How can I consider God's satisfaction in my decisions?

Seeking the satisfaction of Almighty Allah is the ultimate goal of every believer and forms the core of an Islamic life. How to incorporate divine satisfaction into every decision is a deep and multifaceted issue, for which the Holy Quran provides abundant guidance. This process involves stages of contemplation, intention, consultation, reliance (tawakkul), and righteous action, all of which must be underpinned by divine consciousness (taqwa). The first and most fundamental step in considering God's satisfaction in decisions is cultivating 'Taqwa,' which means God-consciousness or piety. Taqwa signifies a continuous awareness of God's presence in all moments of life. A person with taqwa always considers, before any action, whether this decision will be pleasing to Allah or not. The Quran emphasizes the importance of taqwa in many verses; for instance, in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, it states: "...And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him..." These verses indicate that taqwa is the key to resolving difficulties and attaining lawful sustenance. When one makes decisions centered on taqwa, Allah Himself provides the way out. The next step is 'sincere intention' (Niyyah). Every action in Islam, whether small or large, gains its meaning from its intention. Our decisions should be solely and entirely for the sake of gaining Allah's pleasure, not for personal gain, fame, or the satisfaction of others. In Surah Al-Bayyinah, verse 5, Allah says: "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincerely obedient to Him, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion." This verse clearly emphasizes the necessity of sincerity in worship and actions, and decision-making is a part of our actions. The third aspect is 'consultation and seeking guidance' (Shura and Istikhara). Islam places great emphasis on consulting knowledgeable and righteous individuals. Before making important decisions, one should not overlook collective wisdom. In Surah Aal-Imran, verse 159, it is stated: "...and consult them in the matter. Then when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." This verse shows that after consultation and examining various aspects, the time for reliance on Allah comes. Istikhara is also a method of seeking good from Allah in times of doubt, when, after consultation and contemplation, a clear path has not yet emerged. This act signifies the servant's devotion and trust in Allah to guide them on the right path. Fourth, 'complete reliance on Allah' (Tawakkul) is crucial. After an individual has weighed all aspects, consulted, and purified their intention, they must entrust the outcome to Allah. With full confidence in divine wisdom and decree, they should make their decision and act upon it. Tawakkul does not mean abandoning effort, but rather making all possible efforts and then entrusting the result to Allah. Verse 159 of Surah Aal-Imran, mentioned earlier, immediately commands reliance after the instruction to consult: "...Then when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." This reliance brings peace of mind and frees a person from unnecessary worries, for they know that if their decision is in line with divine satisfaction, Allah will facilitate it. Fifth, 'adherence to Islamic laws and moral values' is paramount. To consider God's satisfaction, our decisions must be within the framework of Allah's lawful and unlawful (halal and haram). Any decision that leads to injustice, falsehood, corruption, or transgression against the rights of others can never be pleasing to Allah. In all choices, justice, honesty, beneficence, and goodness must be prioritized. The Quran is full of commands that teach us how to behave justly and morally in our individual and social lives. For example, in Surah An-Nahl, verse 90, it states: "Indeed, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good, and giving to kinsfolk; and forbids all indecency, and evil, and rebellion. He admonishes you that you may take heed." This verse provides a general rule for ethical decision-making. Finally, recalling the 'ultimate purpose of life,' which is meeting Allah and achieving success in the afterlife, plays a significant role in guiding decisions. When decisions are made with a view toward the Hereafter and divine reward and punishment, one is less likely to fall into worldly temptations and is more inclined towards what pleases Allah. This perspective helps a person make sustainable decisions that guarantee their eternal happiness, even when faced with transient worldly gains. Therefore, God's satisfaction in our decisions not only means making ethical and correct choices but also living with a heart full of awareness of the divine presence and complete reliance on Him, which ultimately leads to peace and success in this world and the hereafter. This process is a continuous practice that deepens our faith and connection with our Creator with every decision.