsibility =
ProductiveMuslim
Spiritual Strength = Doesn’t matter how “strong”/”Weak” you are - mention, Abdullah Ibn Masoud thin.
Physical Vitality = Mention hadeeth of “the strong believer is better than weak believer”
Social Responsibility = ‘From among the lofty qualities of the Islamic Shari’ah is that it has legislated many actions of worship to be done in congregation. The Muslims gather that they may keep in contact with each other, come to know each other, seek advice from one another, seek help in removing any difficulties that they may be in, and discuss various issues with each other. This contains great benefit and many desirable points which can not be enumerated such as teaching the ignorant, helping the needy, softening the hearts, and manifesting the greatness of Islam. The Heavenly Revelation endorses this understanding for when it prohibits and commands it does not direct this prohibition to any specific individual but to the congregation as a whole.’ [The Spiritual Cure : An Explanation of Surat al Fatiha (Tabari, Baghawi, others) ]
add Personal experience - about link between spiritual experience
the spiritual side (the hidden equation) - not an equation

23. The Story of
"How many of you would say that demand in your lives has increased significantly during the past several years?"
"How many of you," I ask next, "expect that demand in your lives is going to get even greater during the next several years?"
For both, nearly every hand goes up.
"OK," I say, "so here's the $64,000 question: How many of you expect your capacity to rise right along with demand?

24. Spiritual Productivity
Productivity = Focus + Energy
Spiritual Productivity
Sponsored by:
Organized by:
Presented by:
Mohammed Faris, Founder & CEO, ProductiveMuslim.com

25. The Spiritual Link to Productivity
Barakah:
The Spiritual Link to Productivity

26. What is Barakah?
والبركة: هي ثبوت الخير الإلهي في الشيء؛ فإنها إذا حلت في قليل كثرته، وإذا حلت في كثير نفع، ومن أعظم ثمار البركة في الأمور كلها إستعمالها في طاعة الله عز وجل.
“Barakah is the attachment of Divine goodness to a thing, so if it occurs in something little, it increases it. And if it occurs in something much it benefits. And the greatest fruits of Barakah in all things is to use that barakah in the obedience of Allah (Subahanahu Wa Ta’ala)”

27. 18 sources of Barakah 1. Good Intentions 2. Belief and Piety in Allah
3. Putting your trust in Allah
4. Reciting Quran
5. Saying “Bismillah”
6. Eating with People
7. Honesty in Trade
8. Dua
9. Halal Income/money
10. Following the Sunnah
11. Praying Istikhara
12. Giving Thanks to Allah
13. Charity
14. Tying Ties of Kinship
15. Waking up early
16. Marriage
17. Salah
18. Istighfar

28. 7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop

29. 7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop1:
Sunnah Prayers
before/after Salah

30. Remembrance of Allah after every Salah
7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop 2:
Remembrance of Allah after every Salah

31. Morning/Evening Remembrance of Allah
7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop 3:
Morning/Evening Remembrance of Allah

32. 7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop4:
Night Prayer

33. 7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop5:
Duha Prayer

34. 7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop6:
Always being
in a state of Wudhu

35. Recite 30m of Quran each day (minimum!)
7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop 7:
Recite 30m of Quran each day (minimum!)

36. Definitions of Productivity Importance of Productivity
Summary
Definitions of Productivity
Importance of Productivity
Productivity Triangle
3 Types of Productivity
Spiritual Productivity
Barakah and Productivity
7 Daily Spiritual Habits to Develop

37. Spiritual Productivity
I’m just a normal guy.
Spiritual Productivity
Sponsored by:
Organized by:
Presented by:
Mohammed Faris, Founder & CEO, ProductiveMuslim.com

38. Physical Productivity
Productivity = Focus + Energy
Physical Productivity
Sponsored by:
Organized by:
Presented by:
Mohammed Faris, Founder & CEO, ProductiveMuslim.com

