BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM
GOALS
(2 - 2) by Dr. Ahmed Adam PHYSICAL & PERSONAL GOALS For a Muslim, these
goals must also be set in conjunction with the Final Goal. In this context, a
Muslim views his body as a trust from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and hence
safeguards his body, exercises his body and nourishes his body so that he knows
that when his body is returned to the soil from which it was created, the body
has not been intentionally damaged or harmed in any way. It is ironic that we
pay more attention to looking after our motor cars (checking oil, water,
unleaded fuel, regular servicing, etc) then we do looking after our marvelous
and incredible bodies. An unbeliever however, views his body as his own; if he
exercises or loses weight, he does it out of vanity to be fashionable; if he
indulges his body with wine and drugs, he does not care, because the
unbelievers view is it is my body and I can do what I like. However, the
viewpoint of the Muslim is this body belongs to Allaah Subhaanahu wa
Ta`aala and I am duty-bound to look after it. Hence, we find the following:
(1) when a Muslim sets a goal to lose weight, it is with the intention to
please Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala by keeping his body in a healthy physical
condition
(2) a Muslim does not abuse his body or damage his organs with alcohol,
tobacco, drugs or haraam food, because he knows that his body will be a witness
against his soul on the Day of Judgement.
(3) a Muslim is eternally grateful to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala for
his/her body and is not swayed by the latest media obsession with slim bodies,
size or shape or skin colour, for Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says:
He has created the heavens and the earth in just proportions, and has given
you shape, and made your shapes beautiful: and to Him is the final Goal. (At
Taghâbun 64:3)
This verse gives tremendous boost to the self esteem & body image of every
Muslim. We get an immediate sense of relief and satisfaction after reading this
verse, since we have the assurance that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has made
each and everyone of us beautiful. Even if we ever had the doubt that maybe
our size or shape or skin colour is not to our satisfaction, when we read this
verse, all doubts disappear and when we look in the mirror or when we look at
any other human, we express thanks to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. Allaah
Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala is the Best of Planners. He knows exactly why He has
given us our individual size, shape and colour.
For a Muslim therefore, setting Physical Goals are important, but they are
set in conjunction with our Final Goal.
PHILANTHROPIC & SOCIAL GOALS
An unbeliever's view is based on selfish motives. An unbeliever is of the
opinion that poor people and oppressed people deserve what they get. In
contrast, a Muslim takes guidance from the numerous verses in the Holy Qur`aan
and from the numerous glorious examples of the Prophet, Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa
sallam. In Islam, acts of charity are encouraged, and in fact made compulsory
(e.g. Zakaat) for each and every Muslim as shown by the following:
By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that
which you love ... (Âl 'Imrân 3:92)
So give what is due to kindred, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for
those who seek the Countenance of Allaah, and it is they who will prosper. (Ar
Rûm 30:38)
Those who establish regular prayer , and give regular charity , and have (in
their hearts) the assurance of the Hereafter. These are on (true) Guidance from
their Lord; and these are the ones who will prosper. (Luqmân31:4-5)
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radhiallahu`anhu): Allaahs Apostle, Sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, If I had gold equal to the mountain of Uhud, it
would not please me that anything of it should remain with me after three
nights (i.e. I would spend all of it in Allaahs cause) except what I would
keep for repaying debts." (Saheeh Bukhaaree 8.452)
Narrated by Adi bin Hatim (radhiallahu`anhu): The Prophet, Sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, save yourself from hell-fire even by giving
half a date-fruit in charity. (Saheeh Bukhaaree 2.498)
Islam is in essence, a way of life. This means that a Muslims duty is not
only to pray the prescribed formal prayers (which are very important) but also
to reach out to the community and to humanity. Islam cares about the social
welfare of society and it is the duty of the Muslim to uplift society & not to
do anything that will harm individuals and society. Thus, the Social &
Philanthropic Goals of Muslims are taken into context with our responsibility
to our fellow humans while we are here on earth, and also being aware of our
Final Goal.
RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL GOALS
An unbeliever has the mis-informed view that this life is all there is and
that there is no accountability i.e. if they can fool the legal system, then
they are safe. Furthermore, some unbelievers are misguided, because of their
unfortunate error in believing that they are already saved because the
Prophet Jesus (Nabi Eesaa`Alayhis Salaam) died for their sins. In contrast,
Muslims believe in the accountability of the Hereafter. Each person is
responsible for his/her actions. A Muslim knows that even if the earthly legal
system is fooled in any way, there is a Day of Judgement, where the Judge on
that Day will be Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala on that Day, no soul will be
treated unjustly, nor will anything be hidden. A Muslim therefore strives to
attain nearness to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala by following the five basic
pillars, namely:
(1) I bear witness that is no god worthy of Worship except Allaah and I bear
witness that Mohammed, Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam is the true and final
Messenger of Allaah.
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radhiallahu `anhu): Allaahs Apostle, Sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "
The luckiest person who will have my
intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from
the bottom of his heart None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah."
(Saheeh Bukhaaree 1.98)
(2) Salaah
(3) Fasting in Ramadaan
(4) Zakaat
(5) Hajj
A Muslim thereby sets goals for these duties. Furthermore, a Muslim knows
that without a goal, nothing can be established. For example, many Muslims have
completed their Hajj, simply by making a sincere intention (Goal), and kept
focusing on this goal, and Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala accepted their prayers
and made it possible for them to perform Hajj.
Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allaah, those who can afford the
journey (Âl 'Imrân 3:97)
A Muslim pays as much attention to the Religious goals, as he does to other
areas of his/her life. In fact, without a very strong religious goal, which
includes striving in the path of spiritual enlightenment, the other goals have
no meaning. The religious goal forms the central core that links all the other
goals and gives meaning to our life. Hence, the religious goals and remembrance
of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala play a very crucial role in the life of a
Muslim:
without doubt in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find satisfaction.
(Ar Ra'd 13:28)
remembrance of Allaah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. (Al
'Ankabût 29:45)
... establish regular prayer; practice regular charity; and obey Allaah and
His Messenger. (Al Mujâdilah 58:13)
A Muslim who is a passionate philanthropist, but neglects all his Fard
religious duties, is no different from a non-Muslim philanthropist. On the
other hand, a Muslim cannot only focus on these five pillars to the exclusion
of all other areas of his/her life. A Muslim therefore maintains balance in all
areas of his life and he sets his Religious Goals in Harmony with his
Accountability to the Final Goal.
FAMILY GOALS
Some unbelievers view their parents as a burden and send them to old age
homes. Furthermore, some unbelievers treat their spouses very harshly and are
quick to divorce and assault their wives. However a Muslims sets goals for his
family and his wife based on the following guidance:
We have enjoined on man kindness to parents ... (Al 'Ankabût 29:8) Show
gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal. (Luqmân 31:14)
Narrated by Al Mughira bin Shuba (radhiallahu`anhu):The Prophet, Sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah has forbidden for you
, to be undutiful
to your mothers
" (Saheeh Bukhaaree 3.591)
Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr (radhiallahu`anhu): A man came to the Prophet,
Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam asking his permission to take part in Jihaad. The
Prophet, Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam asked him, are your parents alive?
he replied in the affirmative. The Prophet, Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said
to him, Then exert yourself in their service. (Saheeh Bukhaaree 4.248)
A Muslims goal is therefore to have the highest respect for his/her parents.
A Muslim does not send his parents to the old age home, but sees it as an
honour and a jihad to look after his parents. Furthermore , those Muslims who
have lost their parents beseech Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala to be Kind and
Merciful to their parents and pray that they should attain Jannat-al-Firdous
My Lord ! Bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.
(Al Israa`17:24)
A Muslim cherishes and looks after his wife, according to the following
Guidance :
And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among
yourselves , that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love
and mercy between your (hearts)... (Ar Rûm 30:21)
And
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radhiallahu`anhu): The Prophet, Sall Allaahu`alayhi
wa sallam said, " ... I advise you to take care of the women (Saheeh
Bukhaaree 7.114)
A Muslim therefore strives to look after his parents and also strives to lead
a marital life that is harmonious. The Familial Goal is therefore set in
conjunction with our Final Goal.
INTELLECTUAL GOALS
Muslims (male and female, young and old) are encouraged to seek knowledge.
