Too Busy? Here’s a 1-Minute Iman Hack

Because your to-do list shouldn’t replace your to-dua list.

We’ve all been there—halfway through our third cup of coffee, juggling work emails, a toddler demanding snacks, and a baby tossing his pacifier across the room (again). In the chaos, I had a realization: I hadn’t connected with Allah all day.

No dua, no dhikr, no reflection. Just pure survival mode.

Sound familiar?

For many of us, faith can feel like one more thing on an already overloaded plate. We tell ourselves, “I’ll pray with more focus later,” or “I’ll read Qur’an when the kids are older.” But let’s be real—if we’re waiting for life to slow down before prioritizing our connection with Allah, we’ll be waiting forever.

The ‘All or Nothing’ Trap

Here’s the thing: we often think spiritual growth requires major life changes—waking up at 4 AM for tahajjud, reading an entire Juz a day, or suddenly becoming that parent who plays nasheeds instead of Daniel Tiger.

But the real secret to strengthening your iman? Micro-habits. Tiny, effortless acts that fit into your existing routine but make a massive impact over time.

Psychologists call it “habit stacking”—attaching a new habit to something you already do. Islamic tradition calls it istiqamah—consistency, even in small deeds. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small." (Bukhari & Muslim)

So, how do we actually make this work in our hectic lives?

3 Quick Spiritual Boosts for Busy Parents

You don’t need to overhaul your life—just tweak it. Here are three ridiculously easy ways to infuse your day with iman without adding stress:

1. The 10-Second Dhikr Hack
When to do it: While waiting for your coffee to brew, during diaper changes, or while stuck in traffic.

Instead of doom-scrolling Instagram or mentally drafting work emails, take 10 seconds to say:

• SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)

• Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah)

• Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)

Boom—rewarded, spiritually recharged, and it took less time than your kid takes to spill something.

2. One Line of Qur’an a Day
When to do it: Right before bed, after Fajr, or as part of your morning routine.

We think we need 30 uninterrupted minutes and a quiet space to read Qur’an. (LOL, what’s quiet?) But one verse—even one line—adds up.

Try this: Keep a Qur’an app widget on your home screen, and before you check your notifications in the morning, read one ayah. Just one.

One ayah a day = 365 a year. That’s Surah Al-Baqarah covered.

3. Dua in the Drive-Thru
When to do it: While waiting in line for coffee, daycare pickup, or during your commute.

If you’ve got time to reheat your coffee for the third time, you’ve got time to make dua.

Turn your Ya Allah, let my toddler nap today into a habit by using wait times for supplication. Whether it’s for your kids, your career, or just an extra dose of patience, every moment counts.

The One Habit That Changed My Faith

Of all the spiritual micro-habits I’ve tried, one has made the biggest difference: starting my day with intention.

Before I get out of bed, before the emails, before the toddler tackles me—I whisper:

"Ya Allah, help me make today an act of worship."

That’s it. A 5-second mindset shift that reframes everything I do—from wiping sticky fingers to tackling work deadlines—as a form of worship. Because in Islam, even the smallest, most mundane tasks can be an act of ibadah when done with the right intention.

The Takeaway

Being a better Muslim doesn’t require grand gestures—it starts with small, intentional steps.

• 10-second dhikr = effortless rewards

• One ayah a day = easy consistency

• Dua in daily moments = spiritual connection

• Setting an intention = transforming everyday tasks into worship

You don’t need more time—you just need to use your time differently.

So the next time you think, “I’m too busy to connect with Allah,” remember: you’re not. You just need to start small.

Now go forth, drink that (probably cold) coffee, and stack those micro-habits. Your iman will thank you.

Striving to be better Muslims & better parents—one coffee (or chai) at a time, ☕

Shawn & Farihah