8 Habits of Successful People (Through the Lens of Islam)

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of our Malaadhu Thar’wah newsletter. In this edition, we will be looking into the 8 Habits of Successful People (Through the Lens of Islam.

The 8 habits are not just “success hacks” — they align perfectly with the Qur’an, Sunnah, and wisdom of our pious predecessors. For Muslims, neglecting them is more than just inefficiency; it is a spiritual shortcoming that blocks barakah in both dunya and ākhirah.

1. Be Proactive– Take responsibility, don’t blame circumstances.

Qur’an / Hadith: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)

Implication: A Muslim who is passive or always blaming others remains stagnant, dishonoring the trust Allah gave to be khulafāʾ (caretakers) on earth.

2. Begin with the End in Mind– Set goals with vision and purpose.

Qur’an / Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Actions are judged by intentions, and every man shall have only that which he intended.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Implication: Without a clear niyyah (intention), a Muslim risks working hard yet earning no reward in the sight of Allah.

3. Put First Things First– Prioritize the most important over the urgent.

Qur’an / Hadith: Allah says: “Establish prayer, for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds.” (Qur’an 29:45)

Implication: A Muslim who neglects priorities like ṣalāh or family while chasing worldly urgencies loses both barakah and balance in life.

4. Think Win-Win– Seek mutual benefit in relationships.

Qur’an / Hadith: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Hadith, Bukhari & Muslim)

Implication: A Muslim who is selfish or exploitative contradicts the very essence of īmān and weakens the bonds of the Ummah.

5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood– Listen deeply before speaking.

Qur’an / Hadith: “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart—about all those [one] will be questioned.” (Qur’an 17:36)

Implication: A Muslim who speaks before listening spreads ignorance, causes conflict, and may fall into sins of the tongue.

6. Synergize– Value teamwork and collective strength.

Qur’an / Hadith: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)

Implication: A Muslim who isolates himself or causes division weakens the Ummah and distances himself from Allah’s mercy.

7. Sharpen the Saw– Regularly renew yourself physically, mentally, spiritually.

Qur’an / Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your wife has a right over you.” (Bukhari)

Implication: A Muslim who neglects self-care or spiritual growth risks burnout, imbalance, and disobedience.

8. Live a Life of Contribution (Legacy)– Strive to add value and leave lasting good.

Qur’an / Hadith: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge that benefits, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Hadith, Muslim)

Implication: A Muslim who lives selfishly without serving others may die forgotten, leaving no ṣadaqah jāriyah to carry reward into the Hereafter.

TAKEAWAY:

The 8 habits are not just “success hacks” — they align perfectly with the Qur’an, Sunnah, and wisdom of our pious predecessors. For Muslims, neglecting them is more than just inefficiency; it is a spiritual shortcoming that blocks barakah in both dunya and ākhirah.

Write-up credit: @thesonofrabiu