Knowledge is the most powerful weapon that we have against adversities and
foes. Knowledge eradicates poverty and oppression. Muslims are encouraged to
seek all forms of knowledge, both religious and secular, provided that the
secular knowledge is pursued with the intention of benefiting society and
humanity. Muslims should be at the forefront of all technological advances, and
the passionate zeal for the acquisition and sharing of knowledge should be
instilled in the Muslim youth from a young age. Furthermore, knowledge of the
Qur`aan and the Sunnah should be shared with others according to the following
guidance :
Narrated by Ibn Masud (radhiallahu`anhu): I heard the Prophet, Sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam saying, there is no envy except in two: a person
whom Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has given wealth and he spends it in the
right way, and a person whom Allaah has given wisdom (i.e. religious knowledge)
and he gives his decisions accordingly and teaches it to others. (Saheeh
Bukhaaree 2.490)
Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr (radhiallahu`anhu): The Prophet, Sall Allaahu
`alayhi wa sallam said: Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a
single sentence. (Saheeh Bukhaaree 4.667)
A Muslim therefore sets his Intellectual Goal in harmony with his
accountability in the Hereafter.
ACTION PLAN (1) we should all have goals in life; we should not lead this
life without purpose; there is a reason why Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has
put us here on earth; there is a reason why Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has
placed us in this community and has given us our shapes, intellect and
individual skills; we are all unique; one person is not better than another
person. We have to look for our skills and explore the potentials that Allaah
Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has given us.
To each is a goal to which Allaah turns him: then strive together
(as in a race) toward all that is good ... (Al-Baqarah 2:148)
(2) often we only focus on financial success to the detriment of the other
spheres in our life; we must strive to achieve harmony and balance in our life.
(3) it is crucial to have a clearly defined set of objectives for each goal.
(4) all Goals must ultimately link up with the Final Goal to Allaah
Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
(5) the path towards a particular goal should be taken in the context of
the Holy Qur`aan & the Sunnah of the Prophet, Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam.
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala gives us hope and assurance when He says :
But give glad tidings to those who believe & work righteousness ...
(Al Baqarah 2:25)
(6) We should avoid following the goals that are projected by the media or
Hollywood stars; our Final Goal is to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and we
should never lose sight of this very crucial fact; We should not concern
ourselves with how much money or material possessions other people appear to
have:
Nor strain thine eyes in longing for the things We have given for
enjoyment to parties of them, the splendour of the life of this world,
through which We test them: but the provision of thy Lord is
better and more enduring. (Tâ Hâ 20:131)
(7) There are several techniques that one can use to succeed in setting
goals :
(a) write down the objectives for each category of Goal;
(b) visualize the goal;
(c) write down a starting date and deadline for the goal;
(d) have a step-by-step action plan specifically outlining how you will
achieve your goal;
(e) start today do not wait for a new year; each day is a new beginning;
(f) persevere and dont lose focus.
CONCLUSION Material possessions can always (most of the time) be replaced.
If you buy a car and subsequently you dont like it, you can always change it.
If you bake a cake and it flops, you can always bake another cake. However, we
only get one chance for our life. If we neglect our life, we do not get a
second chance to come back and correct our mistakes. The only way to ensure
that we will not lead a life of regrets is to have goals that are in harmony
with the Qur`aan and the Sunnah. Goal setting is crucial. However, setting the
goal does not mean that the goal will be achieved. This will require hard work,
discipline, focus, persistence and patience. Furthermore, we obtain great
comfort in knowing that as long as we have tried and even if we do not achieve
our goal, but provided that our intentions are noble, then Insha-Allaah, we
will get rewarded as stated in the following Hadeeth:
Narrated by Umar bin Al Khattab (radhiallahu`anhu): The Prophet, Sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, O people ! The reward of deeds depends upon the
intentions. (Saheeh Bukhaaree 9.85)
However, the best plans and goals, the most noble intentions and dreams, come
to nothing unless they are put into action. Then only will we see results as
stated as follows:
... Verily, never will Allaah change the condition of a people until they
change it themselves (with their own souls) ... (Ar Ra'd 13:11)
We have to make the effort. We have to take the first step towards our goals
and we have to place our trust and hope in Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. We
have to strive and persevere if we ever hope to achieve any of our goals.
