Day 1 Challenge: Breaking the Illusion of Permanence

“Every soul shall taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as a trial, and to Us you will be returned.” – (Qur’an 21:35)

For one day, live with the awareness that this world is temporary. Choose to do one or all of the following: Declutter your attachments: Identify one worldly attachment—whether possessions, status, or distractions—that has negatively occupied your heart. Reduce its hold on you by either giving it away, spending less time on it, or mentally detaching from it. Visit or reflect on a graveyard: If possible, visit a cemetery and reflect on those who once lived as you do now. If unable to visit a graveyard, spend time contemplating how you want to be remembered after death. Simplicity check: Simplify one area of your life today, whether in speech, actions, or material possessions.

Reflect on this:

• How should the remembrance of death affect your choices?
• What worldly attachments do you still need to loosen your grip on?

Tips for Success:

• Recite اللهم لا تجعل الدنيا أكبر همنا Allahumma la taj‘alid-dunya akbara hammina (“O Allah, do not make this world our greatest concern”) in your supplications.
• Before acquiring anything new, ask yourself: Do I really need this, or is it just adding to my illusion of permanence?
• Write down your top three priorities if today were your last—what would change?

Day 2 Challenge: Preparing for the Grave

“The grave is the first stage of the Hereafter. If one passes through it safely, what follows will be easier. But if one does not pass through it safely, what follows will be more difficult.” – (Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him)

For one day, act as though you are preparing your provisions for the grave. Repent sincerely: Dedicate time to making tawbah (repentance). Write down any unresolved wrongs and commit to making amends. Pray with presence: Perform all your obligatory prayers today with full concentration, as if they are your last. Do one act of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity): Contribute to something that will continue to benefit you after death, like donating to a water well, Islamic school, or spreading beneficial knowledge.

Reflect on this:

• How should regular thoughts of the grave change the way you worship?
• What habits would you change if you knew your grave was prepared for you tonight?
• What continuous charity can you invest in for your Hereafter?

Tips for Success:

• Recite اللهم اجعل قبري روضة من رياض الجنة Allahumma aj‘al qabri rawdatan min riyadil-jannah.(“O God, make my grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise”).
• If possible, write or update your will.
• Before sleeping, reflect: If I were called back to God tonight, am I ready? Write down your reflections.

Day 3 Challenge: Yearning to Meet God

“Whoever loves to meet God, God loves to meet him.” – (Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him)

For one day, cultivate love and longing for your Lord. Engage in deep remembrance: Spend extra time in remembrance of God, especially say, La ilaha illa Allah and Astaghfirullah with sincerity. Recite and reflect on verses of God’s mercy: Choose a passage from the Qur’an that emphasizes His love and forgiveness (e.g., Surah Az-Zumar 39:53). Perform one act of kindness solely for God’s sake: Whether helping someone, supplicating for them, or giving a secret charity, let this be an act between you and your Lord.

Reflect on this:

• How does remembering God’s mercy deepen your trust in Him?
• How will longing for God affect your worship and interactions?
• What will you do daily to nurture this longing?

Tips for Success:

• Visualize standing before God on the Day of Judgment—what do you hope to hear?
• Recite اللهم إني أسألك لذة النظر إلى وجهك الكريم Allahumma inni as’aluka ladhdhatan-nadhari ila wajhika al-kareem. (“O God, I ask You for the sweetness of gazing upon Your noble countenance”).

We’d love to hear about your journey with these challenges! Share your reflections, experiences, and any insights you gained by reaching out to us at letsgrow@sowsee.com.