39. 3 x Essential Body Hacks
Managing Sleep
Managing Food
Managing Fitness

40. Changing Behaviour is Key!
Brain vs. Mind

41. 2 x Critical Skills
1. Understanding how your brain reacts to change (Hint: Your brain doesn’t like it.)
2. Applying mind over matter to replace negative thinking with a more positive mind-set

42. How I overcame my Brain?

43. What you need...
1. Divine Support
2. Physical Vitality
3. Mental Will

44. 21 days 66 days to ‘like’ a new habit to change permanently
How many days to change?
21 days
to ‘like’ a new habit
66 days
to change permanently

45. What if you fail?! Life is a Continuum (driving along the way)
Keep your eye on the prize
Keep away from distractions
Involve Others

46. Managing Sleep

47. The Importance of Sleep
1/3 of Your Life is Spent Sleeping!
Cannot be resisted (the gentle tyrant)
Important for health & well-being
If you can manage sleep,
you can manage your life

48. The Spiritual Significance of Sleep
Sign of Allah’s Power (Ayatul Kursi)
Realization of our Weakness
Reminder of Death/Resurrection
Rewards to those who overcome Sleep for Worship
Worship in the widest sense (mother waking up to feed child, father getting up to gain income for his family..etc.)

49. Dilemma!
Sleeping For Dunya
Sleeping For Akhira
vs.

50. How to Sleep?
Spiritual
Physical
Social

51. How to Sleep? (Spiritual Solutions)
Actions
Before Sleep
- Witr Prayer
- Wudhu
- Dua before Sleep
During Sleep
- Constant Remembrance
- Dua if you wake up middle of the night
- Dua if you can’t sleep
After Sleep
- Dua upon waking up
- First actions

52. How to Sleep? (Physical Solutions)
Exercise to burn off stress (2-3 hrs before sleep)
Do not eat after 8.00pm
No caffeine in the evenings
Stretch before going to bed
Make the room as cool as possible
Do light reading before bed
Avoid TV (or laptop, Screens..etc)

53. Your Key to Quality Sleep
How to Sleep? (Physical Solutions)
Sleep Cycle:
Your Key to Quality Sleep

54. Understanding Your Sleep Cycle
We’re not MachinesEverything in our body Pulses RhythmicallyLaw of Allah in the Universe
Manage your sleep by working with your natural pulse and not against it

55. Understanding Your Sleep Cycle
Stage 1:
Falling Asleep
Stage 5:
REM: Dreaming Stage
Stage 2:
Light Sleep
minutes
Stage 3:
Deep, slow-wave sleep
Stage 4:
Deep, slow-wave sleep

56. Understanding Your Sleep Cycle
11.30pm
1.00am
2.30am
4.00am
10pm
5am
1 sleep
cycle
2 sleep
cycles
3 sleep
cycles
4 sleep
cycles
(Assuming 90m Sleep Cycles)

57. How many hours should you sleep each night?
Common Question
How many hours should you sleep each night?
How many sleep cycles
do you need?

58. Q. What if I’m still tired?
A. Power Naps

59. The Power of Power Naps A Nap of 90min improves alertness by 10 hrs!
Naps make you smarter, healthier, & safer.
Why we need to nap?
Our bodies are programmed for 2 periods of intense sleep. (2am - 4am, and 1pm - 3pm)
3 Types of Naps:
Cat Nap (20m), Action Nap (40m), Long Nap (90m).

