part 1: reﬂect. plan. act!

Part 1:Reflect. Plan. Act!2018 RAMADAN CURRICULUM

1 | Reflect. Plan. Act!

Assalamu Alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak! We hope this finds you well. In your possession is the first of a three-part series that comprises our 2018 Ramadan Curriculum. The purpose of these packets is to walk you through some of Yaqeen Institute’s spiritual publications to help you make the most of your Ramadan. In order to take full advantage of the following documents, we encourage you to begin by reading the assigned publication in it entirety. Each packet begins by providing an overview of the topic at hand, as well as a more detailed summary for your ease in recalling the main themes of the publication. The outlined objectives will help guide you through the later discussion and reflection questions, but feel free to craft your own along the way. The packet then concludes with two activities: an action plan and a journal exercise. The Action Plan consists of 1-2 recommended goals, based on the publication, that you should try to implement in your life. For example, after reading “The Power of Motivation,” you will be tasked with the responsibility of creating a daily or weekly schedule to keep you motivated throughout the month of Ramadan. In order to make the experience more exciting, we have developed a point system so you can challenge your friends and family members. Track your points using the sheet attached at the end of this document and see who can score the most points this Ramadan! The Journal Activity is an opportunity to spend time alone in sincere reflection while recording your thoughts and responses in a personal notebook. This activity will provide you with engaging topics so you can contemplate deeper on the themes discussed throughout. So find yourself a friend or two to challenge and grab a journal to write in because it’s time to take full advantage of this blessed month!

Good luck and may Allah (swt) accept from us all!


#1 The Lost Art of Contemplation Reading Time: 43 min

Read the full publication here: “The Lost Art of Contemplation”

Overview: Throughout the Quran, there is a strong reoccurring call for people to reflect on the signs of Allah to discover and attain a meaningful life. Scholars, as a result, heavily focused on the concept of reflection through self-purification, eventually developing a model for the Degrees of Motivation. This paper addresses the first three steps in this model that focus on how we think and effectively reflect, discussing core topics regarding human cognition, metacognition, and consciousness. By understanding the significance of our thoughts, we can train our minds to think about our purpose in life in order to find motivation that ultimately translates into action, leading to a fulfilling life.

Objectives: 1. Limit distracting habits in order to increase spirituality through

self-awareness 2. Cultivate positive thinking through structured reflection

Executive Summary: Islam represents a system meant to transform an individual's cognitions, emotions, and behaviors in a way that will ultimately lead them to a meaningful and fulfilling life. For this reason, it should not come as a surprise that classical scholars dedicated significant portions of their scholarship to the topic of self-purification and consequently developed profound theories of human psychology. This paper, as part of the Spiritual Psychology series, attempts to build an Islamic model of spiritual psychology that emphasizes practical implications for psycho-spiritual growth and building conviction.

This paper builds on Maraatib al-Qasd, or the Degrees of Motivation model, that is often mentioned in the the Islamic tradition. This model provides a

https://yaqeeninstitute.org/en/zohair/the-lost-art-of-contemplation-spiritual-psychology-series/


holistic framework for human behavior that begins with thoughts, proceeds to motivation, and ends with action. The 5-step sequence is described as follows:

1. al-Haajis: A fleeting thought that is quick to enter into consciousness and quick to exit. 2. al-Khaatir: A thought that enters into the mind and an individual chooses to think about. 3. Hadith an-Nafs: An internal conversation, where a thought is deliberated over in depth. 4. al-Hamm: A motivation to act, where a thought process has impacted a person's motivation or emotional state. 5. al-ʿAzm: A firm resolve to execute an action.

This paper focus on the first three steps.

1. al-Haajis Our thoughts are the deepest interface we have with the dimension of the spirit. Other than Allah, no one can ever know the contents of our thoughts. Countless times throughout the Quran, the human being is told to think, ponder, reflect, observe; in other words, engage the conscious mind. Contrary to this advice, however, we live in a world of rapidly advancing technology that is constantly distracting our minds and creating barriers to communication with friends and family. This preoccupation with gadgets, screens, and devices has distracted us from the powerful creativity, insight, and self-awareness that our minds were designed for.

2. Khawaatir Our conscious thoughts are continuously being altered and formulated based on complex interactions between components of the unconscious. A person, nevertheless, can intentionally counteract negative unconscious influences. For example, seeking refuge in Allah and strengthening the fortresses of our heart can aid us in our battle against satanic whispers. Having friends, moreover, who inspire us with their words and behavior fill our memory with positive ideas that become readily available for extraction when confronted with a difficult situation.

