How To Be Successful - Babar Chaudhry
Earlier in my life, my surroundings set the bar of how to be successful. Everyone ran the rat race by competing to be the most successful. All the people I met had dreams to achieve the fame and fortune of those in the Fortune 500. Earning tons of money every day.
I was inspired by these people just because I believed that was the definition of success. However, I soon came to realize that these so-called “successful” people only represent about 1% of the world’s population. It’s like the world chooses them to be the needle in the haystack.
As the years passed, the possibility of being successful seemed like an impossible dream. I wondered what would happen if I stopped striving for that target. No one ever wants to be called a failure even those like me who didn’t reach the top.
At the back of my mind I always had one question, if this was not true success then what is success, and how can I be successful?
My Struggle To Becoming Successful
To achieve success was like climbing a mountain. I tried everything – studied hard, participated in extracurricular activities, and pretty much did everything successful people do. Yet, I did not understand how to be successful. I felt like a complete failure that was climbing up but getting nowhere.One day, I was scrolling through Arrahman Arraheem Pinterest when I saw a quote from Babar R. Chaudhry on the page. It appealed to me and one of the lines hit my heart:
“Do you want to have success in life or do you want to have a successful life?”
In a split second, this question completely changed my perspective on success. All along, I thought that success meant to make a name for myself. However, I realized that I all I really wanted was a successful life.
For me, a successful life equates to long-term prosperity whereas, success is just a one-time deal. So to learn more, I went back to the Pinterest page and accessed the website of Arrahman Arraheem Network. In the click of a button, I discovered my answers on how to be successful.
My Journey To Success
Before visiting the Arrahman Arraheem page, I always thought that my success was related to winning from others. My definition of how to be successful was to be the person with the most materialistic resources. I thought that is what I needed to be powerful. That way I would be financially secure and be an inspiration for others.Once I visited Arrahman Arraheem Network, my idea of success completely turned around. Soon I came to realize that real success is being the best in the sight of the Creator, not in the sight of people.
Success In This World Or Hereafter
After listening and watching the lectures of Babar Chaudhry it was clear that becoming successful starts by practicing Islam. By no means am I saying that one should stop striving to achieve their worldly aspirations.Islam is a balanced religion, which encourages people to establish themselves both spiritually as well as in the world. However, as Brother Babar says,
“We need money to live. We should not live for money. Islam teaches us to balance our emotions and intelligence.”
Whether you want a house, car, wealth or anything else just remember, do not be desperate. Over time, our concept of “success” (i.e. materialistic gain) turns out to be a test for us. We are definitely accountable for everything we are blessed with. The more we have, the greater the accountability.
Therefore, how to be successful is not about having more but about having the best. That is why Muslims pray;
“Our Rabb! Give us the best in this world and in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of hell-fire”
Chapter 2 Al-Baqarah Verse 201).
Undoubtedly, only our Creator knows what is best for us so only Allah (S.W.T) can explain how to be successful.
Islam On How To Be Successful
The word Islam means “peace for those who surrender to the message of Allah (S.W.T).” Now, peace is not exactly the same as “worldly success” but it does guarantee a successful life. Through the ups and downs in your life, Islam ensures your success and happiness.
The first step, on your journey to becoming successful, begins with changing yourself. In order to do that you must;
- Accept that change is necessary and without it, success is impossible to achieve.
- Identify your weaknesses and strengths
- Find the solution to overcoming those weaknesses in verses of the Holy Quran.
The next step is to put into practice whatever you learn from the verses of the Holy Quran. This is the part where we must strive for success
“And whoever obeys Allah (S.W.T) and His Messenger and is conscious of Allah (S.W.T) and guards himself against evil, then such are the people who are successful.”
Chapter 24 An-Nur Verse 52
What Is Success?
For anyone reading this blog, it is time to change your concepts and ideas about success. Being successful means to have everlasting success and happiness in your relationships, in your everyday life.Without a doubt, accomplishments such as winning the Nobel Prize is a form of success. But it does not mean that you are successful as a father, mother, wife, husband etc.
Babar Chaudhry eloquently tells us exactly what true success is.
This is the kind of success that fortunately, anyone can achieve. This is the kind of success that is acceptable by our Creator because He only judges us by our piety and by our deeds.
The Role Model Of Success
By now, there should be no doubts that foundation of how to be successful is dependent on your character. The person with the best character is the best in the sight of Allah (S.W.T). And as Muslims, we all know that the person of the best character is or beloved Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H)Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is the role model for us to follow is we want to be successful. All of his successes were because of his devotion to Allah (S.W.T) and spreading the message of Islam. Because that was the promise, that Allah (S.W.T) made to His Messenger and the Believers in the Holy Quran.
“O you who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in his cause: that you may be successful.”
Chapter Al-Maida Verse 35
Personality And Traits Of A Successful Person
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan once said,“Failure is a word unknown to me.”
Successful people like him already have many of the personality traits that are a precondition for success. These personality traits grow and increase with their successes. Below are the top 3 personality traits on achieving success:
Gratitude To Allah (S.W.T)
Most important of all, be thankful for what Allah (S.W.T) has provided you. This will make you realize that success is not a destination but a flow of positive energy. Remember to celebrate your successes with gratitude for Allah (S.W.T) and not arrogance.
Patience For The Sake Of Allah (S.W.T)
We cannot achieve success overnight. It is a lengthy process that requires an individual to be patient. Without patience, a person can make hasty decisions, which only lead to loss.
Humbleness And Devotion To Allah (S.W.T)
Allah (S.W.T) promises success for those who turn to Him in sincere devotion. Never forget that Allah (S.W.T) has granted you special skills and blessings that allow you to be successful. Some people might belong to a wealthy family while others might be relatively poor.
3-Steps To Becoming Successful
My motto for a successful life is – look good, feel good and do good. These three aspects are broad and all of them require me to practice Islam.1. Look Good
Hygiene is part of our iman (belief). Our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said;“Cleanliness is half your belief.”
Keep yourself and your environment clean. Would you prefer to see brown grass or green grass? Clearly, you would say green grass because it looks pleasing to the eye.
Appreciate your body and the environment that Allah (S.W.T) has granted you. Simple habits like exercising, making your bed in the morning or clearing up after a task, help you to get ready for a successful day.
2. Feel Good
There is absolutely no way you can be successful if you harness your weaknesses. In addition, connecting with Allah (S.W.T) through the Holy Quran and regular prayers will keep you motivated for success. Having positive feelings will give you a successful life in both good and bad times.
3. Do Good
In short, our definition of success should not be about getting more but giving more. Give others their rights and you will become the most successful person in the eyes of the Creator.
