How To Become A Better Muslim | A Complete Guide

The desire to grow closer to Allah and live a life of meaning is a powerful drive shared by every believer. But the path, especially for those in Western societies, can sometimes feel overwhelming. So, how do you practically answer the question, "How To Become A Better Muslim?" It's not about making huge, unsustainable leaps; it's about building small, consistent habits rooted in sincerity. This guide provides actionable steps and time-tested wisdom to help you achieve spiritual growth in Islam every single day.

How To Become A Better Muslim: The Ultimate Checklist for Daily Habits

Achieving Islamic self-improvement tips requires turning intentions into routine. Here is a checklist of 10 daily habits for anyone asking, "How To Become A Better Muslim?":

Recite a Daily Portion (Wird): Dedicate at least 15 minutes to reading the Qur'an, focusing on understanding (best way to read Quran daily).
Pray Fajr on Time: Start your day by winning the spiritual battle of waking up for the dawn prayer.
Perform Dhikr (Remembrance): Say the morning and evening Adhkar (supplications) for protection.
Practice Gratitude: Name five things you are grateful for every morning.
Give Daily Sadaqah: Even if it's just a smile or a kind word.
Avoid Vain Talk: Consciously reduce idle chatter, gossip, or unproductive screen time.
Hold Your Tongue: Resolve to not lie, complain, or backbite for one day.
Ask for Forgiveness (Istighfar): End your day by saying Astaghfirullah 100 times, recognizing your need for Tawbah (Repentance).
Practice a Sunnah: Incorporate one new Sunnah practice in modern life, like drinking water while sitting.
Reflect: Spend five minutes before sleep reviewing how you honored Allah's trust that day (how to be a mindful Muslim).

How to Fix Salah (Prayer) and Pray Consistently in a Busy Schedule?

For many, the biggest challenge to knowing How To Become A Better Muslim is consistency in prayer (how to pray five times a day consistently). Consistency is built through intention and practical scheduling.

Identify Your Weakest Prayer: Focus your effort on the prayer you miss most often (often Fajr or Ishā').
Use Digital Alarms: Set multiple, loud, unavoidable alarms for prayer times.
"Stop and Drop" Rule: When the Adhan (call to prayer) sounds, adopt the mental rule: "Stop what I am doing, and pray now."
Designate a Prayer Spot: Have a clean prayer mat ready in a quiet corner to reduce friction.
Perform Wudu' Early: Maintain Wudu' as much as possible, making prayer an instant option.
Batch Chores: Use Muslim productivity tips by linking your prayers to routine activities (e.g., "Pray Dhuhr right after lunch.").
Read the Translation: Spend 30 seconds reading the translation of Surah Al-Fatiha to improve focus (how to increase Khushu in Salah).
Make Up Immediately: If you miss a prayer, pray it immediately upon remembering it, before starting any other task.
Track Your Progress: Use a simple journal or app to log your prayers for a week to hold yourself accountable.
Seek Spiritual Reinforcement: Remind yourself that prayer is the direct connection (how to connect with Allah) and the primary difference between a believer and a non-believer.

What is Tadabbur (Reflection) and How Does it Change Your Quran Recitation?

If you are looking for the secret to how to strengthen Iman (faith), it lies in Tadabbur.

Tadabbur is defined as the conscious, mindful reflection upon the meanings of the Qur'an to the point that it leads to action and a change in character. It is the spiritual engine that transforms mere reading into genuine connection.

When you practice Tadabbur, your recitation changes fundamentally:

From the Tongue to the Heart: You stop reading words just to finish a page. Instead, you read slowly, contemplating what Allah is telling you directly.
Personalizing the Message: When you read verses about Paradise, you feel hope; when you read about punishment, you feel fear and rush to how to stop sinning in Islam.
Enhancing Khushu': Your focus in prayer improves because you understand the meaning of the verses you recite, fulfilling the goal of how to be a mindful Muslim.

To practice, simply read a short Ayah (verse) and ask yourself: "What is Allah asking me to do or avoid in this verse?"

discover: Manners Every Muslim Should Know

How To Become A Better Muslim by Improving Your Character (Akhlaq)

Improving Akhlaq (character or manners) is the practical manifestation of how to improve deen. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The best among you are those who have the best manners." (Bukhari).

The state of your heart is reflected in your interactions with others. To improve your character:

Focus on Sincerity: Perform good deeds solely for Allah, purifying your intentions (Tazkiyat al-Nafs guide).
Practice Forbearance: In arguments or stressful moments, consciously choose patience and forgiveness over retaliation.
Fulfill Trusts: Be completely reliable in your work, promises, and financial dealings.
Speak Kindly: Ensure every word you speak is either beneficial or remain silent.
Be Humble: Recognize that all good is from Allah, eliminating arrogance.

How to Give Charity (Sadaqah) Daily Without Spending a Fortune?

How To Become A Better Muslim by giving Sadaqah doesn't mean emptying your wallet. The Prophet (PBUH) taught that every good deed is charity.

The Smile: A smile to your brother/sister is Sadaqah.
Removing Harm: Removing a stone or branch from the path is Sadaqah.
Kind Speech: A kind word to your spouse or colleague is Sadaqah.
Helping Others: Helping a blind person or loading luggage into a car is Sadaqah.
Digital Donation: Set up a recurring weekly or monthly donation of a small amount ($1 or $5) to an Islamic charity to ensure you have a consistent source of reward (daily habits of a good Muslim).

What are the Best Supplications (Duas) for Spiritual Growth and Protection?

Making Dua is the essence of worship. These supplications from the Qur'an and Sunnah are essential for anyone on the path of spiritual growth in Islam.