3. Hadith an-Nafs The Quran is replete with words that encourage a type of contemplation required to effectively extract meaning from the signs of Allah in the Quran itself and in the natural world. Tadhakkur, for example, is the process by


which the heart constantly re-evaluates knowledge it has learned in light of new experiences, in order to gain deeper insight and firm grounding. This process manifests itself when a person enduring a difficulty remembers that Allah's Decree prevails over all and eventually finds relief in simply remembering Allah in times of trial.

According to Ibn al-Qayyim, there are five cognitive-behavioral stations that are causally linked: beginning from thought to knowledge, knowledge to haal (conceptual architecture) that stimulates the heart, haal to iraada, or a motivational drive, and finally from this motivational state to action. In other words, once a person is aware of their thoughts and begins to engage with that information, it becomes knowledge. As a person's knowledge grows, it builds upon older knowledge structures to build new foundations and eventually a paradigm for understanding (haal). This conceptual framework is what allows a person to abstract meaning and truth from the signs of Allah, stimulating the heart with ambition that is ultimately transformed into behavior and action.

The key to success in this world and the next is to ensure one's consciousness is filled with positive thoughts that will ultimately result in positive behaviors. It is paramount in this age of distraction that we turn our focus inwards to discover the secrets of the mind. Our process of thinking is deeply spiritual and serves as the basis for our aims and ambitions in life that will ultimately enrich our experience in this world.

Discussion & Reflection: 1. This paper illustrates in depth numerous forms of thinking from tafakkur

and tadhakkur to iʿtibar and tadabbur. Refer back to the publication for their meanings and implications and then write your own understanding of these terms along with an example of each.

a. For instance: Tafakkur is defined in the paper as “bringing something to one’s cognitive space.” Tafakkur, in other words, is bringing something to mind - like when I think to myself on my way to the masjid, “I wonder what sura will be recited tonight during taraweeh.”

2. Describe a moment in which you experienced the first three steps in the Degrees of Motivation model. During your internal conversation, did you feel optimistic or pessimistic? What steps can you take in order to cultivate positive thinking?


Action Plan: 1. Identify one distracting habit that you engage in and brainstorm ways to

limit it (15 points). If that disruptive habit is social media for example, create a list as to how you can limit your usage productively. Here is a sample list:

a. I spend over 3 hours a day on Facebook (identify the problem) b. I will limit myself to one hour a day (identify a solution) c. I will only spend 15 minutes watching cat videos (be specific) d. The other 45 minutes will be used to read inspiring posts about

Ramadan (be productive) 2. Think before you act. This is often much easier said than done. Every time

you feel sad, irritable, or another negative emotion, stop what you’re doing, take a moment to breathe and think, and seek refuge in Allah (swt) through a prayer like the following: (5 points each time)

أعوذ باالله من الشیطان الرجیمAʿūdhū bi-Allāh min al-shayṭān al-rajīm

I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan

اللهم إني صائم(ة)Allāhumma innī ṣāʾim(ah)

Oh Allah - I am fasting

Journal Activity: I. As you try to complete your khatm (reading the Quran cover-to-cover) this

Ramadan, keep an eye out for every verse that encourages a form of reflection. Record the verse and its context; what is Allah (swt) asking us to reflect on? Why might thinking about the creation of the heavens and earth, for example, be important?

II. Ibn al-Qayyim mentions the four general categories of thoughts that

should be actively cultivated. Carve out some time in your daily or weekly schedule to reflect on the following: A. Think about our most beloved purpose: worshiping Allah (swt)

1. What reminds you of the Beauty, Kindness, and Generosity of Allah (swt), particularly in Ramadan?

2. How does thinking about the attributes of Allah (swt) encourage you to increase your worship of Him?


a) e.g. Allah (swt) is so generous in providing me with family and friends to enjoy iftar with. I want to increase in my worship of Him in order to display my thankfulness.

B. What does the path that leads to fulfilling this purpose look like? 1. What are the characteristics that Allah loves?

a) Think about any characteristic and ask yourself: is this quality loved by Allah or not?

b) Do I have this quality? c) If I don’t, how do I obtain it? If I do, how do I preserve it?

C. Think about our most despised ends: harm that leads to punishment 1. Actions are often prohibited because they cause harm and result in

the punishment of Allah. Think about why some actions or characteristics are prohibited.

2. What kind of pain or harm could result from those (bad) qualities? D. What do the paths that lead to our most despised ends look like?

