10 Quranic Verses That Motivate Positive Change in Your Life
The Holy Quran is a source of guidance for Muslims from every walk of life and for any Muslim who has ever lived. It is an eternal book, as its message is timeless. This is because the Author of the Holy Book is the Creator (SWT), and no one knows us better than Him.
As a result, the Holy Quran is the key to all the problems we face as humans. It is more than a book for religious affairs. We cannot even begin to grasp the depths of the message contained within the Holy Quran. Some aspects of the Holy Book, for instance, are completely out of reach of our ordinary human intellect, such as the Haroof Al-Muqatta’at.
Still, it is such an amazing Book that we can benefit from without understanding a single verse or word. Simply listening to the recitation or even running a finger over the text carries blessings. This is the true blessing of the Holy Book. Among the blessings of the Holy Quran is its ability to motivate us to be better and strive for positive change in our lives.
Using The Holy Quran to Gain Motivation for Positivity
Positive change and growth require a lot of effort. It can be hard to find the motivation to take the necessary steps to do so. Change of any kind is intimidating because we find comfort in the familiar. Changing habits and adopting new behaviors is hard.
However, Allah (SWT) has provided us with all the tools we need to become better, not just as Muslims but as humans. Allah (SWT) can reach us through the Holy Quran. The Holy Book is filled with Allah (SWT)’s wisdom. The words of motivation contained in the verses of the Holy Quran are unmatched because they are straight from our Creator (SWT).
While numerous verses are a source of motivation and strength, we have selected ten such verses for ease and simplicity:
· Promise of Ease
Change of any kind is challenging. Positive changes, in particular, require effort and sacrifice. Yet, the help of Allah (SWT) is never far and He surely eases our burdens. This is apparent from Surah Al-Inshirah, as it holds the promise of relieving our burdens. It contains the beautiful verse:
“Surely with hardship there is ease.” [94:5]
The verse is short and rhythmic but full of deep meaning. It reminds us that with every trial and difficulty, there is comfort. It provides hope through the promise of Allah’s (SWT) help. The verse is repeated twice to stress the truth of the matter.
· Finding Motivation Within
Motivation to change is hard since it must come from within. No matter how many people tell us to change our habits, like being told to offer Salah regularly, nothing will change unless we do it. The only one who can control our thoughts and motivations is us. We have free will. This is why Allah (SWT) says:
“His angels keep watch over him in succession (night and day), in front and behind, by God’s command. Verily God does not change the state of a people till they change themselves. When God intends misfortune for a people no one can avert it, and no saviour will they have apart from Him.” [13:11]
The verse highlights that while Allah (SWT) is All-Powerful, He has created us with a freewill. This empowering message clarifies that we have complete freedom to choose between being righteous and good or going astray.
This means we should not try to look for motivation elsewhere but self-reflect and find our inner strength. As long as we have a goal in mind and the will, Allah (SWT) will help us.
· From Darkness into Light
Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“God is the friend of those who believe, and leads them out of darkness into light; but the patrons of infidels are idols and devils who lead them from light into darkness. They are the residents of Hell, and will there forever abide.” [2:257]
Allah’s help (SWT) motivates us to make positive life changes. The above verse indicates that no matter how challenging the times may be, Allah (SWT) is always there to turn the tide and give us hope, even in the depths of despair.
· Testing us Within our Capacity
Another uplifting verse from Surah Al-Baqarah is as follows:
“God does not burden a soul beyond capacity. Each will enjoy what (good) he earns, as indeed each will suffer from (the wrong) he does.” [2:286]
This verse tells us that Allah (SWT) tests us only as much as we can bear. He does not burden us beyond our capacity. It should motivate us to believe that any change we wish to adopt is within our capabilities.
· Guidance from Allah (SWT)
Knowing that Allah (SWT) is our guide is always motivating. The path towards righteousness is difficult and satan may try to confuse us. But we can overcome the deception by seeking Allah (SWT)’s help. This is why Allah (SWT) says:
“Did He not find you perplexed, and show you the way?” [93:7]
The verse tells us that we may get lost and confused; however, with Allah (SWT)’s guidance, we can always find a way and succeed. this should be motivation to deal with setbacks. We have to believe that Allah (SWT)’s guidance will come at any time.
· The Benefits of Positivity
While having a goal in mind is great, knowing why that goal is set provides extra motivation to follow through with that goal. Any positive change we may strive for must be for some good, even if it is something as small as altering the tone of our voice so others find it more pleasant.
All our positive goals must be set with Allah (SWT) in mind. We must ask ourselves will make Allah (SWT) pleased with us. As Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran:
“Spend in the way of God, and do not seek destruction at your own hands. So do good for God loves those who do good.” [2:195]
This shows that doing good should be motivating since it grants us the pleasure of Allah (SWT). The path to positive change may be hard, but it is worth the trouble as long as Allah (SWT) is happy with us.
· Allah (SWT) is Always with Us
In Surah Al-Hadeed, Allah (SWT) says:
“It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six stages, then assumed the throne. He knows whatsoever enters the earth, and whatsoever comes out of it, and what comes down from the sky and what goes up to it; and He is with you wheresoever you may be, and He perceives whatsoever you do.” [57:4]
No matter how much despair we may experience, knowing that Allah (SWT) is All-Powerful and All-Knowing is a source of comfort. He (SWT) can alleviate our difficulties in an instant. The important thing to remember is that Allah (SWT) is always there for us we just need to call out to Him for help.
· Finding Strength
Weakness can make one lose motivation and the will to change. This is why Allah (SWT) advises us the following:
“Find strength in fortitude and prayer, which is heavy and exacting but for those who are humble and meek,” [2:45]
The verse provides a practical way we can find inner strength. Prayer and patience are the key components to success, according to this verse of the Holy Quran.
· Extent of Allah (SWT)’s Mercy
Even if we do go astray or lose our way, we must know that Allah’s (SWT) mercy knows no bounds. He is the Most Forgiving and Merciful (SWT). The Holy Quran says:
“Say: “O creatures of God, those of you who have acted against your own interests should not be disheartened of the mercy of God. Surely God forgives all sins. He is all-forgiving and all-merciful.” [39:53]
This should motivate us to work towards our goal of making positive changes since Allah (SWT) has promised us mercy. He will never abandon us as long as we believe in Him and wish to follow the righteous path.
· It is All Allah (SWT)’s Plan
Nothing can happen without Allah (SWT)’s Will. The entire system of this cosmos and everything beyond is subject to the power and whim of Allah (SWT). Nothing can happen without Allah (SWT)’s planning. Allah (SWT) says:
“Remember, when the infidels contrived to make you a prisoner or to murder or expel you, they plotted, but God also planned; and God’s plan is the best.” [8:30]
So, we should pray that Allah (SWT) helps us with our goals and guide us toward what is good for us.
Embracing Change and Confronting Comfort
The familiar is easy and comfortable, but it also stunts growth and development. We were not sent on this earth to enjoy its comforts. As Muslims, we have a mission to submit ourselves to Allah (SWT)’s Will. Positive changes allow us to get out of our comfort zone and bring positive changes into our lives.
Positive change should be welcomed and adopted actively. We can find strength and motivation in the Holy Quran and the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW), whose life was full of challenges and hardships. We can learn a lot from both these sources and improve our lives.