Back to General

Success

What do we mean by success, and how can we attain it?

Everyone on this earth, regardless of his origin, race, age, sex, marital status and position likes to be successful, it is a common desire of all those that inhibit our planet.  People differ in their interpretation of success, some view it as having a decent life, while others only settle for the highest achievements possible. Others consider themselves successful when they please God Almighty, to them that is all that matters. In general people look at success from different angles and have their own concepts of it.

Success can be categorized as follows:

· Materialistic success (money, houses, cars…..etc)
· Religious success
· A mixture of the above two categories (those who balance between the religious aspects and materialistic aspects of life).

1-Materialistic Approach:

Those who live for a materialistic approach have limited their thinking entirely on materialistic aspects of life, completely neglecting the life after, simply they have chosen to overlook the objective that man has been created for. It is a bit like living in a palace with all the good things surrounding him; yet he chooses to confine himself to his room although all the pleasure is only a door away. Thus he has limited himself to what can be visualized by his own eyes and he doesn’t want to look beyond that. This reminds us of the olden days when man used to believe that the earth was flat, this false conclusion was reached because things were judged by what could be seen.

2- Religious Approach

Those are the people that chose to overlook what is directly around them, as if they had an insight of heavenly life, which makes earthly life worthless in comparison, although their own eyes didn’t see it, they were able to draw a picture based upon their beliefs of what life after death is going to be like. Some of them have even reached to the degree where they forbid themselves from doing lawful things in a bid to achieve their ultimate goal. They consider life on earth as a stepping stone and their measurement of success is wholly based on what they achieve in the life after.

3-Religious and Materialistic Approach

The people who look for both religious and materialistic approach are like those people who go on a flight into orbit, where it is a totally different surrounding, a surrounding where the picture is totally different than what he is used to seeing; but on the other hand, it is a clearer one, as by now he has proof beyond doubt that the world is round, what better proof than ones own eye. On the whole their conception has been dramatically altered, they still have the attachment that bonds them with earth, yet they know that our planet is not what they thought it was previously, and there has to be something else beyond it.  They also manage to discover earth as something minute in comparison to the universe, yet they still think there are aspects of it that are worth enjoying, restraining themselves to a certain limit.

When we look at the above approaches to life and success in it, we find the complete answers in Islam. In it we find a complete balance that organizes our lives and doesn’t neglect the needs of our souls, providing us with all the necessities of a happy and peaceful life. This makes Islam a total way of life, which is yet another proof of the greatness of this Faith. Fulfilling what one considers success is not necessarily the recipe for a true happy and successful life, thus reaching the set out goals is not a guarantee of real success. If we are to list examples we will never end. Look at how many people that were regarded happy and successful by many have committed suicide or in reality were leading an awful and miserable life. This proves further that the materialistic way of life is not the ideal way of life, if it is not accompanied by a source which guides the sole. Money by no means is not a guarantee to success.  The following example will exactly show the point that I am trying to explain:

Anwar Wajdy (A famous Egyptian movie star), had a prime wish, it was to become rich. He vowed to achieve that at all expense.  To him nothing else mattered, except money and thus worked hard for it until finally, he managed to accumulate the millions he dreamed of, the millions that he won’t enjoy for the rest of his life. Soon after, that he became sick, he was diagnosed to have liver cancer.  The doctors forbid him to eat many foods, prevented him from doing many of the things he cherished in life.  This prompted him to change his wishes, as he by then discovered that if your health doesn’t accompany your wealth you don’t live to enjoy your wealth. 

The above true to life incident illustrates the fact that wealth is not everything.  Without health, wealth is nothing.  We don’t enjoy life at all if we are sick.  However, life in this world is temporary.  We may enjoy life with a healthy and comfortable life, enjoying the power and happiness that we get out of our wealth.  But what is life, if our soul is sick? What is wealth and what is health if our spiritual aspect of life lacks the proper nourishments for a successful life?

How can we become both happy and successful?

