stellarizky06 | The SWL

The Sensible Life of a Muslim

by stellarizky06 | Nov 13, 2025 | Mindfulness

As humans of the 20th century, we often heard the word “Mindful” or practiced “Mindfulness”. Especially in this period, when we are introduced to mental health, and being “Mindful” is one of the ways we can find simplicity and calm in our lives. Having a sensible life, especially for us as Muslims, is definitely a must. An American Professor, Jon Kabat-Zinn, once said, “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose. In the present moment and non-judgmentally".

According to the American Psychological Association, numerous peer-reviewed studies show that mindfulness practices (such as relaxation or meditation). Mindfulness practices also promote empathy and compassion and are used effectively in clinical cognitive therapy. It is an excellent stress reducer, and because of that, it can be seen as consciousness conditioning, a strengthening workout for body, mind, heart, and spirit.

In the Islamic context, mindfulness is the virtue of Muraqabah, a word derived from the root meaning "to watch, observe, consider attentively". We can already see the close etymological and linguistic proximity between "mindfulness" and muraqabah. As a technical spiritual term, it is defined as "the servant's constant knowledge and conviction in the supervision of the truth, glory be to Him, over one's outer and inner states". This means that a Muslim in a state of muraqabah is constantly aware that Allah is aware of him or her, inwardly and outwardly.

Now, according to the book “Mindful Woman” by Sue Patton Thoele, there are four elements of Mindfulness that she believes are essential in day-to-day practice. Those are paying attention, living in the moment, simplifying, and breathing.

Paying Attention

The first one is Paying Attention: concentrated awareness leads to a better understanding and appreciation of what we are attentive to. She said that paying attention often results in valuing, understanding, and enjoying what you pay attention to. Focusing your awareness on the now not only gives you the opportunity to change what isn’t working, but also allows you to enhance and appreciate what is working. Especially when feeling pressured or rushed, it’s easy to circle the drain out of habit or fear, clinging to what is driving us crazy. Mindful living leads to an intentional life, on purpose, that promotes calm, balance, and peace of mind and heart.

The Sensible Life of a Muslim

The Reality of the Pure Heart

(al-qalb al-salim)

As Muslims, we should pay attention to every detail of our lives. Especially when we pray or when we recite the beautiful words in the book of Allah.

We should pay attention to the meaning of every dua in our prayers. Being mindful with each step. Because we are worshiping The One and Only, at that time, it is only you and Allah swt. Be present, paying attention to what you do. The same goes for how we pay attention to every word or act we do. In every word we speak and in every thought we choose to pursue, we should be aware of our thought patterns and emotional states to respond to our inner experiences in the best way. As put by Ibn al-Qayyim, maintenance of inward muraqabah is “by guarding thoughts, intentions, and inward movements… This is the reality of the pure heart (al-qalb al-salim), by which no one is saved but by coming to Allah with it. This itself is the reality of the inner refinement (tajrid) of the righteous, the devoted, and the God-conscious. Every inner refinement besides this is deficient.” Every step and deed that we do, we should be mindful of it. Be self-aware, because everything we do should be an act of worship.

The second element is Living in the Moment. She said that by being conscious, we could do, think, or experience something, our attention is fully engaged, and we are connected to the reality of what is going on. Mindfulness is being consciously, compassionately, and nonjudgmentally present to what is happening now. We can remain mindful of the here and now when we consciously project our thoughts into the future or decide to move back in time to review the past.

Living in the moment could also be interpreted as being present and having awareness of our current life situations. We also should be conscious of our lives as Muslims. Ask yourself, are you focusing on your career? On your beauty? Or are you focusing on what we call “competition in life”? Where do you want to go in this dunya? Are you already being present and making Allah and Rasulullah become your priority? When we know who and what our priority is, we can be doing everything consciously in His way. To please Him. Yes, we can consciously project our thoughts into the future, but are we already putting our thoughts into our REAL future? The Akhirah?

So, what does it mean to live in The Moment as a Muslim? To have Taqwa. Remembering Allah and being conscious of Him. Therefore, we’re not just gonna live in the moment, but we’re gonna live as He wants us to do.

The third element is Simplifying, she said. We can manage almost anything if we simplify by taking it one small step at a time, one little bite at a time, moment by moment. Mindful living helps us choose the serenity of simplicity, the blessing of feeling underwhelmed, and the ability to recognize whatever comfort is available in the moment.

