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AL-HUDA
Foundation, NJ U. S. A
Article 1 - Article 2 - Article 3 - Article 4 - Article 5 - Article 6 - Article 7 - Article 8 - Article 9 - Article 10 - Article 11 - Article 12
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G O A L S
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 Judgment.
(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 Rűm 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. (Luqmân
31:4-5)
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radhiallahu`anhu): Allaah’s 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 Allaah’s 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 Muslim’s 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 Judgment, 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): Allaah’s 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 'Ankabűt
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 'Ankabűt 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 Muslim’s 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 Rűm 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 splendor 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 don’t lose focus.
CONCLUSION
Material possessions can always (most of the time) be replaced. If you buy a car
and subsequently you don’t 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, /"Allaah’s 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 Allaah’s 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): Allaah’s 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).
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.
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