Question: I know it’s important to have a long-term vision, but I can’t seem to settle on one. I want to pave a path that is not only successful in worldly terms but also in alignment with my Islamic values. I often find myself questioning whether my career choices reflect my faith. How can you guide me to blend my work goals with my religious values so I can build a career that’s both rewarding and aligned with my faith?
Answer: Creating a vision for your career that reflects your Islamic values starts with ‘Muhasaba,’ a personal reflection to assess whether your aspirations serve your faith (‘Deen’) and your worldly success (‘Dunya’). Reflect on the hadith that tells us our actions are driven by our intentions and aim to align your professional intentions with the ethical and moral standards of Islam.
Put your reliance upon Allah, trusting that when you align your career with righteousness, Allah will facilitate paths to success that you may not have imagined. Make Du’a (supplication), asking Allah for guidance in shaping a vision that allows you to serve Him through your professional skills and contribute positively to the Ummah (community).
Seek inspiration from the stories of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions, who excelled in their endeavours while upholding their values. Strive to be a person of Sadaqah (truthfulness) and Amanah (trustworthiness), as these are qualities beloved to Allah and are the backbone of success. Remember, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Allah has prescribed Ihsan (perfection and excellence) in all things…”.
To help you with your goal setting you can use the FLY Framework, start by defining what success means to you in both your career and your faith, ensuring that one complements the other. When you set goals (Find), infuse them with your values (Love), making sure they reflect what you truly believe and aspire toward. In taking steps to achieve these goals (Yield), remember that your professional achievements and spiritual growth are interconnected, each supporting and enhancing the other.
You can use the SPIRIT sequence to manage your thinking and ensure your actions are aligned. Start by identifying the Scene (external circumstance), then clarify your Propositions (thoughts) about success within Islamic parameters. Cultivate positive Impressions (emotions) about integrating these aspects, driving Responses (actions) that align with your values, leading to successful outcomes (Impact) that fulfil both career and spiritual objectives.
