Things that will draw you closer to Allah

This is from an article in Al-Jumuah magazine, volume 18, issue 02 (March 2006).

-Begin your day with the salah of Fajr, follow it with the morning rememberances and supplications, and then get off to work.
-Read the Quran ever day; read with observing not just passing your eyes through the words.
-Offer the salat of adh-dhuha (mid-morning). Brighten your day by offering salat in the mesjid.
-If someone says something mean to you, shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive them.
-When you get angry, change your position- sit or lay down. Seek refuge with Allah from Shayton, try to do something productive- busy your mind.
-When you are happy, try to share your happiness with others. Remember Allah and thank Him by sharing it with those close to you. Do something good.
-When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, thank Allah, remember that it is not worse.
-Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan's head.
-Never stop believing that you can win Allah's love and thus work for it.
-Spend some time thinking of Allah's amazing creation.
-Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him.
-Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say will yield no benefit, maintain silence.
-Every now and then, give yourself a break. Play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and know that He is watching you.
-Hug your parents, kiss their hands and heads and always obey but stop at Allah's orders.
-Smile to everyone, for your smiles makes a big difference to him or her and you are rewarded.
-Forgive, forget and smile.
-When people criticize your actions and efforts, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or not. If they do; then ignore and remember how the Prophet, pbuh, and his companions were critisized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.
-Don't let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.
-Never look down on anybody, for, to Allah, they may be better than you.
-PUT ALLAH FIRST IN YOUR LIFE!

More articles from Al-Jumuah magazine can be viewed. Insha'Allah (Allah willing) we will strive daily to be closer to Him.