Success requires effort, determination, and action, qualities that don’t come to fruition while we lie idle. Islam, as a way of life, emphasizes the importance of utilizing time wisely and striving for excellence in every aspect of life. The pursuit of virtues, whether spiritual, moral, or worldly, requires intentional effort and a proactive approach.
Allah commands believers to make the best use of their time:
فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانصَبْ وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ
"So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord, direct [your longing]." (Quran 94:7-8)
This verse reminds us that we are not meant to remain stagnant but to continuously move from one purposeful activity to another, keeping Allah at the center of our efforts.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:
اغتنم خمسًا قبل خمس: شبابك قبل هرمك، وصحتك قبل سقمك، وغناك قبل فقرك، وفراغك قبل شغلك، وحياتك قبل موتك.
"Take advantage of five matters before five: your youth before you become old, your health before you fall sick, your wealth before you become poor, your free time before you become busy, and your life before your death." (Hakim)
Success Is Earned Through Effort
Virtues like patience, kindness, honesty, and self-discipline cannot be achieved passively. They are cultivated through consistent effort and conscious choices. Success, whether in this life or the hereafter, is the result of striving for what is right.
Allah says:
وَأَنْ لَيْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ
"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives." (Quran 53:39)
Just as a farmer must wake up early to till the soil, plant seeds, and tend to crops, we too must wake up literally and metaphorically to work on developing virtues and achieving our goals.
One practical way to "wake up to success" is by starting the day early. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
اللهم بارك لأمتي في بكورها
"O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings." (Tirmidhi)
Waking up early not only allows us to begin our day with prayer and gratitude but also sets a productive tone for the rest of the day. It’s a time for reflection, planning, and taking meaningful steps toward success.
Steps to Cultivate Virtues
Set Goals: Decide which virtues you want to develop and create actionable steps to achieve them.
Start Your Day with Worship: Perform Fajr prayer and spend a few moments reflecting on Allah’s blessings and setting intentions for the day.
Be Consistent: Small, consistent efforts build habits that lead to lasting virtues.
Seek Knowledge: Read and learn about the qualities you aspire to embody, using the Quran and Sunnah as your guide.
Push Through Discomfort: Virtue often requires sacrifice whether it’s waking up early, giving up bad habits, or resisting temptation.
In conclusion, success and virtue don’t come to those who remain passive. By waking up to the opportunities each day presents and actively working toward bettering ourselves, we align with Allah’s guidance and the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Embrace effort, rise early, and pursue virtues relentlessly, they aren’t achieved in sleep, but through determination and conscious action.