Daily Du’a for the Busy Muslim Mom #2: Self-Prioritizing to Gain Mental Strength

Ponn Sabra | July 21, 2012 | Comments (1)

Daily Du'a #2 In building our relationship with Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala, it’s critical that we work on ourselves as well. To be the best Muslim Moms, we must care for ourselves.

One of the biggest complaints of Muslim moms, and moms in general, is lack of time dedicated to herself. We often put our husband, children, and house ahead of ourselves, which has a direct effect on our health which in turn affects your entire family.

How?

Without our health, we cannot care for others, our house, or anything at all.

More importantly, our bodies will talk for or against us on the Day of Judgment, as shared in the Glorious Qur’an:

This Day, We shall seal up their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their legs will bear witness to what they used to earn. [Qur’an, 36:65]

It is said that one’s left thigh will be the first to bear the witness. So, do you want it to say, “I was neglected. I am fat, flabby, and filled with dimples. I suffered by holding such a large body.” Or, do you want it to say “Alhamdulillah! You gave me ease. You took care of me. I am in the best shape possible.”

Did you chuckle? Feel guilt? Or, slash a phase like “Who are you, Ponn, to ask such a thing!?”

Regardless of your first reaction, Alhamdulillah, you’re still reading!

Because I say this all the time, to my girls, my family, and any sister in Islam when this topic comes up.

It’s all about having faith that change is good, and change must take place now–in the present. [Nice follow-up to Daily Du’a #1, huh?]

For him (each person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). But when Allah wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector. [Qur’an, 13:11]

We must prioritize our health and well-being. Many Muslim moms reply, but Baby Khadijah needs me, Husband can’t do THAT without me, Islamic program cannot survive without me.

My reply, “Well, there won’t be any “me” if “you” aren’t living!?” “What!? Ponn…come on!”

If we keep in mind our mortality, and know that “our” day is unknown to everyone except Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala, we WILL prioritize ourselves more often, Insha’Allah.

The best part of taking “Mommy Time” is that once you do take it, you’ll feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and renewed! You’ll start loving your alone time so much, that you’ll want to take more. So, I ask you to reflect with me, give thanks that our legs are not speaking for us yet, and commit to making a change to become closer to Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

When your most treasured pleasurable “Mommy Moments” arrive or has to come to an end, do as the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam used to do whenever something happened that pleased him or made him happy:

Prostrate yourself in thanks to Allah, the Blessed, the Almighty. [Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and others]

Oh, and while you’re giving thanks to Allah, will you kindly make du’a for me and my family? Ask me, and I will return this glorious favor, Insha’Allah.