It reminds me of how simple the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW was. Our modern lifestyles are utterly devoid of moderation and filled with all manner of excesses. We must return to the Prophetic way and adopt a middle path in all aspects of our lives, such as our conduct, spending habits, and even our efforts for the dunya and akhirah. As the Prophet SAW explained: “Do you not hear? Do you not hear? Verily, simple living is part of faith, simple living is part of faith” (Sunan Abu Dawud, 4161).

So, how do we as Muslims define simplicity? The simple life that Islam asks us to live is a life of moderation, free from excessiveness of all kinds. Moderation is such a comprehensive principle in Islam that it must guide all aspects of our lives. Whether it be our prayer, the way we conduct ourselves, our spending habits, our feelings, or even balancing our effort for this world and the Hereafter. Therefore, while enjoying the pleasures that Allah has bestowed upon us, it is important to remain moderate and mindful of the limits that He has set. These limits help us to ensure that we exist in accordance with the Mizan, i.e., the divine balance upon which Allah has created this magnificent universe and everything in it, for it is on this balance that the continued existence of our world depends.

Lastly, Breathing. She stated that breath is the bridge between body and mind and the gateway to the present moment. Breathing is the first thing we do after birth and the last thing we do before death. Breath is life.

Breathing is commonly used as a meditation practice for some people. Some Muslims are understandably hesitant or skeptical about the word “meditation,” because there are so many different types of meditation, some of which are specifically associated with religious beliefs and practices that contradict Islam. The fact of the matter, however, is that our righteous predecessors practiced several forms of meditation, in the purely linguistic sense of the word, and through these meditations they achieved advanced spiritual states and enhanced their acts of worship, prayer, and remembrance. In Islam, we do dhikr. Remembrance of Allah in every breath. Every word that comes from our mouths would be judged, too, so why don’t we use that as a remembrance of Allah and His names?

It is hard indeed for us as young Muslims to have a balance between dunya and deen, which we keep practicing. Mindfulness exercise is not about supplanting our regular primary acts of worship either. Among other benefits, it functions as a type of preparation for the main acts of worship, similar to how some Muslims prepare for Ramadan by eating less on non-fasting days.

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How to Elevate the Standards of Life as a Muslim: Living with Al-Hakam

by stellarizky06 | May 17, 2025 | Asmaul Husna

In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and moral dilemmas, many people search for a standard by which they can live a life of true success and fulfillment. As women, we often find ourselves navigating countless societal expectations—sometimes without realizing that we have unconsciously followed these standards at the expense of our deen. But should sacrificing our faith ever be an option? Islam provides us with divine guidance, offering the highest ethical and moral framework to lead a life of righteousness and balance. Among the many beautiful attributes of Allah, Al-Hakam (The Just, The Ultimate Judge) stands as a powerful reminder of how justice and wisdom should shape our lives.

In the book Reflecting on the Names of Allah, it is explained that the root of Al-Hakam (ح ك م) means 'to prevent' or 'to restrain'. A ruler is called a hakim because he prevents injustice, ensures fairness, and makes judgments in all affairs. Al-Hakam is the One whose judgment is absolute, free from error, bias, or injustice. His decrees are rooted in perfect wisdom, ensuring that every ruling is precise and purposeful.

As human beings, we often struggle to make the right choices, navigate challenging situations, and maintain fairness in our dealings. However, by internalizing the divine attribute of Al-Hakam, we can elevate our standards in life—ensuring that our decisions, relationships, and actions reflect justice, wisdom, and integrity.

Understanding Al-Hakam: The Ultimate Standard of Justice

To elevate our standards in life, we must first understand what it truly means to live under the guidance of Al-Hakam, the One who judges with absolute wisdom and fairness. Al-Hakam is not just any judge—He is the ultimate source of justice, ensuring that everything in existence is governed by divine balance and truth. Unlike human judges, who may be influenced by personal biases, limited knowledge, or external pressures, Allah’s rulings are perfect, absolute, and free from error.

Allah reminds us in the Quran:

"And Allah judges with truth, while those they invoke besides Him judge not with anything. Indeed, it is Allah who is the Hearing, the Seeing." (Quran 40:20)

Living by the principle of Al-Hakam goes beyond simply avoiding wrongdoing. It means actively striving to uphold the truth, seeking wisdom before making judgments, and holding ourselves accountable. It influences not only how we treat others but also how we govern ourselves, making us more conscious of our responsibilities as servants of Allah and members of society.

