Have you ever woken up feeling super motivated, ready to tackle a bunch of tasks, but by the end of the day, you’ve only managed to check off one item from your to-do list?

It could be that you’re just putting things off, but it might also mean you’re missing out on some barakah in your life. 

Barakah, also known as Mubaarak or Barakaat, translates to ‘ultimate blessing’. This term pops up 32 times in the Quran. For instance, in Surah Al-A’raf, Allah mentions, “And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning."

In simple terms, barakah can be seen as a ‘divine blessing’. Scholars explain that barakah shows up in two main ways. One way is through an increase in quantity. A famous example is when the Prophet Muhammad SAW had a small pot of water, yet a large group of people drank from it and were fully satisfied, or when an entire army was fed from just a little food.

The other way is that the quantity might not change, but its effectiveness or value increases significantly. For instance, someone might have just $100 in their bank account, but that amount could stretch surprisingly far until their next paycheck. That’s barakah in action.

As a Muslim, it’s crucial to incorporate even the tiniest actions that invite barakah into your daily routine, no matter how hectic life gets.

1. Start with ’Bismillah’

This brief yet powerful phrase can greatly influence your day. As you wake up to perform wudu for fajr, say bismillah. When you take that first sip of coffee, say bismillah. The name of Allah SWT is indeed filled with blessings, so if we want to invite more barakah into our lives, it's important to start and finish our activities with His name.

2. Read the Quran 

If I had to choose one thing to focus on in the morning, it would definitely be diving into the recitation of the Quran. The book and the words of Allah SWT are packed with blessings, so why not take advantage of that? Try to dedicate at least 10 to 20 minutes each morning, either before or after your fajr prayer, to reading the Quran. Starting your day with Allah's words can really boost your mood, give you more energy, and likely make your daily tasks feel much more manageable.

“And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations) which came before it”, Surah Al-An’am, Verse 92. 

3. Pray on Time 

Be haste when it comes to performing your salah. When the call to prayer comes, set aside all things and fulfill your obligation. By putting Allah SWT first, you invite blessings into every moment of your day. Keep in mind that Allah SWT is the source of your rizq (sustenance, health, and contentment). The minimum you can do to express your gratitude to your Creator is to perform your salah punctually.

In surah Taha, Verse 132, Allah SWT said, “Enjoin prayer on your family (and people), and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision: We provide it for you. And the rewards of the Hereafter are for [those of] righteousness.”

4. Sadaqah 

Sadaqah is not just about giving money. It is a voluntary act of kindness that includes many ways of helping others and making them feel good. Sadaqah can be simple like smiling at your mother, or giving a date to those who are fasting. 

However, there is a special time each day when giving sadaqah is encouraged to bring barakah for the rest of the day. This time is during fajr, known as the time for almsgiving. As Rasulullah SAW said, "Every morning, two angels come down. One says, 'O Allah, reward the giver,' and the other says, 'O Allah, ruin the wealth of the stingy.'" (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).

This hadith shows that giving charity in the morning is the best time to share and receive prayers from angels. After you finish your fajr prayer, donate as little as $2 to a trusted online charity. It may seem small, but great rewards are waiting for you.

5. Seeking Forgiveness

“Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers”, Surah Nuh, Verse 10-12. 

Saying “Astgafirullah” throughout your day can open the door to countless blessings. If you wake up feeling weighed down, anxious, or you know you have a long day ahead filled with tasks and challenges, try to recite Istighfar as much as you can. Our beloved Prophet SAW recommended seeking forgiveness 100 times a day, so try to set aside a few minutes to ask Allah SWT for His mercy.

6. Ihsaan on Others 

Many people overlook one of the simplest yet most impactful actions: showing ihsaan to others. Islam encompasses both Iman and Ihsaan. While Iman focuses on your connection with the divine, Ihsaan emphasizes your interactions with Allah SWT's creations.

Exhibiting good akhlaq and morals is important for all Muslims to attract barakah not only in your daily life, but throughout your entire existence. For instance, picking up your friend from work, can lead to them making dua’s for your generosity. And isn't the dua from a stranger more powerful than your own? Imagine standing on the Day of Judgment, witnessing the hasanat and dua’s generated by your kindness to others adding weight to your scale. 

Therefore, make an effort to treat others well—whether it's holding the door for a stranger, preparing a meal for your family, treating a friend to brunch, or helping your colleague with their work.

7. Daily Dhikr 

Maintaining morning and evening dhikr is often emphasized for protection, but it also invites blessings into your day. There are numerous dhikr lists you can recite daily, so make it a routine to do so every day.

You can also mix in tasbih, tahmid, and takbir while you're going about your daily tasks, whether you're working, doing the dishes, or running errands. By doing these dhikr, you remind yourself of Allah's oneness and perfection every day. Plus, it helps you recognize your own weaknesses and your need for Him, while also renewing your commitment to serve and praise Him.

8. Listen to Lectures 

Seeking knowledge is a fundamental duty for every Muslim. The digital era has made it simpler to access a wealth of videos and podcasts that can be enjoyed while driving, cleaning, or working. Without a basic understanding of the religion, one cannot fulfill their responsibilities as a muslim.

Make it a goal to learn something new about your faith each day. Begin with the stories of Rasulullah, his family, and his companions. Then, explore the teachings of hadith, the Quran, and more. Allah says, “Yet there are guardians watching over you, honourable scribes, who know all that you do.” Surah Al-Infitar, Verse 10-12. 

9. Honesty in Trading 

This is one of the most important aspects of welcoming barakah into your life. When working, running a business, or dealing with others, always be honest and avoid corruption. The Prophet SAW said that buyers and sellers should be truthful during transactions. If they are open about the products, Allah SWT will bless their deal. (HR. Bukhari).

This hadith underscores the importance of integrity in trade. When both parties are forthright about their transactions, Allah ensures mutual benefit. Earning halal income means that all your actions, possessions, and consumption become halal, bringing blessings to your entire life.

10. Gratitude 

Last but not least, always show your gratitude to Allah SWT. Thank Him for all the blessings in your life, and you'll see how He continues to give you even more. Truth is, if the whole population gathered together, we would still fall short of adequately thanking Allah SWT. That’s because His mercy is infinite and can never be matched by others. 

So make it a priority to show appreciation to our Creator by saying Alhamdulillah, following His commands, and avoiding what He has forbidden. In Surah Ibrahim, Allah SWT reminds us, “And remember, when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you will be grateful, then I shall give you more, and if you are thankless, then My torment is severe!'”