Renewal of the Heart and Soul

Phase 5 – Transformation: Becoming Who Allah Loves

Striving with Heart and Soul

My dear brothers and sisters, in our previous discussions, we understood the greatness of the last ten nights. We learned that Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months — a single night outweighing eighty-three years of worship. We learned that the angels descend, that peace fills the night, that forgiveness is waiting. We learnt how the Living Soul will appreciate and will draw maximum benefit from these great nights!

But knowing the value of something is not enough. You must act. You must strive. You must give these nights everything you have.

This morning, we speak about Striving with Heart and Soul.

The Command to Strive

Allah ﷻ commands us to strive in His cause — not just with our bodies, but with everything we have:

“وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا”

“And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our paths.” (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:69)

The word jāhadū comes from jihad — to exert effort, to struggle, to give everything. This is not casual effort. This is the effort of someone who knows the prize is worth the pain.

In these last ten nights, you are called to strive. To push beyond your comfort zone. To give more than you think you can. Because the prize — Laylatul Qadr, forgiveness, freedom from the Fire — is worth every moment of effort.

The Striving of the Prophet

Look at how the Prophet ﷺ strove in these nights. Aisha RA said:

“كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَجْتَهِدُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ مَا لَا يَجْتَهِدُ فِي غَيْرِهِ”

“The Messenger of Allah would strive in the last ten days more than he would at any other time.” (Muslim)

He did not maintain his normal level of worship. He increased it. He pushed harder. He gave more. Because he knew these nights were special.

In another narration:

“كَانَ إِذَا دَخَلَ الْعَشْرُ شَدَّ مِئْزَرَهُ، وَأَحْيَا لَيْلَهُ، وَأَيْقَظَ أَهْلَهُ”

“When the last ten days began, he would tighten his waist belt, stay awake at night, and wake his family.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Shadda mīzarahu — he tightened his waist belt. This is a metaphor for complete dedication. He withdrew from his wives to devote himself entirely to worship. He stayed awake night after night. He woke his family so they could share in the blessing.

This is striving. This is giving everything.

Striving with the Heart

Striving is not just about physical endurance. It is about the heart. You can stand for hours in prayer, but if your heart is elsewhere, your striving is hollow.

True striving means:

Fighting distraction. When your mind wanders in prayer, you bring it back. Again and again. This is jihad of the heart.

Fighting sleep. When your eyes close and your body begs for rest, you push through. You make wudu. You stand again. This is striving.

Fighting despair. When Shaytan whispers, “You’re not sincere enough,” “Your sins are too great,” “Allah won’t accept you,” you fight back with hope. You remember that Allah is al-Ghafūr, al-Raḥīm. This is striving.

Fighting complacency. When you think, “I’ve done enough,” you remind yourself: Laylatul Qadr could be tonight. I cannot afford to miss it. This is striving.

Striving with the Soul

The soul has its own striving. It is the deep, internal yearning for Allah. It is the longing that makes you weep in sujood. It is the ache that keeps you asking, even when you have asked a hundred times.

The Prophet ﷺ described the one who truly strives:

“الْعَابِدُ فِي اللَّيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ كَمَنْ عَبَدَ أَلْفَ شَهْرٍ”

“The one who worships on the Night of Decree is like one who worshipped for a thousand months.” (Reported in various collections)

But this worship must come from the soul. It must be worship with presence, with love, with yearning.

Practical Striving

How do you strive practically in these nights?

1. Plan your nights. Know when you will pray, when you will make du’a, when you will read Quran. Do not leave it to chance.
2. Rest strategically. Sleep during the day so you can pray at night. Eat lightly so you are not sluggish. Conserve your energy for worship.
3. Make a du’a list. Write down everything you want to ask for — for yourself, your family, your community, the Ummah. Do not rely on memory in the depths of the night.
4. Push through fatigue. When you feel tired, remind yourself: Laylatul Qadr could be now. This moment could be the one. Do not stop.
5. Wake your family. The Prophet ﷺ woke his family. Do not worship alone. Encourage your spouse, your children, your household. The blessing multiplies when shared.

The Promise for Those Who Strive

Allah does not let effort go to waste. Every moment of striving is recorded. Every tired limb is witnessed. Every sleepless night is stored with Him.

“إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ”

“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39: 10)

Without account means without measure. Without limit. Without end.

My brothers and sisters, these nights are your opportunity. Do not let them pass as ordinary nights. Strive with your heart. Strive with your soul. Give everything you have. And trust that the One who sees your effort will reward you beyond your imagination.

May Allah give us the strength to strive with all our hearts and souls in these blessed nights. Ameen.