فباي الاء ربكما تكذبان

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Success is the pursuit of an ideal state you wish to achieve. The clearer you can envisage that achievement, whatever it may be, the greater the chances of working towards it. It is the notion of having a set ambition and then focusing on the journey to get you there. It is about knowing where the goalposts are so you can shoot in that direction. Almost like a diligent student, knowing that at the end of toil and hardship they will attain the job or position they dream of.

I often think about the level of detail and description Allah portrays to us regarding Jannah: the fruits of which there will be no shortage nor depletion; the meat of birds; the rivers of wine, milk, and pure honey; the reclining couches; pleasant conversations between the inhabitants of Jannah; and the glow on the faces of those who will attain Jannah. These descriptions, in such colourful and graphic detail, not only motivate us to pursue the path to heaven but also give us a real sense of what succeeding looks like. 

When we are given descriptions of Jannah, don’t just gloss over them. To get the most out of them, reflect deeply on what true success will look like in an abode where sadness is not even a concept, never mind a reality. By reflecting on these verses, you will find yourself almost breathing, tasting, and smelling the fragrance of Jannah, its fruits and its rivers, or perhaps drinking from the special concoction of Tasneem (a highly exalted, pure, and refreshing spring or fountain in Jannah , specifically reserved as a supreme drink for those nearest to Allah.  (Al-Mutaffifin 83:27-28)

True success resides in that abode. Read its descriptions, reflect deeply on them, desire them, and pursue them relentlessly, as Allah says after describing Jannah: “Indeed, this is the great attainment. For the like of this let the workers [on earth] work” (37:60–61).

We pray Allah makes us among those whom Allah has described as: “Indeed, I have rewarded them this Day for their patient endurance—that they are the attainers [of success]” (23:111).


Remember to reflect, reflect to remember!

I look forward to reading your reflections on this theme!

May Allah reward you! 
#TrueSuccess ​ ​

Jazza khallahu hyran for such beautiful reminder 

Reflections on Surah Ar-Rahman Ayah 71