We have been commanded to strive. Indeed, Allah says in the Qur’an: “And there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives. And that his effort is going to be seen, then he will be recompensed for it with the fullest recompense” [ Q.S An-Najm: 39-41]

By embracing this divine attribute, we can rise above worldly pressures and lead a life of excellence, fairness, and unwavering faith.

Asmaul Husna

The Flaws of Human Judgment vs. The Perfection of Al-Hakam

As humans, our sense of justice is often flawed. We make decisions based on emotions, personal interests, or incomplete knowledge.

Sometimes, we rush to judge others, assuming we understand their circumstances, yet we fail to see the full picture. Other times, we might struggle with self-judgment, being too harsh on ourselves, or justifying our mistakes. But Al-Hakam reminds us that true justice is rooted in wisdom, patience, and seeking the truth before making conclusions.

Allah says in the Quran:

"And follow what is revealed to you and be patient until Allah will judge. And He is the best of judges." (Quran 10:109)

This verse teaches us a crucial lesson: rather than rushing into judgments, we must trust in Allah’s wisdom and timing. He is the ultimate judge, and His decrees are always just, even when we don’t immediately understand them.

Internalizing Al-Hakam in Our Lives

Living with the understanding of Al-Hakam means adopting a mindset of fairness, wisdom, and patience in every aspect of life. This applies to:

Personal Accountability: Holding ourselves accountable for our actions and ensuring that our decisions align with justice and truth. We should always reflect on whether our actions and decisions align with our faith. No matter what we do, we should constantly remind ourselves that our efforts are for the sake of Allah.
Decision-Making: Striving to make informed and fair choices, whether in personal matters, work, or social interactions. In Islam, when we feel confused about making a decision, Allah teaches us to perform Istikhara prayer, continuously make du'a, and sincerely ask for His guidance in making the right choice.
Dealing with Others: Avoiding harsh judgments, giving people the benefit of the doubt, and ensuring that we treat everyone with fairness and kindness. It is not our place to judge others. Remember, Allah is Al-Hakam, the ultimate judge. Instead, strive to see the good in people.

Trusting Allah’s Plan: Accepting that Allah’s rulings—whether they come in the form of trials, delays, or unexpected outcomes—are always for our ultimate good. Having trust in His timing, in His Qadar is one of the basic tenets of the Islamic faith is belief in ‘divine determination (qadar), both in its good and its evil aspects’ [Muslim]

Elevating Personal Standards with Al-Hakam

Living with the awareness of Al-Hakam means striving for excellence in our personal lives by aligning our actions, decisions, and character with justice and wisdom. It requires us to continuously evaluate whether we are upholding fairness, integrity, and accountability in everything we do. When we embody Al-Hakam, we don’t just seek justice in the world around us—we also apply it to ourselves by setting high moral and ethical standards.

1. Practicing Self-Reflection & Accountability

The first step in elevating our personal standards is to regularly evaluate our actions. We often judge others easily, but how often do we judge ourselves? Islam teaches us to hold ourselves accountable before we are held responsible in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"The wise one is he who takes account of himself and does noble deeds to benefit him after death, and the foolish one is he who follows his desires and merely hopes in Allah." [Tirmidhi]

Many people ask, "How do I know what I’m supposed to do?" With so much happening in the world, it’s natural for us as humans to constantly question our goals—both in this dunya and the Hereafter.

As Muslims, we can find clarity by understanding our religious obligations, seeking advice from those with wisdom, and carefully considering both opportunities and potential challenges before making decisions about our lives. Ultimately, what matters most is not just the outcome but the intentions and choices we make along the way, as we will be held accountable for every step we take before Allah

To implement this in daily life:

Engage in daily self-reflection, asking: Did I act justly today? Was I fair in my dealings? Did I make decisions with wisdom?
Repent for mistakes and seek forgiveness from Allah and those we may have wronged.

Make improvements, ensuring that each day is better than the last in terms of personal growth and moral conduct.

2. Upholding Integrity & Honesty in All Aspects of Life

Integrity is at the heart of living justly. As Muslims, our words and actions should reflect truthfulness, sincerity, and fairness. Unfortunately, many people compromise honesty in work, relationships, and personal dealings due to external pressures or personal gain. However, when we live with the consciousness of Al-Hakam, we understand that true success comes from righteousness, not deception.

