Day 1 Challenge: Purify Your Intentions

“Actions are but by intentions, and every person will only have what they intended.” — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Before starting any task today—whether it’s work, prayer, eating, or even resting—pause and ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Set a sincere intention to seek God’s pleasure in all your actions. Instead of going through your day on autopilot, consciously align your actions with a higher purpose.

• Before work: O God, I work to provide for my family, serve others, and contribute positively.
• Before eating: I eat to nourish my body so I can worship and serve You better.
• Before conversations: I speak to uplift, listen, and strengthen my relationships for Your sake.

Throughout the day, remind yourself to check your intentions. If you find yourself acting for validation, recognition, or personal gain, silently correct your course.

Reflect on this:

• How does being more intentional change how you approach your tasks?
• How do you develop a deeper sense of purpose in your actions?
• Identify moments when you had to realign your intention back to God?

Tips for Success:

• Before each prayer, pause and whisper: O God, I pray for Your sake alone. Sit with that intention before beginning and reflect on the reality of what that truly means.
• Before any good deed, ask yourself: Am I doing this for God’s pleasure or for recognition?
• Begin everything with Bismillah (In the name of God) to infuse it with Barakah.
  
  • Bonus tip: It is said actions done without the basmaAllah are deficient, or lame.
  • Also actions performed which you may feel uncomfortable saying bismillah before beginning, you probably shouldn’t be doing. Use the basmaAllah as a gauge

Day 2 Challenge: Unlock Barakah Through Gratitude

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.” — (Qur’an 14:7)

Today, shift your focus to abundance rather than lack. Actively look for three blessings you often overlook and write them down. Express gratitude to God for them, and share at least one blessing with someone—whether through kind words, charity, or an act of service.

• Spiritual Gratitude: Reflect on a religious blessing you’ve taken for granted (e.g., the ability to pray, access to Islamic knowledge, good company). Thank God for it.
• Physical Gratitude: Appreciate a material blessing in your life (e.g., food, health, shelter) and consciously acknowledge it as a gift from God.
• Emotional Gratitude: Identify someone in your life who has positively impacted you. Reach out and express your appreciation to them.

Beyond just words, let gratitude shape your actions:

• Donate a small amount to charity as an act of gratefulness.
• Supplicate for someone who has helped you in life.
• Smile and say Alhamdulillah even when facing small inconveniences, trusting God’s plan.

Reflect on this:

• How did focusing on gratitude shift your mood and mindset?
• Did you notice an increase in Barakah in your time, energy, or interactions?
• Were there any moments where you found it difficult to be grateful? How did you overcome them?

Tips for Success:

• Say Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to God) often, for small and big moments alike.
• Start a gratitude journal to list three things you’re grateful for every night.
• Before sleeping, reflect on one moment from the day where you felt God’s presence in your life.

Gratitude transforms your perspective. When you focus on what you have rather than what you lack, you align yourself with divine abundance.

Day 3 Challenge: Start Your Day with Barakah

“O Allah, bless my ummah in their early mornings.” — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual tomorrow and use that time for a purposeful morning routine infused with Barakah. Instead of hitting the snooze button or scrolling through your phone, dedicate these early hours to seeking God’s blessings.

Your Barakah Morning Routine could include:

• Fajr Prayer with Full Presence: Make an effort to pray Fajr with mindfulness, reciting slowly and reflecting on the words.
• Qur’an Recitation: Even a few verses recited after Fajr can bring immense Barakah into your day.
• Morning Dhikr: Engage in remembrances like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar.
• Supplication for Barakah: Ask God to bless your time, efforts, and work.
• Planning with Intention: Set an intention for the day ahead and prioritize tasks that align with your spiritual and personal goals.

If you struggle with waking up early, prepare the night before by:

• Setting an alarm and placing it away from your bed.
• Making wudu before sleep and reciting Ayat al-Kursi.
• Sleeping with the supplication: Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya (In Your name, O God, I die and live).

Reflect on this:

• What does it mean to you to start your day with Barakah?
• Notice how your focus, energy, and  productivity is impacted by including these activities into your morning routine.
• What morning practice felt most beneficial, and how can you maintain it?

Tips for Success:

• Avoid checking your phone first thing in the morning. Instead, start with Bismillah, and say when you wake up: Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyana ba‘da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushur. “All praise is for Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
• Recite Ayat al-Kursi or make morning dhikr to invite blessings into your day.
• Set a consistent wake-up time to create a sustainable habit.

The early hours are a divine gift. By starting your day with Barakah, you align yourself with success, productivity, and spiritual clarity.

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.