Faith in Islam is not a straight line. It goes up and down, and that is completely normal.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once told a companion, “If you were (always) as you are with me, the angels would shake hands with you in your beds and in your streets. O Hanzalah (the companion), there is a time for this (high taqwah) and a time for that (other halal affairs).” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4239)
This shows human nature has natural changes. It is unnatural to stay in a state of fear or happiness forever. Islam does not push for quick bursts of motivation that fade fast. Instead, it teaches steady habits. Keep getting up after every fall, start over as many times as needed, and stay consistent until the end.
Small Islamic Habits Build Real Strength in Your Mind and Soul
1. Put Your Five Daily Prayers First and Build Your Day Around Them
Do not squeeze salah into your busy life. Instead, plan everything else around the five prayers. This gives your day structure and brings blessings in your time.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever preserves it (prayer) will have it as a light, proof, and salvation on the Day of Resurrection.” (Mishkat al-Masabih 578)
2. Eat Clean Food in Small Amounts
Eat natural, healthy food and stop before you feel full.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink, and a third for his breath.” (Sunan Tirmidhi 2380).
It will give you more energy and will help your mind stay clear. It also prevents diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
3. Maintain Hygiene
Keep your body, clothes, and space clean to have better self-confidence and a fresh mind.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Cleanliness (purity) is half of faith.” (Sahih Muslim 223)
He also used miswak (a natural teeth-cleaning twig) often and said, “If I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to use Siwak for every prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari 887)
Science says that good hygiene is linked to better mental health. It can lower anxiety, lift your mood, and help prevent depression by giving you a sense of control.
4. Keep Good Thoughts About Others
Husn-e-Dhan is an Islamic practice that means always thinking the best about people until it is proven wrong. It helps reduce stress and keeps your mind positive.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Beware of suspicion, for it is the worst of false tales." (Sahih Bukhari 6064).
5. Do What You Can, Then Trust Allah
Take steps first, then leave the result to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Tie your camel, then trust in Allah." (Sunan Tirmidhi 2517).
Allah says, "Whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him and provide from where he does not expect." (Quran 65:2-3).
Tawakkul on Allah about the future or things you can’t control relieves you of so much anxiety.
6. Be Grateful and Mindful of Allah’s Blessings
Thank Allah even for basic things like health, food, or nature. Stop chasing what you lack.
Allah says, "If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more." (Quran 14:7).
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Look at those below you, not above, so you do not belittle Allah's blessings." (Sahih Muslim 2963).
Science proves gratitude improves mood and sleep and reduces depression.
7. Slow Down and Watch the World
Do not rush after worldly things to the extent that not keeping up with them makes you anxious or feel less of yourself. Rather, pause, be mindful of what you’re doing, and follow Allah’s path unapologetically.
Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) said, "We were the most humiliated people, but Allah gave us honor through Islam. If we seek honor in anything else, Allah will humiliate us again."
(Mustadrak al-Hakim 207).
Slowing down helps you think clearly and stay grounded. Science shows mindful observation reduces burnout and boosts brain health (nature exposure studies in APA).
8. Forgive People and Ask Allah for Forgiveness Often
Let go of grudges, at least at night before bed, and repent quickly. This lifts mental weight and guilt.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not harbor grudges against one another… It is not lawful for a Muslim to avoid speaking with his brother beyond three days.” (Riyad as-Salihin 1567).
9. Make the Quran Your Close Companion
Read, understand, share, and act on the Quran daily. It not only guides your life but also brings peace to your mind and healing to your worries or ailments.
Allah says, "We send down the Quran as a healing and mercy for the believers." (Quran 17:82)
10. Stay Active
Be busy with good work and give back.
The Prophet ﷺ said in his dua, “O Allah! I seek refuge with You… from incapacity and laziness…” (Sahih Bukhari 6369)
Science shows staying active cuts depression risk by 25% and boosts brain function (CDC studies).
“Even if the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, let him plant it.” (Musnad Ahmad 112902)
11. Help Others with Money, Effort, or Kind Words
Try to help others whether financially, physically, or emotionally.
p>The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah will help His slave as long as His slave helps his brother.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 225)
Mayo Clinic research shows that heping [people] reduces stress, boosts mood, and lowers mortality risk by 20-30%. It is also good for heart health and immunity.
12. Set a Fixed Sleep Routine
Sleep early after Isha and wake before Fajr.
Allah's Messenger ﷺ disliked sleeping before the Isha prayer and talking after it. (Sahih Bukhari 568).
CDC and Harvard studies show that consistent sleep improves memory and mood. It also reduces the risk of diseases by 20-40%.
13. Wake Up Consistently for Tahajjud Prayer< /h3>
Build a habit of making time for yourself and Allah in solitude. This discipline helps you in your present and also lasts into old age.
Regular quiet “me time” before dawn lowers anxiety by 20–30%. It also improves emotional control all day (Journal of Positive Psychology, 2023-year study).