Allah says:

"O you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed)." (Quran 9:119)

Practical ways to uphold integrity:

Be truthful in speech and actions, even when it’s difficult. Be truthful in your words and actions, even when it’s difficult. From a psychological perspective, lying often leads to more lies, creating a cycle that can be hard to escape. Over time, this can take away your inner peace. But when you choose honesty, you cultivate sincerity, trust, and a sense of calm in your life.
Avoid dishonesty in work and business—no cutting corners, no deceit, no unfair dealings. People will appreciate you more when you are honest.
Keep promises and commitments, as they reflect a person’s sincerity and reliability.

When we are just in our personal lives, it creates peace, trust, and barakah (blessings) in everything we do.

3. Aligning Decisions with Wisdom & Fairness

Every decision we make—big or small—should reflect wisdom and fairness. Often, we make choices based on emotions, peer pressure, or societal expectations, but Islam teaches us to seek guidance, reflect, and judge wisely before making decisions.

Allah says:

"And do not let hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness." (Quran 5:8)

To ensure our decisions align with justice:

Seek knowledge before making judgments or taking action.
Avoid emotional biases—whether in personal disputes, workplace conflicts, or leadership roles.
Ask for guidance through Istikharah and always rely on Allah’s wisdom over our own limited understanding.

By making wise and fair decisions, we elevate our personal standards and contribute to a just society.

4. Strengthening Taqwa (God-Consciousness) in Everyday Life

Living with Al-Hakam means developing taqwa, a deep awareness that Allah is always watching. One of the Hadith Qudsi states:

"There is nothing that will bring My servant closer to Me than fulfilling the obligations I have prescribed."

The obligations refer to everything Allah commands us to do, and avoiding everything He has forbidden. When we obey Allah’s guidance, we strengthen our connection with Him and draw nearer to His mercy.

In her lecture, Dr. Haifaa Younis beautifully explained that when Allah loves you, it has nothing to do with worldly things—not your degree, wealth, or beauty. Instead, His love is reflected in your connection with Him. He becomes your hearing, your sight, and your guidance in life. When we are truly conscious of His presence, it naturally keeps us away from injustice, wrongdoing, and carelessness, leading us toward a life of righteousness and peace.

A person with taqwa:

Think before speaking or acting, ensuring their actions please Allah.
Controls anger and emotions, dealing with others in a fair and measured way.
Respects the rights of others, knowing that Allah will judge them based on how they treat people.

By nurturing taqwa, we create an internal moral compass that keeps us on the path of justice, integrity, and righteousness.

One of the most profound ways to elevate our standards in life is by developing taqwa—a deep awareness that Allah is always watching. The more we internalize Al-Hakam, the more conscious we become of our actions, speech, and intentions.

Living with Al-Hakam as Our Guide

When we embrace Al-Hakam in our lives, we elevate our standards in ways that benefit both our dunya and our Akhirah. By making fair and thoughtful decisions, we ensure our actions align with divine wisdom, strengthening taqwa. We develop deep awareness of Allah, shaping our character and integrity, trusting in Allah’s ultimate judgment, and we find peace in knowing that everything happens with purpose and justice.

Living with Al-Hakam is not just about avoiding injustice—it’s about actively choosing righteousness in every thought, word, and action. When we do so, we not only transform our own lives but also inspire justice, wisdom, and kindness in those around us.

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Global Inspire – Inspiring Change Through Faith & Action

by stellarizky06 | Mar 16, 2025 | Global Inspire

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, finding inner strength and direction is crucial. "Global Inspire – Inspiring Change Through Faith & Action" is a webinar series held by The Sister Who Launch (SWL), designed to empower individuals to embrace personal growth through faith and actionable steps. With the tagline “Empowering Women, Transforming Communities,” the visuals of this webinar feature striking images of women engaged in learning, mentoring, or leading, representing empowerment, collaboration, and growth. Held twice a week from January 17th to February 7th, 2025, this transformative event brings together 12 dynamic speakers from diverse backgrounds to guide participants on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Henny Irniawan, CEO of The Sister Who Launch (SWL), shared her thoughts on the webinar, stating, "When we launched INSPIRE, our vision was simple: to create a space where women could grow, learn, and lead with faith and purpose. Today, that vision has evolved into a global movement of empowered changemakers. Through your support, INSPIRE has flourished into something truly transformative. This report is a testament to what we have achieved together and the incredible journey ahead. Thank you for being part of this mission."

This webinar series is more than just an event—it is a movement toward personal and spiritual empowerment. The key objectives include:

Developing Self-Awareness: Understanding oneself deeply and recognizing inner strengths and weaknesses.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Breaking free from mental barriers that hinder progress.
Building Resilience and Confidence: Equipping individuals with the mindset to face challenges head-on.
Unlocking Potential: Encouraging participants to take actionable steps toward their dreams.