One of the most comprehensive prayers is the Qur'anic supplication: "رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ" (Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan...). This Dua (Qur'an 2:201) asks for comprehensive good in this life and the Hereafter and protection from the Fire, and it is often cited as the most complete supplication.

For those seeking personal purity and sufficiency, the Prophet (PBUH) taught us to ask: "اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى" (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, abstinence/chastity, and contentment/sufficiency). This excellent steps to get closer to Allah Dua is authenticated in Sahih Muslim.

To maintain faith in a world of temptations, we are advised to frequently recite: "يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ" (O Turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm on Your religion), a vital Dua recorded in Tirmidhi (and considered authentic).

Finally, for perfecting our worship, we should not forget the Dua that asks for divine assistance: "اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ" (O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best possible way).

This essential plea for a complete Islamic routine for spiritual success is found in Abu Dawud (and considered authentic). Reciting these powerful Duas daily helps to cleanse the heart and reinforce Iman.

How to Build a Stronger Muslim Community (Ummah) in the West?

Living as a practicing Muslim in the West requires reliance on community. How To Become A Better Muslim involves giving back to the Ummah.

Participate in the Masjid: Don't just pray and leave; stay for the lecture or help clean.
Support Islamic Education: Volunteer time or funds for local weekend schools.
Host Gatherings: Organize Iftar, potlucks, or Halaqahs (study circles) at your home to foster brotherhood/sisterhood.
Mentor the Youth: Offer time and guidance to the younger generation facing unique challenges (advice for young Muslims in the West).
Engage in Outreach: Be the best example of Islam to your non-Muslim neighbors and colleagues.
Attend Funerals and Visit the Sick: Fulfill the rights of your fellow Muslims.
Promote Dialogue: Use platforms to discuss issues and seek local solutions.
Support Muslim Businesses: Boost the local community economy.
Manage Conflicts: Promote reconciliation and harmony within the community.
Be a Bridge-Builder: Work with other faith groups for the common good.

What is the Role of Tawbah (Repentance) in Becoming a Better Muslim?

Tawbah is not a one-time event; it is a continuous state of humility and returning to Allah, central to the Tazkiyat al-Nafs guide. The most crucial step in knowing How To Become A Better Muslim is realizing that mistakes are inevitable, but persistent sin is not.

Allah loves those who turn to Him. True Tawbah involves:

Regret: Feeling genuine remorse for the sin.
Cessation: Stopping the sin immediately.
Resolution: Firmly resolving never to return to the sin.
Rectification: Seeking forgiveness from the person you wronged (if applicable).

The Prophet (PBUH) said, "All of the children of Adam are sinners, and the best sinners are those who repent." (Tirmidhi).

Tawbah cleanses the heart and restores Iman.

How To Become A Better Muslim by Practicing Sunnah in Modern Life?

Incorporating the Sunnah practices in modern life is one of the most practical steps to become a better Muslim by transforming mundane activities into acts of worship.

The Best Islamic Morning Routine: Start your day with the Dua upon waking and the Miswak (or toothbrush) (best Islamic morning routine).
Eating Habits: Say Bismillah before eating and Alhamdulillah after, and eat with your right hand.
Sleeping Habits: Sleep on your right side and recite the relevant sleeping Adhkar.
Entering/Exiting: Say the Duas when entering or leaving your home.
Clothing: Start dressing from the right side and undressing from the left.
Social Media: Use Bismillah before opening an app and set the intention to seek knowledge or benefit others.
Vehicle: Say the Dua for travel when entering your car.
Sneezing/Yawning: Say Alhamdulillah after sneezing and suppress yawning.
Greeting: Use the full As-Salāmu 'Alaykum wa Raḥmatullāhi wa Barakātuh greeting.
Walking: Walk at a deliberate, quick, yet humble pace.

Practical First Steps to Become a Better Muslim Today

Here are 10 immediate actions you can take to put the advice on How To Become A Better Muslim into practice:

Set your phone alarm for Fajr.
Download an authentic Adhkar app.
Forgive one person who wronged you today.
Perform two Rak'ah of Duha prayer (mid-morning).
Read the translation of the last 10 verses you memorized.
Text or call one relative to check on their well-being.
Stop doing whatever sin you struggle with for the next hour.
Choose a simple Dua to recite 20 times daily.
Plan a 15-minute slot for Qur'an reading tomorrow.
Say Alhamdulillah immediately after completing any successful task.

FAQs about How To Become A Better Muslim

How long should I dedicate each day to reading the Qur'an to see a difference?

Even 15 to 20 minutes of focused reading daily is enough to see a difference, provided you combine it with Tadabbur (reflection) on the meaning. Consistency is infinitely better than sporadic, long reading sessions.

What is the best way to develop Khushu' (focus) and sincerity in my daily prayers?

The best way to develop Khushu' is by understanding the meaning of what you are reciting (Surah Al-Fatiha and the Tasbīḥ in Rukū' and Sujud). Visualize standing before Allah, which reinforces sincerity and concentration.

Where can a Muslim living in the West find a supportive and authentic Islamic community?

Look for local Masjids that offer regular Halaqahs (study circles), volunteer programs, and social events. Utilizing an online Quran Academy for structured learning also connects you to a global network of believers and scholars.

What is the best way to handle sins and mistakes when striving to become a better Muslim?

The best way is immediate Tawbah (Repentance). Do not despair. Follow up every bad deed with a good deed, as the good deeds erase the bad ones.

What are the essential Sunnah practices a busy working Muslim can easily incorporate daily?

The essential practices are the morning and evening Adhkar (supplications), smiling and greeting people with As-Salām, and using Bismillah before starting any task, which requires minimal time but maximizes reward.

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