Finding Purpose and Balance: The Surprising Similarities and Differences between Essentialism and Islamic Lifestyle

Despite their differences, Essentialism and Islamic Lifestyle share some similarities. Both concepts emphasize the importance of having a clear purpose and goal in life. They also encourage the practice of gratitude and contentment with what one has, as well as discourage the pursuit of worldly pleasures and distractions that can take one away from their true mission.

However, there are also some potential differences between Essentialism and Islamic Lifestyle. Essentialism is based on personal choice and preference, while Islamic Lifestyle is based on divine revelation and authority. Essentialism allows for flexibility and adaptation, while Islamic Lifestyle requires adherence and commitment. Essentialism focuses on doing less but better, while Islamic Lifestyle focuses on doing more but with sincerity and excellence.

Essentialism stresses the importance of prioritizing what is truly significant to us, rather than succumbing to external influences or the longing for acceptance. Correspondingly, ikhlas promotes concentrating on our genuine intentions and motivations, rather than seeking validation or approval from others.

Additionally, ikhlas urges us to be truthful with ourselves regarding our motives and intentions, allowing us to ensure that our actions are genuinely in line with our values and objectives, and not solely motivated by external factors or self-interest.

• Identify your priorities and be honest

Hikmah requires us to use our intellect and understanding to make wise decisions that are in line with our values and goals. This value is important in achieving balance and moderation in our pursuit of essentialism, as it helps us manage our time, resources, and relationships in a harmonious way.

By using hikmah, we can make careful decisions that enable us to focus on what truly matters and eliminate distractions. We can also ensure that we maintain our well-being and nurture our relationships while pursuing our goals.

• Build relationship, embrace imperfections and stay mindful

Tawbah, a concept in Islam, aligns with essentialism by helping us let go of non-essential things and redirect our focus towards what matters. Tawbah encourages self-reflection and learning from mistakes, which can help us stay focused on our values and priorities. Seeking forgiveness can also free us from negative emotions and give us a renewed sense of purpose.

• Reflect on your actions, mistake happens, seek forgiveness, and make plan for improvement 

• Sabr (صَبْرٌ) - patience and perseverance through hardship, which is essential to staying focused on one's goals and priorities.
• Shukr (شُكْرٌ) - gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in our lives, which helps us stay centered and focused on what is truly important.
• Tawakkul (تَوَكُّلٌ) - trust and reliance on Allah, which enables us to let go of unnecessary worries and distractions and focus on what truly matters.

By embodying these values in our lives, we can align our pursuit of essentialism with our Islamic beliefs and values, and create a more meaningful and purposeful way of life.