In a fast-paced world obsessed with material achievements, social validation, and status, the concept of success has been heavily distorted. Society often tells us that success means having a large bank account, luxurious possessions, a powerful position, or social influence. But through the divine guidance of ISLAM, we are reminded that true success is far deeper it is not about how much we have, but how close we are to ALLAH.
The beauty of ISLAM lies in how it redefines every worldly concept including success through the lens of spirituality, humility, and purpose. In ISLAM, success is not measured by numbers or wealth, but by sincerity, obedience, and steadfastness in faith.
SUCCESS IN THE DUNYA: A TEMPORARY ILLUSION
The DUNYA often dazzles with its glamour careers, wealth, technology, travel, and luxury. It’s easy to become attached, believing that achieving more will finally bring contentment. Yet the PROPHET ﷺ warned us about the endless chase for worldly possessions:
“If the son of Adam had a valley full of gold, he would wish for two valleys, and nothing fills the son of Adam except dust.” (BUKHARI & MUSLIM)
This hadith is a profound reminder that worldly desires are insatiable. The more we acquire, the more we crave. The DUNYA was never created to fulfill the soul it was created to test it.
ISLAM teaches that material success is fleeting. Your house, your career, and your recognition are all temporary blessings. They are tools that can be used to gain Allah’s pleasure, not the goal themselves. The moment the DUNYA becomes your destination instead of your journey, you begin to lose sight of the AKHIRAH the true home of success.
ALLAH reminds us in the Qur’an:
“Know that the life of this world is only play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. It is like rain that produces growth which pleases the farmers, but soon it withers…” (QUR’AN 57:20)
The message is clear worldly achievements fade, but deeds done for the sake of ALLAH remain forever.
SUCCESS IN THE AKHIRAH: THE TRUE VICTORY
ISLAM defines success not by worldly metrics, but by eternal ones. The ultimate victory is described by ALLAH in the Qur’an:
“Whoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has indeed attained success.” (QUR’AN 3:185)
Everything else pales in comparison to this. No matter how successful one appears in the DUNYA, if they lose sight of the AKHIRAH, they have lost everything. And even if one has little in this world but earns the mercy of ALLAH, they have achieved the greatest success imaginable.
Success in the AKHIRAH requires effort, sincerity, and patience. It is about purifying the heart (qalb saleem), performing righteous deeds, and maintaining faith during both ease and hardship. The believer’s ultimate goal is not to be remembered by people, but to be forgiven by ALLAH.
STRIKING THE BALANCE BETWEEN DUNYA AND DEEN
While ISLAM calls believers to focus on the AKHIRAH, it does not reject the DUNYA. The PROPHET ﷺ encouraged excellence (ihsan) in all things in work, family, trade, and education. The key lies in balance.
ALLAH says:
“But seek, with that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.” (QUR’AN 28:77)
The DUNYA should serve the AKHIRAH, not distract from it. When we use our careers to provide for our families, give charity, and serve the ummah, our worldly efforts become acts of worship. It is the intention that transforms ordinary actions into extraordinary rewards.
A true Muslim strives with purpose. They excel in their profession not for ego, but to honor the blessings of ALLAH. They study not for fame, but to seek knowledge that benefits others. They earn wealth not for luxury, but to uplift those in need.
This balance between striving and surrender is what makes ISLAM so complete.
SUCCESS ACCORDING TO THE PROPHET
The PROPHET MUHAMMAD ﷺ, who had the opportunity to become a king, chose humility and simplicity. His definition of success was never tied to power or possessions. He said:
“Whoever among you wakes up secure in his property, healthy in his body, and has his food for the day, it is as if the world has been gathered for him.” (TIRMIDHI)
This profound hadith redefines what it means to be rich. True wealth is not in having more, but in being content with what you have. The believer who wakes up with health, security, and sustenance already possesses enough to be grateful for.
Contentment (qana’ah) is the real treasure of faith. It brings tranquility, gratitude, and freedom from constant comparison. The person who is content with Allah’s decree lives in peace, regardless of circumstances.
THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS
In ISLAM, success is not a moment it’s a mindset. It is the constant pursuit of righteousness, gratitude, and closeness to ALLAH. It’s found in the quiet dawn prayers, the secret charity, the patient endurance of trials, and the humility of the heart.
Success is not in being admired by people, but in being accepted by ALLAH. It’s not in how loud your name is on earth, but how bright your record shines in the heavens.
ALLAH promises in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds they are the best of creatures.” (QUR’AN 98:7)
CONCLUSION
To redefine success through the lens of ISLAM is to break free from the illusions of this world and realign our hearts with eternal truth. Every degree, every promotion, every possession will eventually fade, but what will remain is the intention behind them and how they were used in service of ALLAH.
The DUNYA is a journey, not a destination. Real success is walking through it with humility, gratitude, and remembrance of ALLAH striving not for applause, but for acceptance; not for status, but for salvation.
True success begins and ends with ALLAH.
