Finding Our Daily Spiritual Groove

Where do we belong? What is the purpose of our life here on earth? Where do we ultimately go after death? These questions have vexed many thinkers since the dawn of mankind. And we have received answers from many sources and people, some credible and others less so. I have chosen to follow the answers and lessons of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). And I try to connect to these lessons on a daily basis through a variety of ways.

The Qur'an says that I was created for one purpose. Namely, to worship God and He alone: "And I only created the spirits and humans for them to serve Me. (51:56)" And when He created the father and mother of us all-- Adam and Eve--God told them, "Dwell in the garden, you and your wife, and eat from it comfortably, when and as you want. ( 2:35)" And when Satan caused them both to slip, they were banished to the earth: "Descend, in mutual antipathy; yet you will have an abode and belongings on earth for a while. ( 2:36)"

So we belong with God, but it is our sin that estranges us from Him. That is what I learned from the creation story. Thus, I have tried my entire life to reconnect with God. And this is an ongoing struggle occurring every minute of every single day. That's why it is so important for me to reconnect spiritually with the Lord every day.

There are many simple ways to pray and reconnect with God, and here are five that work for me. Some of my practices are applicable to just Muslims, and some can be done by everyone.

Five Daily Prayers:
I am most grateful to God for this Islamic tenet--I observe the five daily Muslim prayers. There can be no more powerful spiritual connection than reaching out to the Divine Presence through ritual prayer. It can be very challenging, most especially the struggle to get up for the pre-dawn prayer. And, even more challenging sometimes, is trying to offer your prayers at your place of work, which for me is the hospital.

None of the hospitals I work at have a designated place for Muslim prayer. Thus, I have to improvise in order to offer my prayers on time. Many times I offer my prayer sitting down in the hospital chapel. Other times I pray in my car after I leave one hospital and before I head to another. Many times I combine the noon and afternoon prayers (I am allowed to do that) because I frequently get tied up doing patient care well into the afternoon and night.

It is a daily struggle, but it is a powerful reminder that my Creator watches over me and that my first obligation is to Him. And it allows me to be spiritually connected to God each day. It may seem difficult to get into the habit of doing the five daily prayers, but if you promise yourself and God to do it, you'll be amazed with how it can become like second nature. It barely takes a few minutes for each one, and it can be such a good, grounding experience in a busy day.

Personal Prayers to God
We can also do non-ritual prayer to connect with God, like doing du'a. These are "regular" personal prayers in which you directly ask God for anything you want. It is a great way to really solidify your relationship with God. Every day I talk to God and tell Him what I am feeling (even though He already knows) and ask for what I want. I also do personal prayers to help me get though certain situations at work and home. It really helps me get closer to Him and deepens the friendship I have with Him.

For instance, in the morning, I begin my day by saying: "O God, you are my Lord; there is nothing worthy of worship except You. Upon You I rely, and You are the Lord of the Great Throne. I know that God knows all and is able to do all things. O God, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my own self and from the evil of all creatures over which You have granted power over us. Verily my Lord is on the Straight Path." It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that nothing will afflict the person who utters this prayer day and night.

Before I begin any medical procedure, I say "Bismillah-arahman-ar-rahim," which means "In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful." I also say: "O Lord, nothing is easy except that which You make easy. And difficulty is made easy by Your will." Before I eat or drink anything, I am also supposed to say "Bismillah-ar-rahman-ar-rahim." But I must admit I frequently forget to say this, especially if I am hungry or thirsty.

Continued on page 2: It's all about having a heightened awareness.... »