Things Religions Teach You That Are Generally Good for Anyone

I was raised Muslim as a child, then became a hardcore atheist, then an agnostic, then came close to converting to Christianity. Now, I have finally decided that I am an agnostic who has come to really appreciate religion and what it teaches us about gratitude, morality, and self-reflection, despite all the horrible things that can partly be found in scripture and partly be observed in the wrong practice of religion.

I have focused on Islam and Christianity here, but there is much more to explore in future articles. This article will not teach you about the tenets of the Bible or the Quran, but rather about common practices among Muslims and Christians that may help you live a better and happier life.

Let’s get started, shall we?

1) Muslims say “Bismillah” before they eat

Before Muslims take a bite to start a meal, many say “Bismillah” first, meaning “In the name of God.” This can serve as a reminder that having enough food to fill your stomach every day, in such variety and with so many spices and flavors, is a real luxury.

You don’t have to believe in God to feel gratitude. It may simply be the lottery of life and coincidence that you were born in a region of the world where food comes to you so easily.

Just recently, I was going through a really tough time mentally. Then I attended a presentation at university about world poverty and how dramatically our lives and life expectancy differ from those of children born in countries such as Sudan or Somalia.

It reminded me that I am doing exceptionally well, with all the education available to me, the food that comes so easily, and all the varieties and choices I have every day. It is an exceptional freedom and a luxury.

We all need this reminder from time to time. But Muslims actually remind themselves of this every day whenever they take a bite of food or a sip of a drink.

2) Read and discuss

Not everyone agrees with scripture. However, both Christians and Muslims engage in reading and discussing their scriptures, sometimes weekly, sometimes even daily.

Young people are reading less and less and are increasingly disengaged from discussions about questions of life. But I believe this is important for strengthening your mind, reflecting on where you stand, and building connections with others.

It doesn’t have to be the Bible or the Quran. But reading something on a regular basis that spiritually and intellectually stimulates you, and engaging in discussions about it, can help you figure out what you truly believe in and what is important to you in life.

3) Don’t lie

In both Christianity and Islam, telling a lie is considered a sin. And I can tell you with 100% certainty that there are few things that will transform your life as much as this simple rule: don’t lie.

What you speak out, you may eventually start to believe yourself. You can literally begin to live in a lie without recognizing it. Not to mention that lying can have a huge negative impact on your relationships and create anxiety when you have to keep repeating lies to protect the first lie you told.

Even little lies can have a huge negative impact on your psyche.

There is something deeply human about our desire for truth. When you lie, you are not merely deceiving another person; you are also constructing a distorted version of reality for yourself.

You can distort your own reality by telling lies. And if you start living your life in truth, you may be surprised by how much honesty can add to your life.

4) A moral higher power

You don’t have to believe in a particular ethical framework, but undoubtedly, living your life as if someone is watching and judging your moral character can have a huge impact on how you act.

The cashier gives you too much money and doesn’t notice? You could simply keep the money and celebrate their mistake.

But imagine someone watching you take that money with a judging eye. Perhaps you would reconsider and give the money back.

You don’t have to believe in a moral higher power. But simulating this thought from time to time may help you live a more moral life.

And I think everyone who has gone on the journey of becoming a better person knows how spiritually enriching it can be.

5) Take time for family, reflection, and gratitude

With social media at our fingertips, it is important to remember to spend time with our families and communities, just as Christians do when they gather every Sunday.

It is equally important to practice gratitude and reflect on your values, your actions, and your beliefs.

Religion may have brought us war, misogyny, and bigotry. But if you pick the best parts of these schools of thought, they may actually transform your life for the better.

So, Bismillah and Alhamdulillah.