People spend their whole lives smiling on the outside and feeling lost on the inside. They have the appearance of normalcy when everything just seems wrong. This is the disconnect that comes from the outside reality not matching what feels true on the inside.
A person can feel empty when they have money and prestige because they don’t act from their heart and soul. You must have harmony between your inner feelings and outer reality otherwise you won’t be able to find your inner peace. Islam teaches us to live in harmony with who we really are which is our fit rah (our natural state; our pure state). The Quran, psychology and the human experience all demonstrate to us that true peace begins from within. In this blog, we share how to begin your journey of aligning your life to the truth that lives within you!
1. First, You must Know Your Inner Truth
You cannot align to your truth unless you know it. You must ask, who am I – apart from titles and roles? What do I really, really believe? What values matter to my soul? In fact, your fit rah is pertained to your original and pure self which knows your truth. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Every child is born on fit rah” (Bukhari). However, our fit rah likes the truth and we hate the lies.
2. Notice the Disconnect
Once you have discovered your inner truth, you can now notice where you outer life does not align with it. Perhaps the work you are doing is hurting your soul, and your company distracts you from Allah. Perhaps you wear a mask just to feel accepted. Notice this without blame. The Quran states: “Do you command righteousness of the people while you forget yourselves?” (2:44). Many of us are performing for the world and forgetting ourselves in the process — and this is when the inner unrest starts. Once you notice the disconnect, you can start to act.
Live According to Your Values
Define what your true values are. Not the values that society teaches you, but what your soul cherishes inside you. Perhaps those values are honesty, peace, sincerity, or remembrance of Allah. Once you discover your true values, you can start to live them. If you value truth, speak it, regardless of its difficulty. If you value Allah, move Him from second place to first. The moment your actions begin to reflect your inner beliefs, your heart will notice the difference and feel at peace. This is where true alignment begins.
4. Make Dua for Inner-Outer Harmony
Bringing our lives into harmony with our soul needs divine assistance. Make sincere dua, asking Allah, ” The Prophet ﷺ would say, “O Allah, make my inward better than my outward” (Ahmad). The act of prayer connects you to your center in life while removing the noise. When you ask Allah with sincerity, He shows you what you should keep, and what you should leave out. Harmony is a gift from above. Ask, and you shall receive.
5. Set Healthy Boundaries
Often, those around you may pull you even further away from your truth. You have to respectfully yet firmly set boundaries.. If it costs you your connection to Allah, it is too expensive. Honor your soul. Honor your dean.
Read more: 10 Steps to Detach From Your False Self
6. Find a Job that Resonates with Your Soul
A job takes a large part of your day. If your job feeds your ego, but drains your soulful energy then there is something wrong. Look for jobs that are a halal source of income that are tranquil, good, meaningful, or puts you towards a higher ideal. Even if it is a simple job, if it is honest and sincere, then it will have Baraka. The best job is one that embodies your values, and inspires you to keep your heart directed to Allah swt’s service in whatever way you can. As long as the job does not harm your faith or isolated you from peace and objectivity, the job is for you.
7. Say What It’s! In Ascending ‘Soul’
What you say is an expression of your soul. Offer no “yes” to another where “no” is a true in your heart. Speak truthfully but gently. Only ever talking about what would please Allah swt. Use no lies, gossip, or flattery. The Prophet ﷺ said “Whoever of you believes in Allah and the Last Day should either speak well or keep silent” (Bukhari).
8. Create a Lifestyle That Embodies Your Beliefs
Your home, habits, and hobbies must be aligned with your soul! Dress in a way that honors your modesty. Your home should be filled with light. Your time should be spent meaningfully. When your lifestyle is aligned to your identity as a believer, you will experience deep satisfaction.
9. Have the Courage to Let Go
Alignment usually is going to necessitate a sacrifice. This can mean letting go of false friendships / false objectives / and even parts of your past self. This is hard work! Difficult work! Prophet Ibrahim (AS) let go of his home for the sake of truth. That painful farewell became the bedrock of his legacy. So be brave, and walk away from what does not serve your soul. You can always lean back into Allah. Whatever you are able to let go of for His sake, He will replace it with better.
10. Keep Coming Back to Your Center
Life is consistently going to pull you off center. It is part of the deal. What is important is coming back. Keep going back to your heart. Keep going back to your connection with Allah. Dhikr, Salah, Quran—these all bring you back to the truth. Just like a compass that always points north, your soul will always find its providence when plugged into the Divine. As long as you keep coming back, you are not lost! Keep cleaning the mirror of your heart. It will always reflect the light again.
Real-Life Islamic Case Study: Prophet Yusuf (AS)
Prophet Yusuf (AS) is a powerful model of syncing inner and outer selves. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and faced imprisonment. Nothing in his outer world was going to change his inner truth. Even when offered beauty and power, he chose Allah, saying, “Prison is more beloved to me than what they invite me to” (12:33). His life externally was miserable, but internally he had clear vision. Because he was true to his own self, Allah honored his vision by granting him leadership, love, and legacy. His story illustrates that if you stay true to your own soul, you will ultimately find lasting success.
Final Thoughts
True peace is not found in beauty, success or applause. You move around with clarity. You talk with intention. You have a connection to your Creator. So pause. Ask yourself the question “Is my life reflecting my values?” If it is not, take the first step back. Start small. Be courageous. Be honest. Because when you align with your soul, you align with Allah. There is no greater peace than that.
Leave a Reply