Top tips
Between studying, work, extra-curricular activities, and family obligations, it can be difficult to set aside time for anything else. As a result, the most important thing is managing your time well and taking regular breaks from your busy schedule to make time to practice your faith especially when you are busy. It can be tough to fit in prayers. It can be even harder to feel grateful in the midst of such a busy schedule. Your balance for practising your faith is important. If you are finding it challenging then consider using the following tips:
- Join a religious society: I would strongly recommend being part of any religious society. It is really important that you stay in touch with them. Most of the societies are offering worship, prayer and pastoral support that can be accessed on campus and resources online.
- Routine: As well as staying in touch with faith community try to develop a pattern to your daily life that includes space and time for your religious practices (prayer, reading, praying in mosque etc). Schedule time for prayer breaks by blocking your slot on your time table. By scheduling time for prayer, you are telling yourself that it is an important part of your day.
- Keep your prayer journal (Quran/Bible etc) nearby: Quran and prayers are essential tools for your journey as a Muslim. These items should always be easily accessible so that you can record your prayers or read Quran passages whenever you have spare time. You can also download it on your phone. When you're stuck in line or in a waiting room, ditch social media and read instead. Who knows, it might even remind you to have patience and be grateful for the slow-down in your routine.
- Make a commitment to pray with your roommates: Another great way to build accountability into your routine is to commit to a daily prayer session with your friends. Praying with a roommate is the perfect way to strengthen your relationship with each other and with God.
- Join a prayer group: This is a great way to not only build connections but also to motivate you to pray on time and attend events. (E.g Jummah Prayers, community Iftar, faith talks etc).
- Remember to pray before meals: One of the easiest ways to incorporate prayer into your routine is to make a habit of praying whenever you eat. Simply pause before eating to thank God for the meal you are about to consume, while also recognising the hard work of all those who made your meal possible.
Incorporating your faith into everyday life does not have to be a challenge. It solely requires a commitment to strengthening your relationship with God. No two Muslims practice their faith in exactly the same manner, so find a routine that works for you and stick to it.