Nobody likes failure, everybody wants to be successful, no one likes to be second best whether in a small race, test, job…etc.; however, not everyone is successful.  This surely makes us wonder why, but on further analysis it is not difficult to pinpoint the problem. Some people make the mistake of trying to master everything that surrounds them, which is an impossible task when we look at the amount of technology that surrounds us. One should always keep the old saying, “ A jack of all trades is a master of none” at the back of his mind. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to learn.  It only means that we should be more realistic about what we want to know.  We should make our goals specific. Most of the times we will only be able to learn names of objects and what they do, but how they operate will continue to mystify and elude us most of the time. This should only make us look in one direction, yes, the Creator. As we pointed out previously, it is not humanly possible to master everything in this universe, thus there is God (Allah) Who knows exactly what is going on.  He knows everything from what we are thinking of to where an ant is heading.  Therefore, the religion that was made by God will strike out when it is compared with what is written by humans or those that have been made by God but altered by humans.  It defies all logic that the creation knows more than its Creator.  We must accept the fact that as humans, we are prone to mistakes.

Based on the above realities of life, it is worthwhile looking further into some of the great aspects of Islam, below we will only look at examples, drops from a large sea of knowledge and wisdom. Success and failure in Islam are governed by certain guidelines and principles, the most important of which are listed below:

1- We have to believe that there is One God (Allah) and Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is His last Messenger; thus, rejecting anything that conflicts with the above statement.  Belief in Allah and His Messenger implies that we have to obey our Only Creator (Allah) and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).  The way to obey Allah and His Messenger is to follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah.  When we believe and obey in Islam, we attain success.  Allah the Almighty tells us in the Holy Qur’an:

“The believers, men and women, are protectors one of another.  They enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil.  They observe regular prayers practice regular charity and obey Allâh and His Messenger.  On them will Allâh pour His mercy: for Allâh is Exalted in power Wise. Allâh has promised the believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.  But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allâh: that is the supreme success.” (9:71-72)

“The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allâh and His Messenger to judge between them is they say: ‘We hear and we obey.’ And such are the successful.  And whoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger, such are the successful.” (24:51-52)

2- Perform prayer properly as prayer is a pivotal part of Islam. It is the link, the bond that links us with the Creator, if we pray to Allah sincerely He will answer our prayer.  He grants success to those who pray properly with humility.  He says:

“Successful indeed are the believers— those who humble themselves in their prayers… and who (strictly) guard their prayers. These will be the heirs, who will inherit Paradise. They will dwell therein forever.” (23:9-11)

3- Always keep Allah, the God Almighty, at the back of our minds, and remember Him whenever we want to do something.  This will help in avoiding evil doings. Remember, God sees and hears everything we do.  Remembrance of Allah is a means to success.  Our Creator says:

“Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allâh: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find satisfaction. For those who believe and work righteousness is (every) blessedness and a beautiful place of (final) return.” (13:28-29)

4- Do good deeds and things that will lead to the good and welfare of others:

“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness.  We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever.  Allâh’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allâh’s?” (4:122)

“Whoever works righteousness man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him We will give a new Life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (16: 97)

5- Fully understand Islam, it’s principles and teachings.  This means strive to learn authentic knowledge of Islam, one that is based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah.  To be knowledgeable in Islam in the sight of Allah makes us better than those who are ignorant of the best knowledge:

“But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you and especially those who establish regular prayer and practice regular charity and believe in Allah and in the Last Day: to them shall We soon give a great reward.” (4:162)

“...Allâh will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and have been granted Knowledge.  And Allâh is well-acquainted with all you do.” (58:11)

“Is one who worships devoutly during the hours of the night prostrating himself or standing (in adoration), who takes heed of the Hereafter, and who places his hope in the Mercy of his God—like one who does not)?  Say: ‘Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?  It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition.’” (39:9)

6- Make the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as our model.  The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) possesses an exalted (standard of) character who deserves Allah’s reward and thus attains success:

