The Fragility of a 'Good Day'

For those who are struggling with various life challenges, having a good day or a good week becomes particularly precious.

One becomes aware of the way things are going "right," and is wary - perhaps paranoid - that maybe things are going *too* well. It is at this time when it is most important to remember who grants us ni'mah and what we can do to increase the barakah in our lives. If we want to maintain the goodness that we've been blessed with, we need to do that which causes it, and stay away from that which will destroy it.

Many times, we think that the acts of piety expected of us are too grand or ritualistic for us to do or maintain - praying Tahajjud every night, or fasting every other day, or completing a khatmah every week.
In truth, the ways we can bring about barakah in our lives can be quite small, yet deeply meaningful.

Starting the day with salatul Fajr, prayed on time; saying the du'a to leave the home; reciting even snatches of Qur'an on the bus or at work; biting one's tongue when the urge to mutter something inappropriate hits you; being mindful of your relationships with both loved ones and strangers; giving sadaqah, even if it's a dollar to a beggar.

Such things may seem insignificant, but they are the things which add up. The sincerity behind these actions is what makes it easier for us to bear daily inconveniences and to appreciate the everyday happinesses.

On the flip side, we can easily jeopardize our blessings when we start taking them for granted or slip back into bad habits. The moment we are quick to make a condescending comment about someone; the moment we tell ourselves, "Eh, such-and-such is just a small sin, no big deal," is the moment that we are showing ungratefulness towards our Lord's Mercy and gifts.

We should be aware of both our blessings and the ease with which our actions could destroy them all; we must be thankful, but never stop asking for forgiveness; we must be constantly vigilant against our Nafs.

One of the Salaf said, “If I disobey Allaah, I see that in the attitude of my riding beast and my family.”

{And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.} (Qur'an 14:34)