Mindfulness Module 4 – Circle 2

What is mindfulness?   Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way with every action. It involves being fully aware of what you are doing, and the reason you are performing the action. The main point to note is that mindfulness involves thinking about your thoughts and actions.   Module 4 – Circle 2

Was the Prophet pbuh mindful? The Prophet pbuh was mindful with everything that he did. The evidence for this is the numerous duas which he used to recite before performing actions such as putting his clothes on, looking in the mirror etc. Module 4 – Circle 2

Should we be mindful too? Allah swt says: "Say (O Muhammad): ‘if you (truly) love Allah, follow me! Allah will then love you and forgive your sins.’ And Allah is All Forgiving, All Merciful." (3:31)  "Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a excellent example (to follow) for him who hopes in (the meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much." (33:21)   Module 4 – Circle 2

How can we be mindful? The best way that we can become mindful is by being conscious of everything that we do. It is always good practice to think about the action before performing it, and thinking about how the Prophet pbuh would have performed that action. If you’re not sure, find out by asking a person of knowledge. This a an amazing way to gain extra reward. Module 4 – Circle 2

The concept of making intentions before doing anything `Umar b. al-Khattâb, relates that he heard Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) say: "Actions are but by intentions and every man will have only what he intended. So whoever emigrated for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration was for Allah and His Messenger. And whoever emigrated to attain something of this world or to marry a woman, then his emigration was for whatever reason he emigrated." [Bukhârî and Muslim] Module 4 – Circle 2

The concept of making Dua before doing everyday acts There are numerous narrations of Duas which the Prophet pbuh used to recite when performing certain acts. For example, the Prophet pbuh used to recite a Dua when beginning a journey, when finishing his food and even when entering the bathroom. It is recommended to learn as many of these Duas as possible, so that you can turn all of your life into the Worship of Allah swt by constantly being mindful of His existence. Module 4 – Circle 2

Right shoe on first, left show off first Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, "When one of you puts on sandals, he should start with the right foot and when he removes them, he should start with the left foot so that the first sandal he puts on and the last he takes off is the right one." [Bukhari & Muslim] Module 4 – Circle 2

Stepping into the Mosque with your right foot, and out with your left foot It is a sunnah for one who wants to enter the mosque to enter with his right foot first and to say: "I seek refuge in Allah, the Exalted, and by His honorable face, and in His everlasting authority, [away] from the outcast Satan. In the name of Allah! O Allah, shower blessings upon Muhammad. O Allah, forgive my sins for me and open for me the doors of Your mercy." When one wants to leave the mosque he should step with his left foot first and say: "In the name of Allah! O Allah, shower blessings upon Muhammad. O Allah, forgive my sins for me and open for me the doors of Your bounty. O Allah, protect me from the accursed Satan." Module 4 – Circle 2

Moving obstacles out of the way   The Messenger of Allah pbuh said, "Iman has sixty odd or seventy odd branches. The uppermost of all these is the Testimony of Faith: `La ilaha illallah' (there is no god except Allah) while the least of them is the removal of harmful object from the road. And modesty is a branch of Iman.'' [Bukhari and Muslim] Module 4 – Circle 2

Thinking about others with all that you do Narrated Jarir bin 'Abdullah: Allah's Messenger pbuh said, "Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind." (Bukhari) Module 4 – Circle 2

Thinking about others’ perceptions and feelings based on your actions Always be concious about what others (especially non-Muslims) may think of your Deen when they see your actions. Every action which you have can have a ‘domino effect’, and lead to others committing good or bad because of your action. Your bad actions may end up turning people away from Islam, whereas your good actions may bring people closer to Allah swt. Do not think that it is a ‘small thing’ if you hurt somebody’s feelings. You will be held accountable for this on the Day of Judgement. Module 4 – Circle 2

Being mindful of what you say Abu Moosa al-Asharee (ra) - said, “O Messenger of Allah, which of the Muslims are better?” The Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “Those who do not harm the Muslims with their tongues and hands.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Module 4 – Circle 2

Being mindful of Allah’s creatures Abdur Rahman Ibn Abdullah (ra) reports that The Prophet pbuh descended at a certain place - (house) and attended to the call of nature. Incidentally a man kindled a fire in a heap of ants, (either the house was built on a tree or on the ground). The Prophet pbuh) seeing this, exclaimed “Who did this? Extinguish it!! Extinguish it!” Module 4 – Circle 2