An Ingredient to Success

Now success is a topic that has been discussed by soooooooo many people. Sometimes by rather unsuccessful people (!). However, this post is not a “complete guide on how to be successful” or anything similar. I’m not an expert, nor am I knowledgeable enough to give a deep and critical opinion on this matter.

But I do have an instructions manual. As a matter of fact, it’s the best one ever! I have the Quran, and a role model’s success story – my beloved prophet, Mohamed SAAW. And one specific instruction is the daily dhikr (sayings that “remind” us of Allah).

NON-MUSLIMS: Before turning away, this could, and perhaps should, apply to you as well if you are a believer in God. And those of you who were believers once upon a time, and not so sure anymore – well try this out, it might stimulate some believing again ;).

Anyway, so why do I think dhikr is an ingredient to success? Well first of all it’s a daily ritual. I believe success does not come as a piece of cake – you’ve got to do things on a daily basis for that wonderful effect to materialize in the end. Dhikr is also done twice a day – once at sunrise, and once at sunset. Different activities (usually) happen at those two time periods (day and night) – hence dhikr ensures activities done during both periods are successful.

Dhikr doesn’t just remind us of our belief in Allah, it strengthens this belief in ourselves. It reassures us that this belief is correct, that it makes sense, it’s the best one out there and it is suitable and applicable at all circumstances. And once you’ve got that strength then, well, not even Kryptonite would sway you!

Well how does this strength come about? Dhikr is merely a few sayings, either from the Quran or taken from the Prophet (SAAW). But these sayings embrace a few main principles, such as:

• Thanking Allah: Imagine waking up every morning and thinking of all the different beautiful things you’ve got in life. A family, a house, delicious food, good education, great living standards, health, time, and the list goes on. We usually acknowledge the fact that “we are luckier than many others” but unfortunately the fact gets forgotten 5 minutes later. Saying “Thanks to Allah” (Alhamdulillah) 100 times every day and night carves this into our memory and strengthens our heart – you end up feeling happy, lucky and privileged.

Think of the consequent effects of starting your day feeling happy and lucky – won’t that day be an easy going bright day? As some say, “thinking positively” is the secret to success. Well only 1 part of Dhikr is sufficient to make you think positively all day long.

• Glorifying Allah: Deeply reflect on His powers, His wonders and miracles, His strength, and His unlimited abilities. This immediately makes us feel unknowledgeable enough; that there’s a lot more to learn and discover about life. And that’s the greatest force behind motivation: if there’s a lot more left, then let’s get on with it and start our life journey!

Feeling motivated will definitely make you work hard, and use the maximum brain and body powers you’ve got – I’m sure everyone agrees that this is necessary for success…

• Depending on Allah: After realizing how much Allah can do, depending on Allah and trusting Him would simply make you feel quite powerful. You’d feel as if you can do anything. ANYTHING. If you’re facing any problems, they can be easily resolved if Allah wishes so. If you’re encountering a difficult task, then completing it should be no problem. Basically, you have the biggest support behind your back, and nothing can stop you (this is conditional upon you doing the right thing - not Haram).

And that, my friends, is dhikr. Of course there are other principles which I haven’t mentioned; simply because I feel these three affect me personally the most. They make me feel so confident and strong each day, and willing to live life to its fullest and ready to face it all. At the same time, I remember Allah is watching and it’s as if a self-governing switch immediately turns on.

Now I know lots of Muslims know about dhikr, or Adhkar (the plural), but they somehow forget to say them – or perhaps lessen their importance. Maybe it’s because when they used to say them, it never went further than their tongues – it never reached their hearts. No matter what the case, go back to them! They are a blessing themselves, a psychological conjuration that magically sets you up for another successful day. Wouldn’t you like to start your day/night feeling soothed, relaxed, happy, strong, and capable? Hell yeah!