How to Earn Allah's Approval

Follow the pillars of Islam. They are the five rules on which Islam is based: testimony of faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage. If we do not abide by these rules, we will never be able to please Allah, nor call ourselves a true Muslim, and all of our acts in the future will be futile. It is necessary for all Muslim men and women to follow these five fundamentals.

Recite the Qur'an. The Qur'an is not just the Islamic scripture. Rather, it is the direct word of God, and through reading it, we are able to communicate with Allah and read his commands. While it is not a pillar of Islam, it is vital for every Muslim to have the Qur'an in their heart; a true Muslim must believe in the Qur'an. It's not only reading the Qur'an that matters; understanding it in your own language for non-Arabic speakers is also vital, so we can really get to grips with the Qur'an.

Respect the rights of people. This is known as "huqooq al-'ibad". Allah does not only order us to do things for Him, but also for others: our family, friends, neighbours and community. The rights of people, huqooq al-i'bad are:

• To talk to them calmly.
• Keeping your patience, no matter what they say.
• Helping them in their difficulties.
• Returning the salaam if it is given. This is obligatory. Initiating the salaam is sunnah mu'akkadah, meaning "confirmed sunnah". If salaam is given to a group, then returning the salaam is a communal obligation, so if one person on behalf of the group responds, then that is fine, but if nobody does, then they are sinful.
• Being loyal and respectful to your friends.
• Visiting the sick. This is a communal obligation; if one person representing a party goes, then that is fine, but if nobody from the party goes, then they are all sinful.
• Attending funerals, which is a communal obligation.
• Accepting invitations, unless there is a legitimate reason not to do so.
• Saying "yar-ha-muk-Allah" (May Allah have mercy on you) when somebody sneezes and praises Allah by saying "Alhamdulillah". This is an individual obligation.

Follow and help others follow the straight path. Firstly, it is important for a Muslim to follow the true path or "Siraat al Mustaqim". Once they start to practice Islam, it is considered essential for them to guide others to it. They should give da'wah to help spread the word of Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever sets a good precedent in Islam will have the reward for that and the reward of those who do it after him, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest", meaning those who teach something good about Islam, and their example is followed for later generations to come, will get the reward.

Be patient. Allah will test us with trials and tribulations, and we must stay patient and steadfast. The Prophet was given hardships while he was spreading Islam — "And endure you patiently (O Muhammad), your patience is not but from Allah. And grieve not over them (polytheists and pagans), and be not distressed because of what they plot" — but he was commanded by Allah to stay patient. Elsewhere in the Qur'an, Allah declares, "Verily (indeed) your Lord is with those who are patient." Those who, during times of hardships, turn towards Allah, make du'a, and are patient - Allah is with them.

Do not be extravagant. The Qur'an says, "O children of Adam! Beautify yourselves for every act of worship, and eat and drink [freely], but do not waste: verily, He does not love the wasteful!" This quote refers to beautifying oneself physically and morally in a way that does not render one unseemly. Less is more means to forfeit your wishes. Keep what you need and give what you want. There is a difference between the two words: needing something means that there will be desperate use of it. Desiring something means that you love it personally but it is not necessary. Make the most out of what you have and do not ask for more. Once you get rid of your luxuries, you will find worship and connecting with Allah easier.

• Our Prophet (SAW) had only these two things in his home for his own usage:
  • Bed that was very hard (date-palm tree trunk);
  • Bowl (for drinking and eating).

Respect your parents. Although sometimes it may hard for some people to do that, being kind to them is an obligation. It is an order from the Qur'an: "And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "huff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word". Even saying a word of disgrace of contempt is forbidden. There are many commands and stories in the Qur'an that emphasise the importance of our parents. A few are:

• "Be grateful to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination."
• "And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents."
• "But [there is many a one] who says to his parents [whenever they try to imbue him with faith in God]: "Fie upon both of you! Do you promise me that I shall be brought forth [from the dead], although [so many] generations have passed away before me?" And [while] they both pray for God's help [and say], "Alas for thee! For, behold, God's promise always comes true!" - he but answers, "All this is nothing but fables of ancient times!"

Speak good or keep silent. This is what the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent." The quote has a deep meaning. Being hushed does not mean pressing your lips tight and shutting up to the world. It means to speak when it is crucial and staying quiet at pointless arguments. There are many moments when we regret speaking.

• However, to a person who is highly loquacious, it is advised that they try to stay quiet unless they are asked something or want to ask. You never know what might slip out of your tongue and is hard to take back. We usually feel culpable and penitent about what we say just when it is too late to mend things back together.

Set your priorities. Many of us are understandably busy, but we must rework our agenda to allow time to read the Qur'an or pray. It's vital that we also don't view it as some sort of chore. Try to wake up at the dawn prayer (Fajr). This is a time when the angels are shifting duties. According to a Hadith, the Lord asks them: “What may you report that this person is doing?” If you are reciting at that time, the angel will account to Him, “O’ Almighty! Your creation is reciting the Holy Book for you!” Start increasing your time daily. You may also read it during the late afternoon, after the 'Asr prayer. Try to make recitation fun or interesting; read the tafsir (interpretation) or translation, or perhaps listen to your favourite reciter.