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In a world where the criteria of success vary with differing values and goals, we are confronted with a profound question: what is true success? How do we determine that someone has achieved success, while others may see them as far from it? This question is not new, but it requires us to call to mind the depth of the concept and a criterion grounded in foundations that go beyond superficial standards.
Being Drawn Away from the Fire: The Criterion of Eternal Success
God, Glorified and Exalted is He, says in His Clear Book:
"فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ" "Whoever is drawn away from the Fire and admitted into Paradise has truly triumphed."
(Āl ʿImrān: 185)
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This Qurʾanic vision sets out for us a concept of success in a context that extends beyond the life of this world to the Hereafter. God, Glorified and Exalted is He, makes clear that "being drawn away from the Fire" is the dividing line between eternal success and eternal failure. He is saying that success here is not measured by wealth, fame or status, but by spiritual and moral criteria. The highest criterion in Islam is attaining Paradise, and lasting success is the good pleasure of God, Mighty and Majestic is He, which is bound up with the righteous legacy a person leaves behind.
Apparent Success versus True Success
Let us look at some examples that embody this difference in outlook. The former (and current) US President Donald Trump, for instance, sees himself as a model of success, basing this on his enormous wealth and political influence. Many, however, regard this success as superficial, built on a display of public image and titles without any real value that serves society or leaves a positive impact.
On the other hand, we find the religious scholar Shaykh al-Marʿashī al-Najafī, who departed this world without leaving material wealth, yet left behind a legacy of learning and knowledge that lights the way for his students and followers. Many consider him successful, not because of wealth or power, but because he left an enduring cultural and spiritual impact. By contrast, we find that Elon Musk possesses enormous wealth and is regarded as one of the most successful businessmen. Despite this, the concept of his success remains confined to a purely material framework, and it may not be considered true success because it lacks a deep spiritual and moral dimension.
The same applies to the political scene. Benjamin Netanyahu is bombing Gaza and Lebanon. He sees success in his military operations from a narrow military perspective, while many see his failure in his being responsible for destroying the lives of many innocent people. On the other hand, we find Yaḥyā al-Sinwār, who is regarded by his people and those who support him as an example of courage and steadfastness. At the same time, his opponents see him as a failure because he stands against their interests. So true success is not what a person sees in himself. True success lies in the positive impact a person leaves on those around him, in keeping with firmly established moral values.
Duʿāʾ: The Key to True Success
When people talk about success, what usually comes to mind are notions of seriousness, perseverance and diligent work. Important as these factors are, there is another aspect that many overlook: duʿāʾ (supplication). It is reported that the Commander of the Faithful, ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (peace be upon him), said:
"الدعاء مفاتيح النجاح ومقاليد الفلاح" "Supplication is the keys to success and the keys to salvation."
This hadith indicates that duʿāʾ is the gateway through which we enter the path of success, since it represents our spiritual bond with God and our trust in Him. Success is not limited to what we achieve through our personal effort alone; rather, it is divine enablement (tawfīq) that opens doors for us and guides our steps towards what is right.
We often associate success with personal diligence and perseverance, but it is duʿāʾ that gives this effort a spiritual dimension and a deeper meaning. For duʿāʾ embodies a person's bond with his Creator and his trust in Him at every step he takes towards his goals. When someone is asked about the factors of success, he rarely points to duʿāʾ as an essential element, even though it is considered the root that enables a person to reach his goal. The reason is that it brings about spiritual balance and helps a person face challenges with tranquillity and trust in God.
So, What Is Your Criterion for Success?
To determine the criterion of true success, a person needs to undertake a deep review of the values on which he builds his life and goals. This criterion is not fixed; rather, it changes according to what the individual regards as the essential foundation of his life. It may lie in serving others, strengthening spiritual values, or finding a path to inner peace.
By grasping the concept of "being drawn away from the Fire" as the highest aim, and duʿāʾ as the root of the journey of success, we will have begun to set true criteria for success. Our criteria may go beyond the material dimension and focus on what benefits a person in this world and the Hereafter. In this way, success becomes a continuous journey towards self-development and making a positive impact, not merely the acquisition of wealth or positions.
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