Islam wants a believer to be strong not only in physical strength but in faith, character, perseverance and deed. Such a person fears Allah, is patient in adversity, works to make the world beautiful, keeps away from arrogance and envy, and always keeps before them this saying of Allah: “Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer — surely I will grant them a pure and beautiful life, and I will reward them according to the best of what they used to do.” (Surah an-Nahl, verse 97).
Success is the due of those who strive, which Allah has ordained for the hardworking. Whoever strives with firm faith, a lofty aim and only the pleasure of Allah in view is the more deserving of Allah’s help. For them there is a great reward in both this world and the hereafter. Analysing the lives of successful people, one sees that they are generally more faithful, disciplined, flexible and far from many negative traits.
Set out below are the ten main obstacles on the path to success.
1. Weakness in reliance on Allah
Sometimes a person becomes so dependent on their own skill, knowledge or ability that they are seized by arrogance. As a result they either fall into the trap of a false success or are deprived of Allah’s help and fail. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “If you relied on Allah as He should be relied upon, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds; they go out hungry in the morning and return with full bellies in the evening.” (Tirmidhi, hadith 2344).
2. Lack of daily planning
Successful people have clear aims — both short-term and long-term. They make a plan for each day’s work and set priorities. They also try to complete every task well and skilfully. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Allah loves that when one of you does a task, he does it perfectly.” (Sahih al-Jami, hadith 1880).
3. Keeping company with negative people
The influence of pessimistic and negative people gradually affects one’s own mind. Successful people therefore try to keep away from such company and take the companionship of positive, honest and hopeful people. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “A person follows the religion and character of their close friend. So let each of you look at whom he is befriending.” (Abu Dawud, hadith 4833).
4. Falling into despair over failure
Successful people know that failure is a part of success. They learn from failure and move forward with fresh vigour. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “If some misfortune befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such-and-such…’ Rather say, ‘This is the decree of Allah; He does what He wills.’ For the word ‘if’ opens the door to the work of Satan.” (Sahih Muslim, hadith 2664).
5. Worrying too much about others’ judgement
Successful people do not make their own worth depend on the praise or criticism of others. They have their own ideals, aims and self-confidence. They therefore do not break down needlessly over what people say.
6. Making excessive excuses
Successful people can admit failure, but they do not avoid responsibility by making excuses. They take responsibility for their own work themselves and look for solutions to problems.
7. Envying the success of others
Successful people compete, but they do not envy. They take the success of others as inspiration and try to better themselves through still harder work. An envious person harms themselves before they harm others, for they begin by burning in the fire of envy. Until the envy is gone, this is a lasting worldly punishment for them. Their face is always downcast. There is no laughter or joy with them in their family. They are forever busy with plots and schemes to harm others. They remain always anxious and fearful of an opponent’s attack. As a result they are deprived of good company. Just as a woodworm eats away at green bamboo from within, so the fire of envy eats away at the heart of an envious person. One day they are destroyed, just as worm-eaten bamboo suddenly breaks and falls. In this way, even lying in an air-conditioned room in this world, they burn in the fire of envy.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Do not hate one another, do not envy one another, do not plot against one another and do not cut off relations with one another. Be brothers, O servants of Allah.” (Bukhari, hadith 6076).
8. Neglecting health and rest
Long-term success is not possible without soundness of body and mind. Successful people therefore take care of adequate rest, health and mental peace. There is no alternative to exercise for good health. For those who get no chance to exercise because of the pressure of work, doctors advise brisk walking every day as a routine. As part of exercise the Prophet ﷺ wrestled with his companions. From time to time he took part in running races. He once took part in a running race one night with his beloved wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) as well.
He always walked briskly and with spontaneity. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I have not seen anyone walk faster than the Prophet ﷺ.” (Tirmidhi, hadith 3648).
9. Unclear aims and weak decisions
Successful people have clear and specific aims. They know what they want to achieve. As a result they can easily assess their own progress. Their decisions are firm, and once a decision is made they do not delay in carrying it out. In this way their self-confidence grows.
10. Stopping in fear when obstacles come
Obstacles are bound to come on the path of life; but successful people do not hesitate to change their plans and strategy when necessary. Their aim remains unchanged, but they are prepared to change the method of achieving it according to circumstances. All the people who have become memorable and honoured in the world worked hard in their own fields. They kept up their tireless effort and striving to achieve success. In time, Almighty Allah gave them the successful reward of their effort. When a person strives with determination for something, Almighty Allah grants it to them.
In the holy Quran, Almighty Allah says: “And that man shall have nothing but what he strives for.” (Surah an-Najm, verse 39).
May Allah accept it from us all. Amin.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report