SELF MOTIVATION

Allah (swt) says in Quran in Surah Nisa, Ayat No.95

لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْقَاعِدُونَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ غَيْرُ أُولِي الضَّرَرِ وَالْمُجَاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ ۚ فَضَّلَ اللَّـهُ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِينَ دَرَجَةً ۚ وَكُلًّا وَعَدَ اللَّـهُ الْحُسْنَىٰ ۚوَفَضَّلَ اللَّـهُ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِينَ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

Those of the believers who sit still, except the disabled ones, and those who strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives are not equal. Allah has exalted in rank those who strive with their wealth and their lives above those who sit still. And to each Allah has promised good. And Allah has exalted those who strive above those who sit still, by a great reward.

From the above ayat, we can conclude that:

·         Those who strive in the way of Allah and those who sit still are not equal

·         Allah has elevated the rank of those who strive in the way of Allah

·         They have a great reward near Allah for striving with their wealth and their lives.

The above ayat shows the importance and reward for striving in the way of Allah.

Why is it that few people strive in the way of Allah and others do not? What is the driving force which makes few persons to be active and ever-ready to do any work while others remain behind?

For example we see some people get up early in the morning to do Yoga or go for jogging / walking or go to gym every day. Be it hot, cold or raining. They do not miss out even a single day. While we see others sleeping comfortably in their beds not wanting to get out of the soft and warm blanket. What pushes the former to come out of their houses so early in the morning when most of the people are sleeping?

It is self-motivation. Having discipline in their life and a strong will power which helps them to overcome sleep and laziness.

Many people find it difficult to get up for Namaz-e-subh, while others are regular in reciting it in Masjid in congregation. The latter are self-motivated and in control of their lives. Once they intend to do something, they do not let any obstacle come in between, be it sleep, cold weather or laziness.

From the above examples we can understand that self-motivation is very important if we wish to strive in the way of Allah and earn the great reward promised by Allah in the above ayat.

Self-motivation is defined as that force which drives you to do things.

Motivation is an ability of what needs to be done without external influence.

Ameerul Momeneen (a.s) says

Many a person strives for one who is seated [doing nothing].

(Ghorur al hikam)

The above hadees points out to a very important reality that few persons are striving and doing work while others are sitting behind.

For us brothers working for Imam-e-Zaman (a.s), making the earth ready for his reappearance, it is essential that we are self-motivated and constantly striving in the way of Hazrat to the best of our ability.

People with self-motivation find reason and strength to complete the task even when it is challenging without giving up. A self-motivated person does not require anyone pushing him / following up with him to finish the job.

Signs of a self-motivated person are

·         A self-motivated person is more organised.

·         He has got good time management skills

·         He has got self-esteem and self-confidence.

How to remain self-motivated

·         Stay Positive – When encountering obstacles, try and find solutions rather than complaining about them.

·         Track your progress – Keep a tally or a progress bar for ongoing projects. When you see something moving ahead you will have clarity on its completion

·         Have Patience–Impatient people usually do not follow through with their plans. Understand that it takes time, effort and energy to complete the task.

·         Drop the excuses –Nobody wants to hear them. Stop looking for people to blame. Stop pointing a finger at others and start pointing a finger at yourself. Look at the person in the mirror and address what is holding you back.

Ameerul Momeneen (a.s) says

One who strives with all his effort,arrives at the core of his desired objective.

(Ghurar al hikam)

Lets us all pray to Allah that he gives us tawfeek to be self-motivated so that we can work harder in the service of Imam-e-Zaman (a.s)

AllahummaAjjil le WaliyekalFaraj