This One Practice Turned My Decade-Long Struggles Into Achievements

This one practice turned my decade-long struggles into achievements. A habit that can bring breakthroughs. Imagine a simple practice that unlocks blessings, eases hardships, and brings barakah into your everyday moments. Let me tell you about my journey to becoming addicted—not to a Netflix or Turkish series—but to the life-changing habit of istigfar.

One-stop solution: Istigfar

We’ve all heard it before:

• Are you struggling with something? Do istigfar.

• Are you in debt? Do istigfar.

• Are you trying for a new job? Do istigfar.

• Are you planning to buy a new home? Do istigfar.

• Are you going through hardship at work? Do istigfar.

It’s a comforting idea, isn’t it? Just say istigfar and your problems will disappear. But if you’re like me, you’ve probably tried it—and struggled to stay consistent. We start with enthusiasm, only to fall off after a few days. Sound familiar? The mistake is not in believing in the power of istigfar; it’s in failing to make it a conscious, consistent habit.

Being Conscious

My turning point came during the blessed ten days of Dhul Hijjah. I joined a challenge with five sisters, aiming to do as many good deeds as possible. Despite my busy schedule of work, family, fasting, and daily chores, I found myself achieving more than I ever thought possible. Why? Because I had a clear goal and accountability.

This experience taught me a powerful lesson: it’s not about having more time; it’s about being conscious of how we use it. By setting a daily target and tracking my efforts, I was able to weave istigfar into my routine. And as I stayed consistent, I began noticing profound changes in my life.

Step-by-step approach

Here’s how you can start building your istigfar habit:

1. Set a Daily Goal: Decide your target number. Like how many times you want to say istigfar each day. Start small if needed. Example:500

2. Pick the time: Include istigfar in your daily routine. It could be after your Salah, your morning walk, or your commute. The key is to schedule it so you are reminded when its time. Scheduling is only until you get used to it and once you do, it will be part of your routine. InshaAllah.

3. Track Your Progress: Use a journal, app, or even a sticky note to mark each day you meet your goal.

4. Observe the Blessings: Make a conscious effort to notice the barakah and ease in your life as you practice istigfar.

5. Find Accountability: Join Istigfar Challenge in MNB Community so you can partner with someone who shares your goal. Encouragement makes a huge difference.

Dhikr Walk

Honestly, I struggled when I started the istigfar habit. I didn't have the luxury of sitting on the prayer mat after Fajr salah to do my istigfar or other dhikr. My morning meetings start early, and I also have to get breakfast and lunch ready for my family. I adjusted my morning routine by getting things prepared earlier, and then I started walking in the nearby park during my meetings and utilized my walk time to do my istigfar. That small effort and those changes, along with the new habit "Dhikr Walk," became a game changer for me, Subhana’Allah. Walking gave me "me" time; while I walk, my tongue is moist with istigfar and remembrance of Allah.

While doing istigfar, I also started having conversations with Allah—sharing my worries and struggles. What started as a simple walk became an act of worship filled with istigfar and dua.

You might be thinking, “I’m too busy,” or “I’ve tried before and failed.” Trust me, I’ve been there. But here’s the truth: consistency doesn’t require hours of free time. It requires intention and small effort. Thats all. Even if you’re saying istigfar while cooking, commuting, or doing chores, it counts. The key is to stay mindful and make it part of your daily rhythm.

The Barakah Cycle

Consciousness isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about observing the flow of barakah in our lives. There is a hidden benefit that we often overlook of being conscious of the blessings that come our way.

Once we become conscious, we will become more grateful. That will in fact make us increase our istigfar. The more you increase, the more blessings you will witness, and it becomes a blessed barakah circle. I’ve had things within my reach for decades that I never approached or thought about. When I increased my istigfar, magic unfolded, and doors I didn’t expect opened effortlessly. These weren’t new opportunities; they were things already within my grasp that became accessible through the blessings of istigfar.

Dhikr Walk Challenge

This journey has been transformative for me, and I want to invite you to start your own. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce the Dhikr Walk Challenge in the MNB Community. Together, we’ll take small but meaningful steps to build this habit and unlock the blessings it can bring into our lives.

📅 When: Starting on Wednesday January 15th in the MNB Community
📌 How to Join: Join our community via this link: https://www.muslimnationbuilders.com/membership

Let’s support each other on this journey toward spiritual growth and transformation. Will you take the first step? Let’s embark on this journey together.