In the pursuit of spiritual development, many hesitate, fearing the challenge of consistency. People often convince themselves that they are content with their current spiritual state, fearing they won’t be able to maintain consistency in their efforts to improve. Yet, in spirituality, the journey itself is paramount, and success lies not only in achieving specific milestones but also in the ongoing pursuit of growth and connection with Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.

Consider the simple act of performing salah five times a day. While the obligatory acts remain unchanged, the consistency with which they are performed continuously enhances one’s connection with Allah. Each prayer serves as an opportunity to strengthen this bond, to seek forgiveness, and to express gratitude.

Let’s make one thing clear: it’s consistency that we’re truly after. This consistency in worship, in seeking knowledge, and in striving to be better Muslims is what ultimately leads to spiritual growth and fulfilment. It’s about showing up consistently, day in and day out, regardless of the challenges and obstacles that may arise along the way.

But why does consistency seem so daunting at times? Why do we often hesitate to commit to regular acts of worship or to embark on a journey of self-improvement, such as learning Arabic or studying the Quran? Perhaps it’s because we underestimate the power of small, consistent efforts over time. We may believe that we need to dedicate large amounts of time each day to see any real progress, when, in reality, it’s the small, consistent actions can yield significant results.

Consider this surprising statistic: to surpass 95% of individuals worldwide in any given discipline, you need only invest 100 hours per year. That’s just around 18 minutes per day! Whether it’s dedicating time to memorizing Quranic verses, practicing tajweed, or learning Arabic, consistent effort, even in small doses, can lead to remarkable growth and proficiency over time. And in our current times, these small consistent doses may be the only solution.

True progress doesn’t demand prolonged dedication each day; it’s about showing up consistently, even if only for a few minutes at a time. It’s about making a commitment to prioritize your spiritual growth and well-being each and every day, no matter how busy or challenging life may get.

So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to commit to a new spiritual practice or endeavour, remember this: it’s not about the quantity of time you invest; it’s about the quality of your commitment. Small, consistent efforts, when accumulated over time, lead to significant spiritual growth and transformation.

Keep going! May Allah let consistency pave the way for transformative change in this blessed month of Ramadan and beyond. Ameen

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A Review from a Mother of Four

I have always desired to study Arabic simply because I wanted to understand what I was praying whilst reciting the Holy Qur’an and my daily du’as. I first started learning Arabic many years ago by attending a weekly course. I soon realised that this wasn’t working for me and I eventually gave up.  At one point I even tried to learn by myself without a teacher, but again, I realised that this was just not feasible. In August this year I discovered the Shine Online Arabic course, after a friend recommended it to me. Since then, I have not looked back! The Shine Online course is absolutely perfect for me. Even though I have more personal responsibilities now than when I did when I first started to learn Arabic, I have managed to keep up with my work and Alhumdulillah I have made significant progress. This is due to the way the course has been structured. I pick a time during my day which suits me, to complete my work, without the pressure of having to attend classes away from home. The Friday Live sessions perfectly compliment and consolidate the lessons I have covered during the week. The daily video lessons are clear and concise and explain the text book very well, and if there’s still something I have difficulty understanding, or if I have any further questions, then I know my tutor is only a text message away. The assignment-based assessments also ensure that I know which chapters I need to brush up on, without the stress of timed examinations. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is passionate about learning Arabic, but is worried that their daily responsibilities might hold them back. As a mother of four young children and multiple household responsibilities, I can definitely say this course fits perfectly into my busy schedule, and gives me the opportunity to pursue something I have always been passionate about. JazakAllah to everyone at Shine for providing such a fantastic and easy gateway to the wonderful world of Arabic.   Aisha Harif