Key Concepts in Islam for Soul Progress

Knowledge

The foremost solution is to seek knowledge about the Oneness of Allah and what negates Imaan in Him. In-fact, knowledge must precede action as indicated by the statement of Allah in Surah Muhammad (47) Ayat 19:

“So know (O Muhammad that, laa ilaaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin... " 

If seeking knowledge is coupled with learning al-Islam from the scholars who call to total obedience to Allah and His Messenger as opposed to taqleed (blind following) and hawaa (evil desires), dien it is hoped that such practises will be eliminated once and for all.

Taqwaa

Taqwaa (which is to shield oneself from the punishment and anger of Allah by obeying Him and keeping away from his prohibitions), is the key to success, security and provision in this life; Allah says, as stated in Surah At-Talaaq (65) Ayats 3;

"As for him who gives (in charity) and has taqwaa of Allah; and believes in the best (either Laa ilaaha illallah or a reward from Allah); We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness)."

Tawakkul

If a Muslim develops his tawakkul in Allah then he will become truly independent of the creation and dependant on Allah alone, Who will suffice him in all his affairs, as Allah says:

“And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.”

Tawbah

A true and sincere repentance, which also requires remorse and a firm resolve to never return to one’s previous sins is a means of attaining Allah’s bounty, as occurs in the statement of Allah, Quran Surah Noon (71), Ayats 10-12,  about what Prophet Nooh said to his people:

“I said (to them): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Rabb, verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; and give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.’”

Du‘aa and Isti'aadhah

From the legislated methods of attaining blessings and protecting oneself from harm are the numerous supplications and requests for Allah’s protection which have been preserved in the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Ayat 201:

“Our Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!”

Shukr

Ungratefulness to Allah is a reason from the reasons for misery in this life and the next and as for shukr (gratefulness and thankfulness), then it is a reason for the increase on provisions and blessings and happiness, as Allah states in Quran, Surah Ibraheem (14), Ayat 7:

“And (remember) when your Rabb proclaimed: ‘If you give thanks, I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily My Punishment is indeed severe.”