Be a Better Muslim by Practicing 10 Ways

Islam encourages us to constantly strive for self-improvement and to seek closeness to Allah. A true Muslim should aim to be better than others in character, behavior, and devotion. Thankfully, Islam provides clear guidance on how to achieve this. Based on that guidance, here are 10 ways to become a better Muslim that can enrich our lives both spiritually and morally.

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

1. Be More Patient
“And be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:46)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “No one is given a gift better and more comprehensive than patience.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1469)

Life's challenges, personal struggles, and external difficulties all test our faith. By practicing patience, we attain inner peace and earn Allah's pleasure.

If you ever feel anger or frustration, take a deep breath, make wudu, and recite: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un" - this helps calm your mind and soul.

2. Give More Charity
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain]…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

Charity isn't limited to money. A smile, a kind word, or helping someone in need are all forms of charity. Giving softens the heart and brings blessings to society. Set aside a fixed amount every month-even a little given consistently is beloved to Allah.

3. Make More Du’a (Supplication)
“When My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Du’a is the essence of worship.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 5264)

Take just 5 minutes each morning or night to talk to Allah. Learn short du’as from the Qur’an like: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘adhab an-nar.” (Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.)

4. Be Mindful of Salah (Prayer)
“Once you finish the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying down. And when you feel secure, perform the prayer properly. Verily, prayer is enjoined on the believers at prescribed times.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:103)

Prayer is the backbone of our faith and our connection to Allah. It strengthens our belief and brings discipline. Create a prayer schedule and set reminders on your phone. To improve concentration (khushu’), make fresh wudu and recite slowly.

5. Educate Yourself
“Read in the name of your Lord who created-Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous-Who taught by the pen.” (Surah Al-‘Alaq, 96:1–4)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 224)

Islam encourages learning as it deepens our understanding of our faith and the world. Make time each week to read an Islamic book or study the Qur'an with tafsir. Start with the biography of the Prophet ﷺ (Seerah) or a beginner-friendly tafsir.

6. Control Your Anger
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The strong is not the one who can wrestle, but the one who controls himself when angry.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6114)

He also said: “If you become angry while standing, sit down. If sitting, lie down. If anger persists, perform wudu.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith: 4782)

Controlling anger reflects mastery over one’s nafs (ego) and brings peace to relationships. When you feel anger rising, pause, recite: "A‘udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim" and change your posture.

7. Avoid Gossip and Backbiting
“O you who have believed, if a wicked person comes to you with information, verify it, lest you harm people out of ignorance and become regretful.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:6)

Backbiting harms relationships and ruins the social fabric. Islam strictly warns against it. If a conversation turns into criticism of others, gently change the subject or remain silent. Remind yourself that backbiting is hated by Allah.

8. Recite Qur’an More
“[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], so that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.” (Surah Sad, 38:29)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The one who recites the Qur’an beautifully and fluently will be in the company of the noble angels. The one who stumbles while reciting, yet tries hard, will have a double reward.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 4937)

The Qur’an connects us directly with Allah and brings spiritual peace. Start by reading even one page a day. Use a translation or tafsir in your language for better understanding.

9. Be More Forgiving
“Let them pardon and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:22)

Forgiving others may be hard, but it brings lightness to the heart and opens the door to Allah’s mercy. If someone wrongs you, make du’a for them and ask Allah to forgive them - this helps build a forgiving heart.

10. Make Allah the Center of Your Life
“And We did not send any messenger before you [O Muhammad], except that We revealed to him: ‘There is no deity except Me, so worship Me." (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:25)

Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) is the foundation of Islam. Remembering Allah in every action gives life a sense of purpose. Start each task with “Bismillah” and make an intention that it is for Allah’s sake.

How to Maintain These Habits
Building new habits can be challenging. Start small - memorize one short du’a a day or recite the Qur’an for 5 minutes. Write down your progress in a journal and reflect weekly.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Actions are judged by intentions.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1)

So do these actions sincerely for Allah. To become a better Muslim, focus on patience, charity, du’a, prayer, knowledge, anger control, avoiding gossip, Qur’an recitation, forgiveness, and tawheed.

These 10 steps, rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, can enrich our spiritual and moral life. Take one step at a time and seek Allah’s help - He is always near.