60. How to Nap? Choose a safe/quiet place (preferably lie down)
Have a light blanket (nothing heavy!)
Set an Alarm
Darken the Room/Use Eye Shades
Calm your body by breathing slowly/deeply
Use earplugs or turn on white noise
Quiet Your Mind with Dhikr

61. How to Sleep? (Social Solutions)
Having a ‘Clean’ Heart before going to bed by:
Forgiving those who wronged you
Resolving Conflicts/Emotional Issues
Do NOT sleep whilst angry
If it’s too late to talk to people, write it down!
Imagine you died that night

62. How to Sleep?
Spiritual
Physical
Social

63. ACTION POINTS!!! Learn the ‘Before Sleep Duas. Practice daily.
Measure Your Sleep Cycle (Involve friends/family)
Build a Habit of Napping into your routine

64. “O Allah, make the early morning hours blessed for my nation.”
Early Rising
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said
“O Allah, make the early morning hours blessed for my nation.”
Early Rising Starts the Night Before
Have a Daily Morning Routine
Effective Ways to Wake Up
ProductiveMuslim Sleep Routine
How many hours should I sleep? a. Sleep for Akhira, b. Sleep 1.5 hours, c. nap
ProductiveMuslim Morning Routine: Automacity
Creative People need a routine
5 Effective ways:
1. Manage your sleep (1.5 hour multiple + Napping)
2. Be excited about next day,
3. Multiple alarms,
4. Fajr Train,
5. Jump out of bed!
What about UK prayer times during summer?

65. Develop your own Morning Routine
Group Exercise:
Develop your own Morning Routine
Time: 10 minutes

66. Example of Morning Routine
Time
Action
4.00am
Qiyam/Witr
4.30am
Remembrance of Allah/Dua
5.00am
Fajr + Athkar + Quran
6.30am
Exercise/Brainstorm/Reading/Writing
7.00am
Breakfast

67. The Importance of Early Rising
Summary
3 x Essential Body Hacks
Brain vs. Mind
3 x Ways to Manage Sleep
The Importance of Early Rising

68. Physical Productivity
Productivity = Focus + Energy
Sponsored by:
Organized by:
Presented by:
Mohammed Faris, Founder & CEO, ProductiveMuslim.com

69. POP QUIZ! What is the definition of Productivity?
What are the 3 types of Productivity?
What are the 3 ingredients to develop discipline?
How many days does it take to ‘like’ a new habit?
If I have a 90min sleep cycle and I sleep at 11pm, how many sleep cycles can I fit, if I need to wake up at 5am?

70. Focus Management What does focus mean? Presented by:
Sponsored by:
Organized by:
Presented by:
Mohammed Faris, Founder & CEO, ProductiveMuslim.com

71. Productivity = Focus + Energy
Our Definition of Productivity
Definitions of Productivity: Productivity is to maximize the output of the production unit.
Personal productivity: To maximize the output of your time
A person playing video games is focussed + energy but NOT towards a benenficial goal
Rest of these sessions talk about how to remain focussed + maintain energy
whenever you feel unproductive, ask yourself what are you missing? focus or energy?
Productivity = Focus + Energy
(towards a beneficial goal)

72. How many minutes can you focus on a single task without getting distracted?

73. Why is it so hard to focus these days?

74. Why is it important to focus?
If you cannot focus [fill in the blanks]
Key Factor in Achieving Goals
Key Factor of Success (Dunya & Akhira!)

75. RECLAIM YOUR FOCUS!

76. Practical Tips to Boost Your FOCUS

77. Step 1: Clear Your Mind Perform a Brain Dump!
Record Your Brain Dump in a ‘trusted’ place

78. Step 2: Identify M.I.Ts M.I.Ts = Most Important Tasks
3-5 M.I.Ts Maximum
Important/Not Urgent
Arrange by Priority

79. Focus = Disconnect + Simplify
Step 3: Apply the Focus Equation
Focus = Disconnect + Simplify

80. Step 3a: Disconnect Unplug Disconnect Time Solitude Zone
Get Outside/Change Environment
Make Yourself Invisible online
Stop ALL Notifications!
Internet Blocking Software, e.g. Freedom

81. Step 3b: Simplify De-clutter your desk De-clutter your desktop
De-clutter your Mind
De-clutter Your Life
Avoid Multi-tasking! One task at a time!