“And verily, you (O Muhammad) will be an endless reward. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted (standard of) character.” (68:3-4)

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes (for the meeting with) Allah and the last Day, and remembers Allah much.” (Qur’an 33: 21)

7- Try to improve our character, by making friends with the righteous and the pious.  The more righteous friends we have, the closer we are to Allah and thus attain success:

“This is the Day of your Rabb (only God and Sustainer), leading straight.  We have detailed the Signs for those who receive admonition.  For them will be a Home of Peace with their Rabb (only God and Sustainer).  He will be their Friend, because they practiced (righteousness).” (6:126-127)

Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The example of a good pious companion and an evil one is that of a person carrying musk and another blowing a pair of bellows. The one who is carrying musk will either give you some perfume as a present, or you will buy some from him, or you will get a good smell from him, but the one who is blowing a pair of bellows will either burn your clothes or you will get a bad smell from him.” (Bukhari 7/442)

8- Be contented with what Allah has given us:

Abdullâh ibn Amr ibn Al’As (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allâh’s Messenger (pbuh) said “He is successful who has accepted Islâm, who has been provided with sufficient for his want and been made contented by Allâh with what He has given him.” (Muslim 2293)

9- From time to time, remember that life is short, no one (except our Creator) is eternal.  Therefore, always be prepared for the eternal life hereafter.  We must perform not only the obligatory deeds required upon us but also to do the supererogatory or voluntary deeds.  This means to perform the optional prayers, to give sadaqa (voluntary charity), to fast in other days and months, and to perform umrah.  When we do this, we please Allah and earn His Love and Mercy.  In other words, we attain success.  Let us take inspiration from the following Hadith Qudsi:

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “Allah (Mighty and sublime be He) said: ‘Whoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask (something) of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about (seizing) the soul of my faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.’” (Bukhari 8/509)

10- It is part of righteousness that we avoid evil deeds.  We should always guard ourselves against evil:

“Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve; those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil.  For them are Glad Tidings, in the life of the Present and in the Hereafter.  No change can there be in the Words of Allah.  This is indeed the supreme Triumph.” (Qur’an 10:62-63)

To be successful, as much as possible we must avoid committing all forms of shirk—the sin of associating partners with Allah, including the minor shirk, the riya’ (showing off).  We must also avoid any form of deviation and Bid’ah (innovation) in Islam.  We must avoid as much as possible all sorts of evil traits and deeds such as:

a) Envy
b) Jealousy
c) Hatred and anger
d) Tyranny
e) Pessimism
f) Arrogance
g) Harmful drugs and alcohol
h) Looking at the negative side of people
i) Fear of those other than God
j) Greed
k) Bad words that hurt or insult others
l) Harming others
m) Backbiting and slandering
n) Misery
o) Corruption

11.  We must exert more efforts to doing da’wah, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and joining or supporting those who work and fight for the Cause of Allah.  Allah inspires us to do jihad for His Cause when He says:

“You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind.  You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah...” (3:110)

“And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports) it — such are the men who do right.  They shall have all that they wish for, with their Rabb (Only Cherisher and Sustainer).  Such is the reward of those who do good: so that Allah will remit from them (even) the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according to the best of what they have done.” (39:33-35)

Not equal are those believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their person.  Allah has granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home).  Unto all (in Faith) has Allah promised good.  But those who strive and fight has He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a great reward.  Ranks especially bestowed by Him and forgiveness and Mercy.  For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.  (4:95-96)

“Those who believe, and emigrate and strive with might and main, in Allah’s cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah.  They are the people who will achieve salvation (success).” (9:20)

“O you who believe!  Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a grievous Chastisement?  That you believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that you strive (your utmost) in the Cause of Allah, with your wealth and your persons: that will be best for you, if you but knew!  He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to the Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the supreme Triumph.” (61:10-12)

12.  Be patient all the time. Remember that life in this world is a test and full of trials and that Allah is with the patient.  He will surely reward us for our patience and perseverance:

“Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.” (2:155)