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala gives us tremendous courage and hope when He says
:
And Allaah is full of kindness to those that serve Him (Âl 'Imrân 3:30)
So lose not heart nor fall into despair ... (Âl 'Imrân 3:139)
... Allaah is the Protector of those who believe ... (Muhammad 47:11)
Our life in this world is only temporary. We are travelers, pilgrims of
Eternity, souls in a temporary physical body. The earth is not our home as
stated in the following:
Narrated by Mujahid (radhiallahu`anhu): Abdullah bin Umar (radhiallahu`anhu)
said, "Allaahs Apostle, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam took hold of my
shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a
traveller.'" (Saheeh Bukhaaree 8.425)
And if we persevere in our goals, and do not lose our focus, and do not allow
the illusory temptations of this temporary earthly world to distract us from
the Straight Path, then Insha-Allaah, we will find success in our Final Home as
stated in the following aayah:
Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the
final Home! (Ar Ra'd 13:24)
We catch a glimpse of the excellence of the Final Home from the following:
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radhiallahu`anhu): The Prophet, Sall Allaahu`alayhi
wa sallam said, A place in Paradise as small as a bow is better than all that
on which the sun rises and sets (ie all the world). He also said , A single
endeavour in Allaahs cause in the afternoon or in the forenoon is better than
all on which the sun rises and sets. (Saheeh Bukhaaree 4.51)
And
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radhiallahu`anhu): Allaahs Apostle, Sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, Allaah said, I have prepared for my pious
worshipers such things as no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and
nobody has ever thought of. (Saheeh Bukhaaree 6.302)
May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala Guide us to the Straight Path. May Allaah
Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala give us the Strength and Endurance to Strive in His Path.
May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala accept our deeds. May Allaah Subhaanahu wa
Ta`aala shower His Choicest Blessings on the Holy Prophet Muhammed, Sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam for showing us that it was only through his
single-minded focus on one major goal to spread the True Word of Allaah
Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, that the message of Islam spread. Neither suffering nor
hardships, neither the offer of riches nor kingdoms swayed him from his
mission. May we also learn from this glorious example and may we focus only on
those goals that will earn the Pleasure of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. May
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, be Kind and
Merciful to us on the Day of Accountability.
Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend
us from the torment of the Fire (Al Baqarah 2:201).
Ameen.
---------------------------------
Copyright © 2002-2005 Dr. Ahmed Adam. All rights reserved. This article must
be produced faithfully in full without alteration or omission and must be
attributed to the author in all transmissions.
Dr. Ahmed Adam is a medical doctor by profession. He holds four University
Degrees in the fields of Science & Medicine. He has been in private practice
for 8 years. Thereafter he has been the Strategic Director of a Private
Hospital which has 240 beds and 6 operating theatres, also for 8 years. He is
also the Vice Chairman of the Human Rights Foundation. He has written several
articles on various issues affecting the Muslim community. He regularly gives
talks at the Friday Khutbah in English. He is passionate about developing the
youth and inspiring the youth with hope & courage. He has recently extended his
studies relating to the human brain and is a licensed NBI Practitioner (Brain
Profiles) and a licensed NLP Practitioner (both certified and licensed
internationally). He is keen on assisting people in finding their true
potential within themselves so that thereby, all of us can fulfill our mission
on earth as Vicegerents of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala by using the Prophet,
Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam as our role model, hero and guide. He regards
himself as an ongoing very young student of Islam, on an ongoing quest to learn
and acquire knowledge and then share this knowledge with others and thereby
make a difference in the lives of other people.
Dr. Abd Hamid Mat Sain
AM(MAL), MBBS(Adelaide, Aust.), MS(UKM)
FRCS(Edinburgh,UK), FICS (USA)
Consultant Surgeon
ColumbiaAsia Medical Centre
292 Jalan Haruan 2,Oakland Commercial Centre
70300 Seremban,Negeri Sembilan
Malaysia
Ph :+606-6011988
Fax:+606-6011848
Mobile:+6012-2071913
Email :[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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