In today’s world, success is often measured by wealth, status, degrees, or the number of followers we gain. People are celebrated for climbing career ladders, owning luxury, or achieving fame. Yet in the light of Islam, the question arises: what is true success success in the dunya, or success in the akhirah?
Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
“But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting.”
(Qur’an 87:16–17)
This verse clearly sets the standard. While success in dunya has its place, it is temporary and fleeting. The real, lasting success lies in the akhirah, where every soul will stand before Allah and be rewarded or held accountable for what they sent forth.
DEFINING SUCCESS IN DUNYA
Success in dunya often comes in forms we can see and measure: education, business growth, professional achievements, and material wealth. Islam does not discourage striving for these things. In fact, Allah commands us to work hard, seek halal provisions, and use the blessings of this world. But the danger lies in making dunya the ultimate goal.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.” (Sahih Muslim). This hadith is a reminder that while believers may face hardships, restrictions, and discipline in this life, their true freedom and reward await in the Hereafter.
DEFINING SUCCESS IN AKHIRAH
Success in the akhirah is eternal. It is measured not by possessions or worldly fame, but by the state of the heart, the sincerity of deeds, and obedience to Allah. The Qur’an describes this ultimate success:
“So whoever is drawn away from the Fire and admitted into Paradise has attained success. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.”
(Qur’an 3:185)
This verse makes it clear: escaping the punishment of Hell and entering Jannah is the true measure of success. All worldly achievements pale in comparison to even the smallest portion of Paradise.
BALANCING BETWEEN THE TWO
Islam does not call for abandoning the dunya. Instead, it teaches balance. Allah says:
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you.”
(Qur’an 28:77)
The believer strives in dunya with the akhirah in mind. Wealth is used for charity. Knowledge is used to benefit others. Time is invested in both building life and preparing for death. This is the balance that Islam encourages.
THE DANGER OF LOVING DUNYA TOO MUCH
When dunya becomes the ultimate goal, hearts harden, and faith weakens. The Prophet ﷺ warned: “By Allah, it is not poverty that I fear for you. But I fear that the world will be opened up for you, just as it was opened up for those before you. Then you will compete in it just as they competed in it, and it will destroy you just as it destroyed them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim).
Chasing dunya without concern for akhirah leads to an empty life filled with things but void of meaning.
CONCLUSION
Success in dunya is temporary, success in akhirah is eternal. Islam teaches us not to neglect either, but to prioritize correctly. Dunya is the field, and akhirah is the harvest. What we sow here is what we will reap there.
True success is not in the titles we earn or the wealth we accumulate, but in standing before Allah on the Day of Judgment with a heart full of iman and deeds that weigh heavy on the scale.
