Slipping into habits

Oh my dear sisters,

We all have habits—some obvious, some subtle—that pull us away from Allah. Whether it’s listening to music, neglecting commands, or struggling with hijab consistency, our journey is about striving to become better Muslims, beautifully aligned with Islam and solely for the sake of Allah.

One transformative practice I’ve found is to list 5 habits you’re ready to change, then right beside each, write a replacement habit. This shifts the focus from just stopping something to actively nurturing something that draws us closer to Allah.

Examples:

Smoking → Snack on something healthy (I used oranges to quit years ago). Listening to music → Replace with Quran recitation or nasheeds. Doom-scrolling or Netflix binges → Replace with studying the Quran, reading Islamic books, listening to beneficial lectures—and I’ll link some amazing Islamic podcasts and uplifting authors below to guide and inspire you.

Start by breaking big goals into small, daily steps that feel doable and—most importantly—sustainable.

Always remember to seek Allah’s help:

Du’a:

“O Allah, help me leave behind what displeases You, and guide me to what draws me closer to Your mercy. Replace my harmful habits with those that bring barakah into my life. Ameen.”

Podcasts & Sources I Love

Yasmin Mogahed – Deep, heartfelt reflections on faith, emotion, and personal growth. Belal Asad – Thought-provoking discussions and reminders to inspire your daily walk. Muslim Central – A rich resource with lectures, reminders, and spiritual talks from various scholars. Mufti Menk Podcast – Gentle wisdom and practical advice with a warm delivery that soothes the heart. Your Muslim Girl Podcast – Modern, relatable stories and Islamic guidance for women.

Books & Authors to Uplift Your Soul

Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam by A. Helwa — A heart-based guide to experiencing the beauty of the Qur’an and cultivating intimacy with Allah through love, poetry, spiritual practices, and reflections  . Sheikh Omar Suleiman — Inspiring author, speaker, and imam whose books and podcasts provide practical, faith-centered wisdom and motivation.