Many Muslimahs aspire to excel in various facets of life – whether it’s acquiring beneficial knowledge, nurturing future scholars of the Ummah, memorizing the Qur’an, advancing their careers, mentoring others, or becoming experts in a field.
These lofty ambitions can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when combined with other goals, making them seem unattainable and leading some to give up altogether. However, this hadith teaches us that the most beloved actions to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small. The Prophet ﷺ maintained a consistent routine and advised,
“Ihris ‘ala maa yanfa’uk”(Sunan Ibn Majah)—strive for what benefits you, cutting out distractions and unbeneficial actions.
The Salaf deeply understood that true transformation lies not in bursts of effort, but in quiet, unwavering consistency. They cultivated their days with deliberate, steady acts of worship and learning – knowing that the soul is shaped more by what is done regularly than what is done rarely, no matter how intense. Modern authors echo this timeless wisdom: that it is not grand gestures, but small, repeated actions that shape a life, rewire the mind, and anchor lasting change. In both spiritual and worldly pursuits, consistency is the bridge between intention and achievement.
Al-Khaṭīb narrated that Ibn Jarīr spent forty years writing forty pages every single day, eventually totaling around 358,000 pages. If he had focused on the overwhelming total rather than his daily goal, he might never have started.
My reminder for you today? Create a routine that accommodates the unique demands of each day and to set short-term goals derived from your larger ambitions. For example, to memorize two pages of the Qur’an in a week, aim to memorize five lines daily for six days and revise on the seventh. To read a 120-page book in a month, read just four pages a day. Stay consistent by setting reminders, using accountability partners, making to-do lists, and placing sticky notes in strategic places. Make du’a to Allah for strength and constantly remind yourself that you are capable of tremendous change, beginning with small, intentional steps.
Remember the Prophet’s advice to strive for what is beneficial, especially in the age of smartphones and social media. Take a pen and paper and start your journey today, making your first step towards a productive life with the help of Allah.
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