With the tagline “Empowering Women, Transforming Communities,” the visuals of this webinar feature striking images of women engaged in learning, mentoring, or leading, representing empowerment, collaboration, and growth

The Purpose Behind INSPIRE

The Inspire Her Path initiative, a transformative program under Sisters Who Launch (SWL), is dedicated to empowering underprivileged women by providing them with opportunities for growth and development. Through fully funded scholarships, made possible by the generosity of speakers and contributors, participants gain access to leadership and entrepreneurial training. What makes this initiative truly special is the commitment of every speaker in this series, who volunteers their time and expertise to support this cause. Additionally, women can engage in impactful workshops such as The Journey Within series and The HEARTLine Crafting Series, a holistic, faith-based design thinking program aimed at fostering self-awareness, resilience, and purpose. With a unique reinvestment model, all revenue generated from these programs goes directly into funding more scholarships, allowing more women to break through barriers, unlock their potential, and embark on a life-changing journey.

Global Inspire Series 1

Approaching Self-Development by Implementing Asmaul Husna

By focusing on these elements, Global Inspire aims to create lasting impact in the lives of its attendees.

Each session is thoughtfully designed around the Asmaul Husna (Beautiful Names of Allah), providing a strong spiritual foundation for participants. This faith-based approach empowers women to navigate challenges with resilience while making a meaningful impact in their communities. By blending Islamic principles with modern skills, INSPIRE creates a transformative learning experience that prepares women to excel in an ever-evolving world. With a vision for long-term growth, this initiative aims to feature over 99 inspiring speakers and moderators throughout the year, Inshaa Allah. Beyond personal development, each series contributes to a greater cause—funding scholarships for underprivileged women, equipping them with the tools to succeed and establish businesses that drive positive change.

Faith serves as a foundation for many in times of adversity, offering hope and purpose. However, faith alone is not enough—it must be paired with action. This webinar emphasizes:

The Role of Faith in Overcoming Struggles: How spiritual belief can serve as a guiding force in difficult times.
Taking Initiative: Understanding that faith must be accompanied by effort and perseverance.
Real-Life Inspirations: Stories of individuals who have successfully combined faith with actionable steps to achieve their goals.

By integrating belief with decisive actions, individuals can create meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

The strength of Global Inspire lies in its diverse lineup of 12 speakers, each bringing unique insights and expertise. These experts come from various fields, including psychology, personal development, leadership, spirituality, and social impact. While their backgrounds differ, they share a common goal: to help participants navigate their journeys with faith and determination.

Some of the key highlights from the speakers include:

Inspiring Change Through Faith & Action
Embracing Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem in Caring for Patients and Raising Children
Navigating Midlife Relationships with Divine Guidance of As-Shabur
Managing Family Finances with Trust in Ar-Razzaq
Leaving Lasting Change with Al-Baqi
Social Impact through Al-Karim’s Generosity
Content Creation Rooted in Al-Hadi’s Light
Data-Driven Decisions Through the Lens of Al-Haqq
Upholding Al-Adl in Legal Practice
Inspiring Hearts with As-Sami’
Aligning Actions with Al-Latif’s Subtle Grace
Driving Positive Impact with Al-Qawiyy’s Power
Fostering Unity with Al-Wadud in Community Development

Their collective wisdom provides a well-rounded approach to self-improvement, making the webinar series an enriching experience for all attendees. Since it’s not only held in Indonesia, the attendees also come from various countries, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences that further enrich the discussions. Global Inspire is structured to be an engaging and transformative experience. Each session includes:

Inspiring Talks: Speakers will share their personal experiences and expertise.
Interactive Discussions: Participants can engage in Q&A sessions and group reflections.
Practical Exercises: Guided activities to help attendees apply insights to their daily lives.
Community Support: A network of like-minded individuals committed to personal growth.

This well-designed format ensures that every participant, regardless of their background, leaves with valuable knowledge and actionable steps to implement in their lives.

The Global Inspire – Inspiring Change Through Faith & Action webinar series proved to be a transformative experience, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the power of faith and action in personal growth. Through insightful discussions, inspiring speakers, and interactive sessions, participants gained valuable tools to overcome challenges, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their goals.

If you missed this series, stay connected for future opportunities to engage with similar empowering events. Follow our updates and be part of a growing community committed to resilience, self-discovery, and positive change. Together, we can continue to inspire and uplift one another on this journey.