بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Table of contents:
Although journaling is not something that is mentioned in the Quran or Hadith directly as per my knowledge, Allah knows best, but there are orders in several sayings to take account of yourself, which can be done through journaling in a better way.
1.Why to maintain a journal?
The Prophet ﷺ said:A wise man is the one who takes account of himself and works for what is after death, and a foolish one is he who follows his desires, merely hopes in Allah.At tirmidhi, isnad=Hasan
Taking account of yourself can be done in various ways, but one of the best ways is journaling. A simple book and a paper has the potential to bring about massive change in your day-to-day life.
Journaling not just increases your self-awareness, but also has many health benefits.
Also Read:How to deal with anxiety and depression?
It has shown to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.
A study of 2018 published in journal of medical internet
Journaling about emotion helps manage emotional responses and build resilience.
A study published in Psychological Science, 2014.
Moreover, writing down goals increases your chances of achieving it.
A study by Dr. Gail Mathieu at Dominican University found that people who wrote their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.
2. How to begin?
When it comes to journaling, Internet is filled with advices, methods, and tips. But all the stuff isn't beginner-friendly and won't be of any use to you, at least for now. The basic requirement is simple copy and a humble pen.
You don't need to buy all those expensive journals out there on the Internet. Here is a basic format that can be used:
1. Add the date at the top so that you can keep track of it. (Also add page number if there is not any.)
2. Make sure to keep indexing the pages so that you can link and navigate them in future easily.
3. Divide the page as shown in the picture. You can adjust it as per your style. It's just a rough beginner-friendly template.
3. Real Notebook or virtual(mobile notepad)?
Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. I began with a real notebook and currently I am using the Obsidian for maintaining my journal. But here is a quick breakdown for you to decide.
1. Virtual Notebook :
- Portable unlimited pages
- Easy to navigate
- Easy to link and index
- Can use AI to further improve grammar, etc.
2. Real Notebook:
- The classic and most preferred option
- Improves mental health (more than writing on virtual notebook).
- Easy to operate
- Freedom to write & doodle as per your wish
- The real journaling feel.
Here was a quick breakdown. I would advise you to go for Real Notebook. But if you are going for Virtual Notebook, then you can try Notion. Its user interface is beginner-friendly with downloadable templates available.
4. What to write?
In the to-do list, just jot down the major task in the form of check boxes. As you complete those tasks, tick the boxes. This will help you keep track of your progress.
The body region should hold the main information about the day.For starting just write 5-6 lines or more as per your wish about:
- The lessons life taught you
- The mistakes you did
- How to improve those mistakes
- Islamic and worldly wisdom you acquired
- Things you are grateful to Allah for
- Some major events that occurred within your life
- A distress that you are going through. etc..
5. When to write?
It would be best to journal twice,
first in the morning so that you can make a to-do list and write things you are grateful for.
And then, before going to sleep, this will give you a quick recap of your day and will help you reflect on it better.
So now just grab your copy & pen, and without wasting your time any further, just start writing...
6. Conclusion
Journaling, though not directly linked with Islam, can serve immense benefit to our spiritual growth. From mental health to spiritual health, it holds great potential to improve all. This blog covers the basics to help you begin journaling.
اللهم مُصَرِّفَ الْقُلُوْبِ صَرِّفْ قُلُوْبَنَا عَلَى طَاعتِكَ
O Allah! Controller of the hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience
Ameen.
Comment down any question or dought you have regarding islam and its doctrines. Future blogs will inshallah include the solution to them ☺️
Fiqh & hadith related doughts will be explained by ulema of the specific fields inshallah
0 Comments