O you who believe!  Persevere in patience and constancy: vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that you may prosper.” (3:200)

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (phuh) said, “A Muslim male or female, remains subject to trials (in this world); in respect of self, children and property till he or she faces Allah the Exalted (on the Day of Judgment) in a state in which all his or her sins have been remitted.” (Tirmidhi 49)

13.  By having trust and fear in Allah:

“… Then when you have taken a decision put your trust in Allah.  For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).  If Allah helps you, none can overcome you.  If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you?  In Allah, then, let Believers put their trust.” (3: 159-160)

“And He provides for him from (sources) he never could expect.  And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him.  For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose.  Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.” (65:3)

“…For those who fear their Rabb are gardens with rivers flowing beneath therein are they to dwell (for ever) a gift from the presence of Allah and that which is in the presence of Allah is the best (bliss) for the righteous.” (3:198)

“O you who believe!  If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong) remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you and forgive you: for Allah is the Rabb of grace unbounded.” (8:29)

“As for those who fear their Rabb Unseen, for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.” (67:12)

One best way to have trust and fear in Allah is by taking moral lessons from the Prophet (pbuh), his Companions, the pious Muslims or true followers of Islam. Some examples are as follows:

- Ibn Taymiyah used to say:  “Whatever the enemy tries to do to me they should remember that my heart is my guide and my soul is my source of happiness. Should they prison me I will find time to recite the Qur’an and remember Allah, if they kill me I will be a martyr. And should I be forced to leave my country, I will be a tourist.”

- To prevent him from feeling pain they offered to give Orwah bin zubair liquor while amputating his leg, but he preferred to have the whole thing done without the aid of such substances that are forbidden in Islam. These substances are usually forbidden in Islam, but Allah has given Muslims special permission to use the substances if they are needed and there is no lawful substitute.  Here Orwah didn’t use it in his desire to gain reward from Allah.  He instructed them to cut his limb after he recited verses from the Qur’an.  They managed to perform the whole procedure without him moving at all.  This shows how strong his faith and trust in Allah the Almighty.

- Remembering the hadith (Prophet’s saying) which says, “The best strive (Jihad) is a word to be said in front of a tyrant governor, Abu Al Hasan decided to confront Ahmad Ibn Toloon (a cruel Egyptian ruler, that unjustifiably killed more than 18,000 innocent people).  In an attempt to put an end to this wrong doing, he courageously but politely pointed out that what Ahmad was doing was wrong, this didn’t make Ahmad very happy, he decided to sentence Abu Al Hasan to death. The chosen method was to throw him in a hungry lions cage.  To the amazement of the bystanders and Ahmad himself Abu Al Hasan, did not show any sign of fear; in fact, he stayed in his place and did not move. The hungry lion approached and smelled Abu Al Hasan but didn’t attack him as expected. The people shouted, “Allah Akbar! Allah Akbar (God is the greatest, God is the greatest)!” When Ahmad decided to interview Abu Al Hasan in attempt to discover the reason, he asked him: “What were you thinking of when the lion approached you?  Abu Al Hasan said, “I was thinking whether the saliva of the lion was clean or not in case it touches my clothes.” Ahmad wondered, “Weren’t you scared of the lion?” Abu Al Hasan said: “No, my belief and trust in Allah offered me protection and led me through this whole ordeal.”

The above true story shows that indeed, success comes through true belief and trust in Allah.  Verily, Allah is the Protector of those who have faith:

“God is the Protector of those who have faith: From the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light.  Of those who reject faith their patrons are the Evil Ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness.  They will be Companions of the fire, so dwell therein (forever).” (2: 257)

For every hardship or difficulty that we meet, it is for our success that we take inspiration also from the following authentic hâdîth:

Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said:  “Life on this earth is like a prison for the believers and a garden for unbelievers.” Ibn Hajar Al Asqalani (a chief of the court in Egypt) used to wear very nice clothes.  Once he met a Jew wearing old /torn clothes.  The Jew stopped Al Asqalani and asked him: “Don’t you see the situation I am in and compare it with the bounty you enjoy, although I am unbeliever and you are believer?  How can you explain your Prophet’s saying: ‘Life on this earth is like a prison for the believers and a garden for unbelievers?’” Ibn Hajar answered him:  “Although you have a miserable life on earth, you will consider yourself in paradise compare to what you will suffer in the hereafter if you die as an unbeliever.  For me with all this bounty I have, if Allah Subhanahu wata’ala will reward me with Paradise, then this life will be like a prison to me compared to life in Paradise.  The Jew said, “If it is so, then I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Prophet.”

What is true success in Islam?

The word “prosperity” or success referred to it in the Qur’an is the word “FALAH” or Fawze. Falah is derived from the word falaha which means to plant.  The word Falah is broader in its meaning and can be understood by almost everybody.  To plant means to plough the soil, put the seeds in it, irrigate it and take care of it. Sometimes we plant but we don’t have harvest, because of flood or cyclone.  But remember, whoever believes in Allah and follows His Path will always have harvest, because he does not invest for this life only but for the life hereafter. Therefore, to succeed in life is to establish Allah’s Words, to secure a decent life and to live in peace and stability. To succeed in the hereafter is to have eternal life and live in Paradise forever. Allah says:

“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness.  We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever.  Allâh’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allâh’s?” (4:122)

“And those who are blessed shall be in the Garden: they will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as your Rabb wills:  a gift without break.” (Hud,11:108).

“Allâh has promised the believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.  But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allâh: that is the supreme success.” (9:72)

In Islam, true success is the eternal peace, happiness and prosperity that Allah grants to those who believe and do righteous deeds.  It is to be among the dwellers of Paradise forever.  It is the achievement of our very Goal—that is to be able to see Allah, our Rabb and Creator.  That is the supreme success and that is what we call true success!  The opposite of which is failure, which means severe punishments in the Hell-Fire. Therefore we do not wait until we see the truth by ourselves.  It will be too late then.  It is for our own success that we take guidance and admonitions from the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

By reading the Qur’an, we are reminded of Allah, our Creator.  We are reminded of His favor upon us.  We are reminded of our purpose in life, our ultimate Goal of Meeting Him, if we succeed in life.  We are reminded of the life hereafter, which is our eternal destiny.  If we live a life on the Path of Islam, the Straight Path to Paradise, we will ultimately attain SUCCESS.  Allah the Exalted says:

“This is the Book (the Qur’an) in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah; Who believe in the Unseen are steadfast in prayer and spend out of what we have provided for them and who believe in the Revelation Sent to you, and sent before your time and in their hearts have the assurance of the hereafter. They are on true guidance form their Rabb, and it is these who will prosper (succeed).” (Baqarah, 2:1-5)

“ . . . On them shall be no fear, Nor shall they grieve.” (Al-Baqara,2: 274)

On the other hand, if we deviate from Allah’s Path, then a miserable life becomes our fate, one that is extremely too severe for us to bear for a torment eternal, if Allah will not forgive us. Examples of the verses from the Qur’an that remind us of the Hereafter are as follows:

“It was We Who created man, and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein.” (Surah Qaf, 50:16)

“Behold, two (guardian angels) appointed to learn (his doings) learn (and not them), one sitting on the right and one on the left.” (Surah Qaf, 50:17)

“Not a word does he utter but there is a sentinel by him, ready (to note it).” (Surah Qaf, 50: 18)

“And the stupor of death will bring truth before his eyes: this was the thing, which you were trying to escape.” (Surah Qaf, 50:19)

“And the Trumpet shall be blown: That will be the Day Whereof Warning (had been given).” (Surah Qaf, 50:20)

“And there will come forth every soul: with each will be an angel to drive and an angel to bear witness.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 21)

“It will be said: ‘You were heedless of this; now have We removed your veil, and sharp is your sight this day!’” (Surah Qaf, 50: 22)

“And his Companion will say:  ‘Here is his record ready with me!’ (Surah Qaf, 50:23)

“The sentence will be: “Throw, throw into Hell every contumacious Rejecter of Allah (God).” (Surah Qaf, 50: 24)

“Who forbade what was good, transgressed all bounds cast doubts and Suspicions;” (Surah Qaf, 50:26)

“Who set up another god beside God: throw him into a severe penalty.” (Surah Qaf, 50:, verse 26)

“His companion will say: “Our Rabb!  I did not make him transgress, but he was (himself) far astray.” ” (Surah Qaf, 50: 27)

“He (Allah) will say:  “Dispute not with each other in my presence I had already in advance sent you warning.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 28)

“The word changes not before Me and I do not do the least injustice to My servants.” (Surah Qaf, 50:29)

“One day We will ask Hell, ‘Are you filled to the full? It will say, “Are there any more to come?’” (Surah Qaf, 50:30)

“And the Garden will be brought nigh to the righteous, no more a thing distant.” (Surah Qaf, 50:31)

“A voice will say; “This is what was promised for you,- for every one who turned (to Allah) in sincere repentance, who kept (His Law),” (Surah Qaf, 50:32)

“Who feared (Allah) Most Gracious unseen, and brought a heart turned in devotion (to Him):” (Surah Qaf, 50:33)

“Enter ye therein in peace and security; this is a day of eternal life!” (Surah Qaf, 50: 34).

“There will be for them therein all that they wish and more besides in Our Presence.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 35)

“Bear, then with patience, all that they say, and celebrate the praises of your Rabb, before the rising of the sun and before its setting.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 39)

“And during part of the night, also celebrate His praises, and so likewise after the postures of adoration.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 40)

“And listen for the Day when the caller will call out from a place quite near.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 41)

“The day when they will hear a mighty blast in very truth: that will be the Day of Resurrection.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 42)

“Verily it is We Who Give Life and Death; and to Us is the Final Goal.” (Surah Qaf, 50:43)

“The Day when the earth will be rent asunder from men hurrying out: that will be a gathering together quite easy for Us.” (Surah Qaf, 50: 44)

“Those who reject their Rabb and Cherisher are the losers, it is the party of the evil one that will perish.” (Surah Tabarak, 67:6)

“They will further say, ‘Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we should not now be among the companions of the blazing fire.’” (Surah Tabarak, 67:10)

Conclusion

To conclude, SUCCESS means to prosper in this life and the life after. It is to have peace and contentment in this world and attain our Goal of Meeting our Creator and enjoy the blessings of Paradise forever.  In order to accomplish this, we have to be patient, to put our trust in Allah and fear no one but Him Alone.  Patience is required so we can obey Allah’s orders and establish His words in order to correct any misdeed within us and in our society.  Patience is what we need to fight Satan and his followers.  We must remember that with Satan’s evil promptings there will be people who are always benefiting from and exploiting any deviation inflected in the society by deviating from Allah’s Path.  These people will try their best to fight against us Muslims who want to establish Allah’s Path.  They will not hesitate to hurt us whenever they can, ridicule us, annoy and make us tired, and fight us.  Those who are fighting us to prevent us from establishing Allah’s Path may be stronger than us, but with patience and trust in Allah, in the end, we will be the winner!  Let us not fear our enemies, no matter how strong they seem to be.  Let us put our trust in Allah and fear no one but Him.  If we do this, He will grant us victory in this world and supreme success in the eternal world to come.

From wefound.org
The Author is a Professor from the King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is one of the Wisdom Enrichment Foundation (WEFOUND)’s International Board of Advisers. She is an active Da’iyah and lecturer on Islam in Riyadh. This article is the written version of her public lecture, which she delivered on February 18, 1999 at the WAMY Women’s Headquarters, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sponsored by the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), the International Council for Islamic Information (ICII) and the Wisdom Enrichment Foundation (WEFOUND). The WEFOUND conducted the said international series of lectures.