SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE:

The Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims marks the start of a new beginning, much like that of the New Year. The Hajj and the New Year mean a second chance of renewed hopes and dreams — hence it means each and every one of us has been given a brand new, clean start on life.

So from where do we begin to anchor our new start?

We begin with ourselves. God tells us in the Koran that He will not help those until they help themselves first.

Begin by knowing that you are worthy. You have been given a status so high and dear to God that you have become His steward on earth. According to Islam, man is created to be God’s vicegerent on Earth. This means you were born with stewardship to lead, whether your leadership is in the home, school or office. If you keep mindful of your status then certainly you would form a better attitude on yourself and others.

Know that you have been gifted with extraordinary human qualities. Tap into the vast resources of your humanistic traits, which make you a better person. Traits such as patience, forgiveness, determination and compassion. You have the potential to rise above negative attitude and complacent behavior.

Do not belittle or think low of yourself. Learn to let go of the past mistakes. Do not be hard to judge yourself or others. However, hold yourself strictly accountable for what you do today. Bite your tongue every time you get enticed to remark a few words about your friend or coworker.

By starting with yourself, you can then begin to share yourself with others. Begin with your family. Just as you tapped into your better qualities, now look at the better qualities of your spouse, children and extended family. Because of our shortcomings and weaknesses, we always call upon God to judge us by His mercy, so too should we practice leniency on our family.

Whether it is the start of the New Year or having made the Hajj, every day provides a new opportunity to make a new start, and it begins within each one of us.

IMAM SAYED MOUSTAFA AL-QAZWINI leads the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County.