1. What are the characteristics that are despised by Allah? a) Think about any characteristic and ask yourself: Is this quality

hated by Allah or not? b) If this quality is hated, do I have it or not? c) If I don’t, how do I make sure to remain free from it? If I do, how

do I remove this quality?

If you found yourself not knowing how to think about the qualities of Allah or what the qualities He loves or hates are, start off by paying closer attention as you read the Qur’an this month. On every page you will find a handful of verses that describe the names and attributes of Allah and/or what He loves and hates. For example, Allah (swt) says in Sura al-Nisa:

رین ابین ویحب المتطه إن االله یحب التو

Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent and loves those who purify themselves [Quran 2:222].


#2 The Power of Motivation Reading Time: 40 min

Read the full publication here: “The Power of Motivation”

Overview: Motivation is at the root of our conscious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It provides the basis for experiences of happiness and joy as well as anxiety and sorrow. It strongly affects our judgments and beliefs about the world. Continuing with the larger project of formulating an understanding of human psychology from an Islamic perspective, this article aims to shed light on the concept of motivation. The paper is divided into three sections, (1) Fundamentals of Motivation; (2) The Motivational State; and (3) Motivational Fuel. The first section discusses the phenomena of pain and pleasure in the context of motivation. The next section describes the components that determine our motivation including a discussion on the Qur’anic terms nafs ammārah bis-sūʾ (self that inclines toward evil) and the nafs muṭmaʾinn (self that inclines towards a higher existence). The final section considers the concepts of sabr (will-power) and shahwa (desires) as the competing driving forces of motivation, and provides practical guidelines for increasing our sabr and decreasing our shahwa.

Objectives: 1. Identify motivational strategies that are best suited for you and explore

avenues for their implementation 2. Brainstorm and set three goals to motivate you throughout Ramadan 3. Create a daily schedule to prevent burnout

Executive Summary: Motivation is at the root of our conscious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It provides the basis for experiences of happiness and joy as well as anxiety and sorrow. It strongly affects our judgments and beliefs about the world. Understanding the motivational state at a deeper level will enable us to take better control of our thinking, emotions, behavior, and, ultimately, our lives.

https://yaqeeninstitute.org/en/zohair/powerofmotivation/


The paper is divided into three sections, (1) Fundamentals of Motivation; (2) The Motivational State; and (3) Motivational Fuel.

1. Fundamentals of Motivation: Pleasure and Pain Human beings are generally motivated to experience pleasure and alleviate pain. Living our lives solely for those two goals, however, is known as hedonism. Islamically, experiencing pleasure and averting pain are means to an end. Pain and pleasure, rather than being the goals of our existence are meant to indicate to us whether we are living how we are meant to. Pain indicates we are harming ourselves and pleasure indicates we are benefiting ourselves. With the use of our intellect we are capable of postponing immediate pleasure if we perceive it will end in eventual pain. We are also able to persevere through immediate pain if we perceive it will end in eventual pleasure. The key concepts in relation to pleasure and pain are benefit and harm. Benefit is what results in ultimate pleasure, and harm is what results in ultimate pain.

2. The Motivational State The cognitive component of the motivational state involves beliefs about what will bring benefit and harm. We may believe a certain career, potential spouse, friends, or wealth will benefit us physically, emotionally, and psychologically. The strength of the belief correlates to the intensity of our motivation to obtain these goals. One of the ways to help control unhelpful motivational urges (desires) is to challenge the beliefs that underpin them. A person may have a strong inclination to sin, thinking it will bring them benefit in the form of pleasure. Challenging this belief, and recognizing the ramifications of that sin in this world and the next will help weaken the desire. Furthermore, if we find ourselves unmotivated to do what we know is good for us, then we need to strengthen our belief that those activities that bring us closer to God will bring us the pleasure of a paradise in this world and the next. The emotional component of motivation is determined by whether we see ourselves progressing towards areas of benefit and away from areas of harm. If we are hindered from achieving our objectives, we experience anxiety, frustration, and/or anger. If the goal or objective itself is taken away from us (e.g., losing a loved one, losing wealth or failing an exam), we may experience depression, sadness, and grief. If our belief regarding the


benefit of a goal is very strong, then we may experience love, desire, and possibly lust. The nafs mutma’inn (self that inclines to good) constructs motivational states aimed at coming closer to God, recognizing that developing virtue and spiritual devotion will bring ultimate benefit. The nafs ammarah bis-su (self that inclines to evil) constructs motivational states aimed at immediate gratification that eventually end in pain. Devils (shayateen) can use the nafs ammarah bis-su to attack the nafs mutma’inn by creating doubt regarding the beliefs it operates on (e.g., belief in God) or providing false promises regarding the attaining of one’s desires, thereby strengthening the motivational state of the nafs ammarah bis-su.