82. Step 4: Repeat Regularly!
Practice Practice Practice
Have at least 1 x Focus session per day
Schedule “Focus Blocks” in your calendar

83. Steps to build FOCUS Muscle!
Step 1: Clear Your Mind
Step 2: Identify M.I.Ts
Step 3. Apply Focus Equation
Step 4: Repeat the above regularly!

84. How does Islam boost our focus?

85. Lowering the Gaze Recitation of Quran
3 x Ways Islam Improves our Focus
Salah
Lowering the Gaze Recitation of Quran
Salah is a Mental, Physical, Spiritual, and Social “Focus” Exercise.
Lowering your Gaze: Allah, the Exalted said, "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that will make for greater purity for them. Indeed Allah is well acquainted with all that they do." [an-Nur (24):30]The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it. Frequently such inter-relations tire and wear down both the heart and the eye.
1. Too many images = distract you = lose focus. Can’t think clearly. Lower your gaze, less images, you’ll focus. e.g. Hajj.
2. Lowering gaze grants you light of Allah/Insight.
3. Lowering gaze makes you stronger/more determined.
Reducing Worries: 1. Tawakkul, 2.Salah, 3.Dua, 4.Morning/Evening Remembrances.
4. Memorization of Quran: Training to Focus.

86. Salah:
A School of Focus

87. [23:1]Successful indeed are the believers.
Salah and Focus
[23:1]Successful indeed are the believers.
[23:2]Those who offer their Salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness

88. How does Salah boost our Focus?
Disconnect from this life/Connect to Afterlife
A complex/simple Ritual
‘Tuma’nina’ vs. Khushoo

89. How to improve focus in Salah?
The ‘fan’ example
Stop at Athan
Going to Masjid
Recite new Surahs
The 3 spits
Dua

90. Lowering The Gaze:
Help Your Heart Focus

91. Reduces Distraction on the Heart
“The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it. Frequently such inter-relations tire and wear down both the heart and the eye.
Reduces Distraction
The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it.
Clears Perception
just as the servant restrained the light of his eye from falling upon the unlawful, Allah blesses the light of his sight and heart thereby making him perceive what he would not have seen and understood had he not lowered his gaze. This is a matter that the person can physically sense in himself for the heart is like a mirror and the base desires are like rust upon it. When the mirror is polished and cleaned of the rust then it will reflect the realities (haqaaiq) as they actually are. However if it remains rusty then it will not reflect properly and therefore its knowledge and speech will arise from conjecture and doubt.
Gives you strength
This is why the one who follows his base desires shall find in himself the ignominy of the soul, its being weak, feeble and contemptible. Indeed Allah places nobility for the one who obeys Him and disgrace for the one who disobeys Him,
"So do not lose heart nor fall into despair; for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith." [Ali Imran (3): 139]
Therefore when the sight is prevented from looking and investigating the heart finds relief from having to go through the arduous task of (vainly) seeking and desiring.”
Ibn Al-Qayyim

92. Gives Your Penetrating Insight
“Whosoever builds his outward form upon following the Sunnah, his internal form upon perpetual contemplation and awareness of Allaah, he restrains his soul from following desires, he lowers his gaze from the forbidden things and he always eats the lawful things then his perception and insight shall never be wrong.”
Reduces Distraction
The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it.
Clears Perception
just as the servant restrained the light of his eye from falling upon the unlawful, Allah blesses the light of his sight and heart thereby making him perceive what he would not have seen and understood had he not lowered his gaze. This is a matter that the person can physically sense in himself for the heart is like a mirror and the base desires are like rust upon it. When the mirror is polished and cleaned of the rust then it will reflect the realities (haqaaiq) as they actually are. However if it remains rusty then it will not reflect properly and therefore its knowledge and speech will arise from conjecture and doubt.
Gives you strength
This is why the one who follows his base desires shall find in himself the ignominy of the soul, its being weak, feeble and contemptible. Indeed Allah places nobility for the one who obeys Him and disgrace for the one who disobeys Him,
"So do not lose heart nor fall into despair; for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith." [Ali Imran (3): 139]
- Ibn Shujaa’ Al-Kirmaanee

