Divine Discoveries

Your best self—the version of you that you aspire to become—isn’t something external or unattainable. Kristen Glosserman, author of Practical and Inspirational Lessons to Move in a Positive Direction, defines the best self as a self that is already within us that is a combination of all your goals and purposes. This resonates deeply because it shifts the perspective from “someday I’ll become who I want to be” to realizing that your best self is already within you. Many people believe their ideal self is something outside of their control, something they’ll achieve in the distant future. But who told you that? Who convinced you that you lack the tools or capabilities to achieve your goals?  

The truth is, Allah has already given you everything you need. Everything you require to fulfill your potential is within you—it’s just a matter of uncovering it.  

Let’s take a closer look at Glosserman’s definition: Your best self is a seamless integration of your goals and purpose. As Muslims, we know our ultimate purpose is to worship Allah. For others, it might take some reflection to understand why they are here. But your best self is not just about knowing your purpose—it’s about harmonizing it with your personal goals and aspirations. When you merge these two elements, you create the roadmap for who you truly want to be. That best version of yourself isn’t some distant figure waiting in the future; it’s within you right now, waiting to be brought to light.  

IHDINAS SIRATAL MUSTAQEEM

Kristen’s book title emphasizes the importance of direction, which aligns so perfectly with our Islamic teachings. Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Qur’an, teaches us the dua: Ihdinas Siratal Mustaqeem—Guide us on the straight path. This prayer reflects a deep acknowledgment that we need guidance to stay on the path that leads us to our best selves. Just as direction is necessary to find your best self, Allah’s guidance is essential for navigating life’s challenges and choices.  

The concept of guidance (hidaya) in Islam is profound. It comes in different forms and works uniquely for every individual. Think of guidance like a map: even with the map in hand, you still need to think critically, take action, and make choices to reach your destination. Surah Ta-Ha (20:50) beautifully illustrates this, saying: Our Lord is the One who gave everything its distinctive form and then guided it. This verse emphasizes that everything in existence—plants, animals, the moon, and even our hearts—functions through Allah’s guidance.  

Guidance is an intricate and interdependent system, much like an ecosystem. It is vast yet complementary, and it’s designed uniquely for each of us. But there’s an even deeper level of hidaya—guidance for the soul. This is the type of guidance that brings our soul back to its true purpose, filling it with fulfillment and peace. When Allah’s guidance comes into play in your life, it becomes limitless. His mercy and love are boundless, and there is no end to the blessings He can bestow upon you.  

Surah Muhammad (47:17) states: “As for those who are rightly guided, He increased them in guidance and granted them righteousness.” Allah’s guidance is a continuous, ever-expanding gift. It’s the greatest blessing we can receive, and it’s something we should consistently seek through our prayers.  

When we ask Allah to guide us on the Siratal Mustaqeem (the Straight Path), we are asking for more than just help with one decision. In Arabic, sirat refers to a path or series of choices, while mustaqeem denotes something straight, orderly, and free of chaos. Together, these words describe a life built on consistently making the right choices.  

Life is full of paths, and each step involves decisions. Back in the day, Arabs used the term sirat to describe the cumulative effect of these decisions. The path you’re on today is a result of the choices you made yesterday. But here’s the beauty: one “wrong” choice doesn’t necessarily throw you off the Straight Path, because what truly matters is the overall direction of your life.  

Making the right choices repeatedly builds a lifestyle of alignment with Allah’s guidance. It’s no longer about constantly weighing options; it becomes second nature. This is why, as Muslims, we say Ihdinas Siratal Mustaqeem at least 17 times a day in our prayers. It’s one of the greatest duas we can make because it aligns us with what we need most: guidance to get closer to Allah.  

The further you travel along the Straight Path, the closer you become to Allah—and the more aligned you are with your best self. It’s not about avoiding mistakes but about striving for consistency. And the closer you get to Allah, the more you discover that this path has no limits. There is no endpoint to how close you can grow to Allah, no ceiling to His mercy, and no stopping point on this journey until we reach Jannah.  

Reflection and Action

Ask yourself:  

– When was the last time you picked up the Qur’an with the intent to deeply ponder its meaning?  

– When was the last time you truly immersed yourself in prayer, losing yourself in the presence of Allah?  

These moments of reflection are vital because they reconnect us to what truly matters. And when you don’t feel like praying or reading the Qur’an? That’s when you need it the most. You never know when an ayah might speak directly to your heart.  

As Muslims, we are blessed with the ultimate guidance: the Qur’an, a literal miracle that remains unchanged. It contains the answers to every question, the solutions to every challenge—we just have to put in the effort to seek them out.  

Allah didn’t just give us His words; He sent us the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a mercy to all of creation, to teach us how to live by these words. Studying his life and implementing his example is one of the most powerful ways to grow closer to Allah.  

This journey isn’t always easy, but remember: Allah makes it easy for those who seek Him. Use your mind, your heart, and the incredible gift of critical thinking that Allah has blessed you with. When you actively seek guidance and align yourself with the Straight Path, you unlock your best self—the version of you that is deeply connected to Allah, thriving in this world and prepared for the Hereafter.