How Islam Changed My View of Success.

Success is a word that carries different meanings for different people. For many years, I believed success was all about wealth, status, power, and worldly achievements. I thought the more money I had, the more luxurious my life became, and the more people admired me, the more successful I would be. I spent a lot of time chasing these goals, constantly comparing myself to others and feeling like I wasn’t doing enough. But when I truly began to understand Islam, my entire view of success changed.

Islam gave me a new perspective—one that values inner peace, sincerity, purpose, and accountability over material gain. Through its teachings, I realized that true success is not measured by what we possess in this world, but by how we live our lives in the eyes of Allah (SWT), and how we prepare for the Hereafter.

The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught me that success is about pleasing Allah, fulfilling our duties, and living a life of good character. One verse that deeply affected me is from Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1-2):

“Certainly will the believers have succeeded. They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.”

This verse made me realize that success in the eyes of Allah begins with sincere faith and humility, not with cars, clothes, or fame.

Islam also shifted my focus from competition with others to self-improvement. In the dunya (this world), people are constantly trying to outdo one another—better jobs, better houses, more followers on social media. But Islam teaches that our main competition should be with our own souls. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The strong person is not the one who can wrestle others, but the one who controls himself when he is angry.” This hadith taught me that success includes developing patience, kindness, and control over our desires.

Before Islam, I used to fear failure—losing money, missing an opportunity, being rejected. But Islam reminded me that everything happens by the will of Allah, and what’s meant for me will never miss me. This belief gave me peace and confidence. I learned that even if I don’t succeed in worldly terms, if I stay honest, make sincere efforts, and trust Allah’s plan, I am still successful.

I also learned that helping others is a major part of success. Islam encourages us to care for the poor, be generous, and support one another. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” This made me understand that the more I give—whether it’s time, wealth, or kindness—the more I grow in the sight of Allah. I started feeling more fulfilled when helping someone in need than when earning more money.

Islam taught me that the real success lies in the Hereafter. This world is temporary—a test. No matter how rich or powerful we become, we will all return to Allah, and the only thing that will matter is our deeds. Surah Al-Asr reminds us:

“By time. Indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe, and do righteous deeds, and encourage truth, and encourage patience.”

This changed how I spend my time. I began to value prayer, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), charity, and good behavior more than achievements that used to impress me before.

Finally, Islam gave me inner peace, which I now see as the greatest form of success. When I align my actions with my faith, I feel at peace, even if things aren’t going well externally. I know I’m trying my best for the sake of Allah, and that’s enough.

In conclusion, Islam transformed my definition of success from materialistic goals to spiritual growth and purposeful living. It taught me that success is not in showing off, but in being sincere, humble, and striving to be better each day. It reminded me that the true reward is not in this world, but in the Hereafter. And that is the kind of success worth chasing.