93. Strengthens Your Discipline
Reduces Distraction
The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it.
Clears Perception
just as the servant restrained the light of his eye from falling upon the unlawful, Allah blesses the light of his sight and heart thereby making him perceive what he would not have seen and understood had he not lowered his gaze. This is a matter that the person can physically sense in himself for the heart is like a mirror and the base desires are like rust upon it. When the mirror is polished and cleaned of the rust then it will reflect the realities (haqaaiq) as they actually are. However if it remains rusty then it will not reflect properly and therefore its knowledge and speech will arise from conjecture and doubt.
Gives you strength
This is why the one who follows his base desires shall find in himself the ignominy of the soul, its being weak, feeble and contemptible. Indeed Allah places nobility for the one who obeys Him and disgrace for the one who disobeys Him,
"So do not lose heart nor fall into despair; for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith." [Ali Imran (3): 139]
“the people seek nobility and power at the door of the Kings and they will not find it except through the obedience of Allaah.”

94. Recitation of Quran
Develop Mindful Focus

95. Losing ‘Touch’ with the Quran
Quran in 7 Days
Quran in 30 Days
Quran in 60 days
5 pages per day
1 page per day
1 Ayah per day

96. Let’s ‘Rebuild’ the Relationship again
Quran in 7 Days
Quran in 30 Days
Quran in 60 days
5 pages per day
1 page per day
1 Ayah per day

97. How to improve focus in Quran?
Make an appointment with the Quran
Read to understand/teach
Ask Questions/Make dua as you read
Embark on Memorization Journey

98. Lowering the Gaze Recitation of Quran
3 x Ways Islam Improves our Focus
Salah
Lowering the Gaze Recitation of Quran
Salah is a Mental, Physical, Spiritual, and Social “Focus” Exercise.
Lowering your Gaze: Allah, the Exalted said, "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that will make for greater purity for them. Indeed Allah is well acquainted with all that they do." [an-Nur (24):30]The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it. Frequently such inter-relations tire and wear down both the heart and the eye.
1. Too many images = distract you = lose focus. Can’t think clearly. Lower your gaze, less images, you’ll focus. e.g. Hajj.
2. Lowering gaze grants you light of Allah/Insight.
3. Lowering gaze makes you stronger/more determined.
Reducing Worries: 1. Tawakkul, 2.Salah, 3.Dua, 4.Morning/Evening Remembrances.
4. Memorization of Quran: Training to Focus.

99. Beating Procrastination!
BONUS SESSION:
Beating Procrastination!
Sponsored by:
Organized by:
Presented by:
Mohammed Faris, Founder & CEO, ProductiveMuslim.com

100. ...It’s inside you, but it’s not you... ...It’s called Resistance.”
“There’s an enemy. There is an intelligent, active, malign force working against us...
...It’s aim is to kill you....
...It’s inside you, but it’s not you...
...It’s called Resistance.”
We call it Shaytaan.

101. When does he fight us?
Whenever you do an act that rejects immediate gratification in favor of long-term growth, health and integrity.

102. What does he do?
fear, self-doubt, procrastination, addiction, distraction, timidity, ego and narcissism, self-loathing, perfectionism

103. 7 Practical Tips to Beat Procrastination

104. Tip 1:
Find out Why?

105. Tip 2:
Become a PRO

106. Tip 3:
Pomodoro Technique

107. Tip 4:
Remove distractions

108. Tip 5:
Public Pledge

109. Tip 6:
Make Wudhuu + 2 Rak’ah

110. Seek refuge in Allah + Remembrance of Allah
Tip 7:
Seek refuge in Allah + Remembrance of Allah

111. Closing Session

112. Q&A

113. What next? Take Action Share! Contact us for help!
Visit us for more: Website/Facebook/Twitter/Mailing List

114. What’s coming up?

115. SPECIAL THANKS TO:

116. SPECIAL THANKS TO:

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or us at: