The ultimate purpose of life is to earn the pleasure of Allah ﷻ. All acts of worship and goodness find meaning only when done sincerely for His sake. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)
Seeking Allah’s pleasure is not limited to major acts like Hajj or fasting; it shines through our everyday choices, words, and attitudes. Every believer can find easy, beautiful ways to earn His blessings — regardless of wealth, knowledge, or status. Below are ten timeless ways to earn Allah’s mercy and barakah in this world and the next.
2. Establish Regular Salah (Prayer)
The first step toward Allah’s pleasure is establishing the five daily prayers. Salah is our lifeline to the Creator — a moment of peace and reflection amid life’s noise. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer.” (Tirmidhi)
Performing salah on time softens the heart and shields from sin. It is more than a ritual — it is a reminder that Allah watches, hears, and loves His servants. Those who guard their prayers are promised success, guidance, and blessings in every walk of life.
3. Recite and Reflect on the Qur’an
The Qur’an is Allah’s message of mercy and guidance. Allah says:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.” (Al-Baqarah 2:2)
Reciting it daily, even a few verses, brings light to the heart. But true transformation comes through reflection (tadabbur). When we act upon its words — forgiving, being patient, and obeying Allah — our lives are filled with clarity and blessings. A home where the Qur’an is recited becomes a home of peace and angels.
4. Remember Allah Frequently (Dhikr)
Dhikr — the remembrance of Allah — is a simple act with immeasurable rewards. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.” (Tirmidhi)
Repeating SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar brings serenity and strength. It keeps Shaytan away and fills the heart with contentment. Allah says:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Ar-Ra’d 13:28)
Dhikr transforms ordinary moments — walking, cooking, driving — into acts of worship.
5. Show Kindness and Help Others
Serving others is a powerful way to please Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.” (Tabarani)
Helping a neighbor, feeding the poor, or even offering a smile can be a form of sadaqah. These small deeds bring Allah’s mercy, erase sins, and increase one’s sustenance. The one who brings ease to others will find Allah easing his difficulties in return. Kindness is never lost — every good act echoes back in blessings.
6. Maintain Family Ties (Silat al-Rahim)
Maintaining ties with family is among the greatest obligations in Islam. Allah commands:
“And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs (ties of kinship).” (An-Nisa 4:1)
Visiting relatives, honoring parents, forgiving disputes, and supporting siblings are acts loved by Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever maintains kinship ties will have their life extended and blessings increased. A family united by mercy and respect attracts divine favor and peace.
7. Repent and Seek Forgiveness (Tawbah & Istighfar)
We all make mistakes, but Allah’s mercy is greater than all sins. He says:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent.” (Al-Baqarah 2:222)
Saying Astaghfirullah sincerely cleanses the heart and brings renewal. Even the Prophet ﷺ, though sinless, sought forgiveness over 70 times a day. Constant repentance removes burdens, attracts blessings, and brings peace of mind. No sin is too big for Allah’s forgiveness — what matters is returning to Him with humility.
8. Practice Gratitude (Shukr)
Gratitude is the key to barakah. Allah promises:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].” (Ibrahim 14:7)
When we say Alhamdulillah for every blessing — health, food, family, faith — Allah increases them. Gratitude is not only spoken but shown through contentment and generosity. A grateful person sees beauty in every situation, even in trials, because he trusts Allah’s wisdom. Gratitude invites joy, contentment, and continuous reward.
9. Give Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)
Charity purifies both wealth and soul. Allah says:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed… producing seven ears, each containing a hundred grains.” (Al-Baqarah 2:261)
Giving zakat is an obligation, but voluntary charity (sadaqah) multiplies rewards. Whether it’s helping the needy, funding a well, or supporting Islamic education — every act for Allah’s sake brings back blessings. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim) Instead, it opens unseen doors of provision.
10. Control Anger and Forgive Others
Forgiveness is a divine trait that brings immense reward. Allah says:
“Those who restrain anger and pardon people – and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Aal-Imran 3:134)
Holding grudges darkens the heart, while forgiveness brings inner peace and Allah’s mercy. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls himself when angry.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
When you forgive others for Allah’s sake, He forgives you and replaces your pain with blessings.
11. Be Sincere (Ikhlas) — The Foundation of Every Good Deed
Every deed depends on niyyah (intention). The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Actions are but by intentions.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Ikhlas means doing everything purely for Allah — not for fame, praise, or reward from people. Even simple acts like smiling, cleaning, or helping can become acts of worship if done with sincerity. A heart filled with ikhlas earns Allah’s love, guidance, and protection. When actions are sincere, blessings flow naturally in every aspect of life.
Conclusion — Living a Life That Pleases Allah
Earning Allah’s pleasure is not about perfection; it’s about striving sincerely. Every believer can take small steps daily — praying on time, forgiving others, remembering Allah, and being kind. When Allah is pleased with someone, He grants them peace in the heart, barakah in their time, and success in both worlds.
May Allah make us among those whom He loves, forgives, and blesses abundantly.
Ameen.
