Competition is a concept often associated with rivalry and negative emotions. But in the world of Islam, competition takes on a unique and positive form, one that promotes mutual growth and unity among its followers. Let’s explore the ten heartwarming ways Islam encourages healthy competition for good deeds. These principles not only encourage personal growth but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Here are 10 good deeds in which you can have healthy competition with your Muslim brothers and sisters.
Compete in Ibadah:
Let’s talk about healthy competition in doing good deeds, and at the forefront of it is “Ibadah” (worship). As Muslims, we should encourage each other to excel in worshiping Allah. It’s important to prioritize the five daily obligatory prayers, no matter how busy our lives get.
Additionally, enrich your spiritual practice by memorizing more sunnah duas to recite after your obligatory prayers. Make an effort to allocate more time in your daily routine for voluntary nafal prayers whenever possible.
Here’s the beautiful part: When you set aside time to worship Allah sincerely, He can make your worldly tasks easier, no matter how challenging they may seem. This applies to everyone, whether you’re a homemaker, a businessperson, a doctor, a pilot, or in any other profession. There’s always an opportunity to dedicate your heart to worshiping Allah.
By doing so, you not only set an example for those around you but also initiate a healthy competition in good deeds. Your commitment can inspire others to find time for prayers even amidst their busy schedules, creating a positive ripple effect in your community.
Compete in Charity and Acts of Kindness:
One of the most beautiful aspects of Islam is its focus on helping others and showing kindness. As Muslims, we’re encouraged to go above and beyond to help those in need. It’s like a friendly race to see who can be more generous and caring.
The Prophet Muhammad once said, “The shade of a believer on the Day of Resurrection will be his acts of charity.” So, it’s like we’re competing in a race to earn that shade, and at the same time, we’re inspiring others to join in.
Giving to charity isn’t just about getting a reward; it’s also about showing compassion to people in need. When we help them, we’re not just improving their lives but also making our society better as a whole. So, let’s encourage others to participate in this friendly competition of kindness.
Compete in Seeking Knowledge of Islam:
Remember that we’re encouraged to seek knowledge in our everyday lives and faith in Islam. Sometimes, as we work hard to excel in worldly pursuits, we might unintentionally overlook the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Islam. But is it really that challenging? Not at all!
Consider this: If we can dedicate ourselves to studying fields like medicine, business, engineering, commerce, and law and even compete with others in these areas, then why can’t we do the same for Islam?
We should develop a friendly competition among ourselves to use the skills and talents that Allah has given us to learn more about Islam and then share that knowledge with others, InshaAllah (God willing).
If you have a busy schedule, don’t worry! You can learn Quran and Tajweed online. In today’s digital age, there are plenty of options available. I encourage you to motivate your family, siblings, and friends to take these online classes. You can then have healthy competitions and discussions about what you’ve learned – it’s a wonderful way to grow together in knowledge and faith.
Compete in Good Manners:
Prophet Muhammad incredibly emphasized the significance of good character and exemplary conduct. In the teachings of Islam, there’s a heartfelt encouragement for Muslims to engage in a healthy competition of a different kind – a competition that isn’t about accumulating wealth or power but rather a race to embody kindness, patience, and humility.
It’s not about being the richest or most powerful; it’s about striving to be the kindest and the humblest person you can be. This unique and healthy competition centers around displaying the best manners and treating others with respect and empathy.
With this competition in displaying good manners and virtuous behavior, we collectively contribute to creating a society where individuals interact with one another in a spirit of respect and understanding. This, in turn, nurtures an atmosphere of harmony and unity, where people genuinely care for and support one another, making our communities stronger and more compassionate places to live.
Compete in Spreading the Message of Islam:
Certainly! As Muslims, we are responsible for sharing Islam’s message through our words and actions. This is all about conveying the beauty of our faith in a way that’s considerate and appealing. Think of it like a friendly and positive competition where we aim to win over people’s hearts and minds. The ultimate reward is when others embrace Islam as they seek spiritual fulfillment.
It’s an incredible feeling to know that someone has learned about the Quran and is now living by its teachings because you played a role in sharing the message. So, always strive to exemplify the true teachings of Islam through what you say and do, and encourage healthy competition in this endeavor.
Competing in Acts of Worship During Ramadan:
Absolutely! During the sacred month of Ramadan, Muslims partake in a wonderful and spiritually uplifting tradition. It’s like a healthy competition among themselves to see who can engage in more acts of worship. This includes things like offering additional prayers, dedicating time to read the Quran, and increasing their charitable acts.
This special month is a time of self-improvement and spiritual growth, where Muslims strive to become even better versions of themselves. It’s a period of deep reflection and drawing closer to Allah, seeking His blessings and guidance.
Compete supporting Orphans and the Vulnerable:
Certainly! When it comes to supporting orphans and vulnerable members of our society, healthy competition to help the orphans should be a MUST. It’s important to remember that the Prophet Muhammad himself was an orphan, which underscores just how crucial it is to care for them.
We should engage in a heartfelt competition to create a loving and nurturing environment for those who need it the most. This competition isn’t about winning prizes or accolades; it’s a healthy competition of compassion that reverberates through generations. It’s a way to honor the legacy of Prophet Muhammad and extend his teachings of care and empathy toward the most vulnerable in our society.
So, next time you find yourself in any kind of competition, remember that engaging in positive and constructive competition is the only kind that benefits both sides. This earns you respect in this world and promises rewards in the hereafter, InshaAllah.