3. Motivational Fuel Motivation is fueled by energy that is either positive (patience) or negative (desires). Hence, it follows that strengthening patience and weakening one’s desires is an essential approach to achieving one’s ultimate goals and aspirations. Patience or ṣabr mirrors the modern psychological concept of self-regulation, which grows in strength in accordance with the frequency with which it is practiced. Likewise, limiting one’s desires through active intervention will strengthen a person’s motivation for goodness.

The publication concludes with twenty practical guidelines to increase motivational fuel through cognitive shifts and behavioral changes.

Discussion & Reflection: 1. The author argues that one needs meaning or purpose in life to be

motivated. What drives you to succeed? What inhibits your motivation? Explore ways you can reorient your goals in a way that will ensure maximum motivation both throughout and after Ramadan.

2. Balance in self-regulation and controlling desires is key to prevent burnout. Have you experienced burnout in the past? What happened? Think of practical methods to regulate your schedule to ensure more positive energy this month.

3. Motivation can be fueled up through exhibiting patience and regulating your desires. In what ways does fasting relate to motivational fuel? What does this reveal about one of the purposes of Ramadan? a. How can you derive spiritual pleasure (strong enough to overcome

physical pleasure) through this better understanding of Ramadan?


Action Plan: 1. Identify 1-3 goals to motivate you this Ramadan (5 points for each goal) 2. Create a daily or weekly schedule for this month that includes

opportunities for positive stimulation so you stay motivated until the very end (15 points)

Journal Activity: The following is a list of Ibn al-Qayyim’s suggestions for increasing motivation. Read through the entire list and choose one suggestion and relate it to something personal. “Witnessing the blessings of Allah,” for example, should bring to mind a list of countless things to be thankful for in your life. Write down your reflections and refer to this list throughout Ramadan for more advice to motivate you in your goals.

1. Experience the glory of Allah and His greatness in one’s heart. The thought of disobeying Him should result in shame and embarrassment.

2. Experience the love of Allah in your heart, so you avoid disobeying Him out of love for Him.

3. Witness the blessings of Allah and His favors toward you. 4. Recognize the Anger and Vengeance of Allah. 5. Recognize the loss incurred by engaging in disobedience. Your

sustenance and worldly possessions are decreased, as are your faith and certainty.

6. Experience the pleasure that comes with conquering the nafs ammāra bis-sū’ and pelting Shaytān.

7. Understand that Allah has promised to replace what has been given up for His sake for something better.

8. Experience the special Divine presence that is accompanied by His Mercy and Love.

9. Recognize that time waits for no one and that it passes swiftly. 10. Recognize that the inevitable outcomes of disobedience are hardship

and pain. 11. Struggle against one’s desires, when they emerge. 12. Reject the first thought that will eventually lead to a temptation for evil. 13. Strive to cut off the means to fulfilling your desire. This principle is

found in the story of Yusuf where he rushed to leave the room where the sin would have taken place.

14. Contemplate the signs of Allah in nature and in His book.


15. Contemplate the temporary nature of this life and its essence. This life is merely a test and its forbidden pleasures are a delusion.

16. Recognize that your heart is between the fingers of the Most Merciful, so rely on Him and ask Him for help.

17. Appreciate that there are only two trajectories you can be on in life. The first leads to the highest companionship (rafīq al-a‘lā ), Allah, and the second to the lowest of the low (asfala sāfilīn ).

18. Avoid environments where Allah’s Mercy does not descend. How can one thrive in such an environment? Plants and trees don’t grow except in places where rain descends.

19. Recognize that Allah created you for life, not death, for honor, not humiliation, for security, not fear, and for wealth, not poverty.

20.Do not be deluded by your knowledge of good and evil. Knowledge comes with responsibility to strive and struggle for its implementation.


#3 The Character of the Prophet Reading Time: 18 min

Read the full publication here: “The Character of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم”

Overview: The truth of the Prophet s’صلى الله عليه وسلم message was only affirmed by his beautiful character. Anyone who met him never doubted his sincerity and honesty, granting him the title of as-Sādiq al-Amīn, or the Trustworthy. He lived a very austere lifestyle, constantly facing trials and tribulations ranging from physical pain to the loss of his closest family members. Yet despite it all, his companions lauded his bravery and testified to his perpetual optimism.

