Monday Motivation: The Impact of Service

Our respected Human Development Manager and brother, sidi Jamaaludeen Khan, has been sharing Monday Motivation on our online Headquarters for our Seekers Family: teachers, staff, students, and interns.

Jamaaludeen Khan

Asalaamu Alaykum,

It is better to be consistent in the long term than intense in the short time.

Each of us has a diverse set of obligations—religious, work, family, and others. In all of these obligations and ambitions, we should act with foresight. The road is long. We need to prepare accordingly for the journey.

Consistency is starting small and building over time. Intensity is a burst of high energy, then a rapid drop in momentum.

The secret here is that consistency facilitates growth and expands our abilities.

Reciting Surah Yasin might be challenging for a young kid. You might hear: “It takes so long” or “There are too many pages to read.”

However, while growing up, that kid consistently finds Surah Yasin very easy to recite. It’s the same amount of aya. But the kid has grown in ability. This has nothing to do with age. Some adults find it harder to recite the Quran than some young kids.

You’ll find this to be true with any consistent practice. Some might say that it gets easier over time. This is not true. What has happened is that we have grown, and our abilities have expanded.

Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.” [Bukhari]

And…

“Take up good deeds only as much as you can, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” [Ibn Majah]

Why is this principle at the foundation of our faith? It’s because high energy bursts of good deeds—with an immediate drop—are not the objective of doing good deeds. Our good deeds draw us closer to Allah, soften our hearts, and build our character. These things take time, and consistency is the cousin of time.

Lastly

Intensity should not be confused with hastening.

Allah says:” So hasten to all that is good.” [Quran, 2:148]

Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Be prompt in doing good deeds.” [Muslim]

We should hasten towards all that is good and then do that consistently.

This advice is for myself and you.

May Allah Most High bless you all with a beautiful week filled with blessings and goodness, Amin.