Eliminating negative vices: the power of cutting off usage
By Yusuf Bulafu
Continued …
In the same way that physical, intellectual, and spiritual blessings require active engagement to be maintained and appreciated, negative vices and harmful habits in our lives can be diminished or eradicated by cutting off their usage. The principle of “use it or lose it” not only applies to positive blessings but also to the detrimental vices that can take hold of us if we allow them.
Negative habits, such as excessive anger, envy, dishonesty, or procrastination, can become deeply ingrained if we continuously indulge in them. These vices, if not addressed, can erode our character, relationships, and overall well-being. However, by consciously reducing or completely eliminating our engagement with these harmful behaviours, we can diminish their influence and gradually overcome them.
For example, consider the habit of procrastination. If we repeatedly delay tasks and put off responsibilities, procrastination becomes a dominant force in our lives. Overtime, it can lead to increased stress, missed opportunities, and a decline in productivity. By actively cutting back on procrastination -through structured planning, setting deadlines, and holding ourselves accountable- we can reduce its grip on us and replace it with more productive habits.
Similarly, negative emotions such as anger or envy can be detrimental if allowed to fester. Anger, if left unchecked, can damage relationships and cloud judgment. Envy can lead to dissatisfaction and harm our ability to appreciate our own blessings.
Cutting off usage: a practical approach
The process of eliminating negative vices involves a few practical steps:
A Spiritual Perspective
To enhance our Iman (faith) and cultivate other virtues, it is essential to actively useand apply the qualities we already possess. The principle of “use it or lose it” is not only relevant to material and physical blessings but also applies to our spiritualand moral virtues. Whether it’s faith, vitality, ingenuity, or generosity, the more we engage with these virtues, the more they grow and strengthen. Faith, or Iman, is a dynamic and living quality that requires active engagement. It’s not enough tomerely profess belief; true Iman is reflected in our actions and how we respond to life’s challenges.
Patience (sabr) is another virtue that grows through its application in challenging situations. The more we exercise patience during difficult times, the stronger it becomes. The Qur’an underscores the value of patience: “O you who havebelieved, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with thepatient.“ (Qur’an 2:153).
Conclusion: transforming through active effort
Gratitude in Islam is not just a word spoken with the tongue; it is a lifestyle that permeates every aspect of a believer’s life. Saying “Alhamdulillah” is important, butit is not enough on its own. True gratitude is shown by using the blessings Allahhas given us—our health, time, knowledge, wealth, and spiritual guidance—in ways that fulfill our purpose as His servants. The principle of “use it or lose it”applies not only to our physical bodies but to all the bounties we receive.
If we do not actively engage with and utilize Allah’s gifts, we risk losing them.However, when we are truly grateful through our actions, Allah promises to increaseus in these blessings. Let us strive to embody gratitude in everything we do, by using what Allah has given us for His pleasure and the benefit of others. This is the essence of true gratitude in Islam.
Just as we need to actively use our blessings to show gratitude, we must alsoactively cut off the usage of negative vices to transform our lives. The principle of“use it or lose it” extends to our behaviours and habits; by deliberately avoiding andreducing engagement with harmful actions, we can weaken their hold on us and cultivate a more virtuous character.