Objectives: 1. Recall the various characteristics of the Prophet ,صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioned in this

text and/or from your own knowledge 2. Identify concrete ways to embody these characteristics in personal life

Executive Summary: Allah (swt) combined the most illustrious qualities in His final Prophet ,صلى الله عليه وسلم ensuring that anyone who knew him would be confident in his character.

1. Dubbed, as-Sādiq al-Amīn, or the Trustworthy, his honesty was acknowledged by all. Even those who persecuted the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم entrusted their own precious belongings with him because they never doubted his integrity. 2. Despite the authority he accumulated, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم always remained austere in his lifestyle, owning nothing but a few items like a straw mat to sleep on and a leather waterskin to bathe from. For months on end, no fire would be kindled in his home for cooking, and his family had to be content with dates and water. 3. Since his honesty was undeniable, some Orientalists tried to argue that he suffered from a mental illness that subjected him to delusions of grandeur. Yet, how could a man with psychological disorders fearlessly

صلى الله عليه وسلم


fight on the frontlines of any battle? One companion of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم recalled that only the bravest among them could stand by his side in enemy territory, with most seeking protection behind him. 4. From the time he was born up until his last breath, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was tested by the deaths of countless family members and by the suffering of his followers. He himself was driven out of his own home and stoned by those who rejected his message, yet throughout it all, he persevered with a smile. 5. His physical smile in the face of adversity was a reflection of his internal and persistent optimism laced with supreme faith. At a time when mercenaries were only inches away from capturing him, for instance, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم reassured his companion Abu Bakr to never fear for God was with them.

If his own personality was not enough to demonstrate his prophethood, the sheer number and character of people who have chosen to follow the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم reveal his nobility. As a result of his inspiration, he was named the single most influential personality in human history.

Discussion & Reflection: 1. What characteristic of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم - mentioned in this paper or

elsewhere - resonates with you the most? How does knowing that the Prophet embodied that trait strengthen your belief in him?

2. Have you experienced a situation in which you felt like you intentionally exemplified a noble characteristic of the Prophet? How did that feel? Has there been a moment when you were being tested where you wished you had acted like the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم?

3. Our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was dubbed the most influential man in history. Billions of people have followed his message since. Why do you follow the Prophet? What inspires you most?

4. As this paper has demonstrated, both Muslim and non-Muslims alike have praised the Prophet .صلى الله عليه وسلم What does that reveal about his character and message?

Action Plan: 1. Identify a characteristic of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم you want to emulate. Try to

embody one that aligns with the goals you identified from the “Power of Motivation.” If one of your goals was to focus more in prayer this month, for example, then try to embody Prophetic patience in order to gain khushooʿ, or concentration. Check out some of the examples below and


set a goal and put a plan in place to ensure you can follow through! (10 points each)

Journal Activity: Find a quiet spot at the park or take a walk in your neighborhood to deeply reflect and think about all of the ways you can embody some of the characteristics of our Prophet .صلى الله عليه وسلم Read the examples below for inspiration and don’t forget to write down your own ideas! ● Honesty: Often times we forget that honesty also entails being true to

ourselves. Take time to reflect on your past - the good and the bad. Ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness for your sins and the strength to allow you to continue in good deeds.

● Austerity and Asceticism: Nowadays, iftar dinners are more extravagant than ever, conflicting with the spirit of simplicity in Ramadan. Whether you’re eating at home or you’re invited for iftar, try to limit the types and amount of food you eat.

● Bravery: To be brave today is to stand firmly in your values and beliefs. Reflect on the aspects of faith that you hold dear and brainstorm ways you can strengthen them this month. If you’re usually nervous to pray in public, for example, now’s your chance to give it a shot with courage.

● Perseverance: Although Ramadan often feels like it flies by, a week or two in you sometimes feel exhausted and things can get tough. What can you do to persevere in your goals for this month?

● Optimism: It’s hard to smile after a long day fasting. How can you maintain your optimism throughout the entire day?

Part 1:

Reflect. Plan. Act!

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10

Lost Art of Contemplation

Think before you act

Write in your own

Write in your own

Power of Motivation

Identify 1 – 3 goals

Create daily/weekly schedule

Write in your own

Write in your own

Character of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

Embody Prophetic characteristic

Write in your own

Write in your own

TOTAL:

Limit distracting habit

Refer back to each publication for a more detailed description of the action items, but feel free to shape them in a way that is most suitable for you and craft your own along the way!

part 1: reﬂect. plan. act!

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