We all want to be better people, breaking bad habits, and hit those goals as we reach the new year. This is because the start of a new year offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection and change. However, only 9% of people succeed out of 43% who set resolutions for the year, according to a study.
As Muslims, we are blessed with a framework of faith that guides us toward breaking bad habits and replacing them with practices that lead to fulfillment and closeness to Allah.
Understanding Bad Habits in Light of Islam
In Islam, bad habits are things that bring no advantages to oneself and others. Some examples of bad habits are procrastination, smoking, and neglecting salah, which hinder both spiritual and personal growth.
When someone is making it a habit to waste time through social media addiction, they are actually exposing themselves to various influences through their senses. One might come across videos that are inappropriate, promote negativity, wasting or lead to sinful thoughts and actions. Watching a video of an influencer who does a shopping haul showcasing the latest purchases might influence someone to buy unnecessary items. This can lead to bad spending habits that cause wasting money.
Other than that, it can disrupt someone’s closeness or relationship with Allah S.W.T. without practicing meaningful activities like reading the Quran or Dhikr. This is why Muslims must always remain mindful so one could receive benefits for themselves and others.
Breaking Bad Habits: Practical Steps
1) Seek Tawbah (repentance). The first step to breaking bad habits is acknowledging the habit and turning to Allah for forgiveness. As mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222): “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”
2) Set Clear Intentions (Niyyah). Every person has their own intentions, but sometimes it can be so vague that it would not make us strongly start doing it. In order to do this, first, I intend to eliminate bad habits for Allah’s sake. The best way to do it is writing them down, whether it is online or using physical journals. Having a simple habit tracker can help you track habits consistently and pair them with small celebrations once you achieve them.
For instance, write down the bad habits you want to eliminate and the good habits you want to replace. Idle activities with acts of ibadah (worship) can help turn repetitive unproductive tasks into purposeful ones.
3) Identify Triggers. Bad habits are formed when we are unaware of triggers. Be aware of what you consume to understand what makes you lead to certain actions. Replace negative triggers with positive actions. For example, instead of scrolling through social media at night, establish a bedtime routine with Quran recitation or meaningful duas.
4) Accountability (Muhasabah). Reflect on your progress daily. Journaling or partnering with someone who shares your goals can help. Umar ibn Al-Khattab advised, “Hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable.”
5) Start Small. Only you know what type of routine works for you, and if you don’t, there are plenty of tests, like the chronotype test, to know what time you are the most productive. Using productivity tools like Notion can help break down goals into actionable tasks and also track them.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.” (Sahih Bukhari). Focus on one habit at a time for sustainable change.
Conclusion
Breaking bad habits is not an overnight transformation but a journey of persistence, patience, and prayer. Trust in Allah’s mercy and strive for excellence (ihsan) in all that you do. May we all be guided to lead lives of purpose and fulfillment. Ameen.
