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I believe most of us are well aware of SMART goals. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic & Timely. We probably have gone through such routine workshops in our secondary school days. Well, now let's learn the Islamic 6-Meem approach of achieving our goals.
The 6-Meem Approach
1) Musyarathah (Self-Agreement)
Immerse yourself fully in your goals and understand them. Your mind, heart and spirit must unite and agree to the terms (syarat) of this deal and work together to achieve them. Do not let your goals be something you merely express verbally or pen down in your diary (or blog) to be forgotten later.
2) Muraqabah (Self-Awareness)
Once a person has agreed to the terms (syarat) of the goals, he needs to be aware (muraqabah) of himself and view his own actions in a clear state of mind. Lack of caution may bring destruction to your goals. He must also remind himself of Allah swt, the All-Seeing. This gives a sense of God-centredness in his goals.
3) Muhasabah (Self-Reflection)
"Hisab (root word of muhasabah) yourself before hisab comes upon you."Muhasabah or self-reflection, self-assesment and self-accountability is a trait which was very pronounced during the time of the companions of the Prophet saw. There are numerous narrations of how these companions would question themselves, their actions and their faiths when they get careless about their religion. Verily, the door of redemption (taubah) is through muhasabah and seeking to make amends.
4) Mu'aqabah (Self-Punishment)
Even when the first 3 steps are dutifully adhered to, we are never far from mistakes and carelessness. Do not let these errors go unnoticed. "Punish" yourself as a reminder to correct these deficiencies - make your supplications longer, donate a bit more to your local mosque or recite more verses of the Qur'an.
5) Mujahadah (Strive)
Jihad (root word of mujahadah) is an often misunderstood term. The basic meaning of the word is "to strive". The easiest way to ignite the spirit of jihad is to listen or read about the mujtahids (people who performed jihad) of the past - the Prophet saw, his companions and Muslims who during their era faced so many challenges and difficulties in achieving their goals.A more contemporary method would be to look at those who are less fortunate striving to carve out a meaningful life despite the enormous tests that God has afforded to them.
6) Mu'atabah (Self-Criticism)
"Verily, your biggest enemy is yourself. It is you who always bring yourself towards the path of destruction and it is you who feed your own inner demons."Straighten yourself towards the correct path with prayers, supplications and suppressing your desires. And self-criticism always helps just like how the companions were always highly critical of themselves, and when advising others, let those advice echo upon yourself too.
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Finally, always remember your purpose in life. Your New Year resolutions should always lead you towards seeking the Pleasure of Allah swt.
Reference:
Al-Mustakhlash Fi Tazkiyatil-Anfus by Sa'id Hawwa
(Malay Edition - "Tazkiyatun Nafs")
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