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In these final nights, point the way to faith.

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Ep. 4: True Productivity | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter

January 6, 2022Dr. Tesneem Alkiek

What does it mean to be productive? Our goals are defined by what makes us happy—whether that's worldly or spiritual. But as we reflect on what those goals are and what the Prophet ﷺ has advised us, we'll realize what true productivity really is.

Our goal as Muslims

We’re here in this world as Muslims not to increase our population or just get more work done, but we’re here to make a difference. How many of us Muslims work day in day out, pouring all of our energy solely into our careers just like any other person? Whether or not that time has already come, it is a stark reminder that we need to always be aware that our goal in life is not to pursue endless wealth, or fame, or other happiness only this world provides.

What true productivity is not

Our definition of productivity is defined by pursuit of pleasure. What makes us happy, even if temporarily, is what defines our goals, purpose, and ultimately our day to day activities. For some of us, that means working hard enough to pay off that next vacation or expensive lifestyle. For others, it could mean spending time watching videos on Youtube or TikTok. But our lives are so much more worth pursuing when we seek the only thing that will give us everlasting happiness.

How to work towards true productivity

Think about where you stand today. Why do you do what you do? What are your strengths and weaknesses? And what do you need and even want to do to reorient your purpose?

Remember that ultimately this religion is easy and meeting our goals is never out of reach. The Prophet ﷺ said, inna al-din yusr, This religion is easy. Whoever makes it hard, it’s going to become hard.

Take a balanced approach. Be intentional. If you can’t meet your goals, do something that will get you one step closer.Keep your head up and encourage one another to good. And, along the way, ask Allah (swt) for help.

Download the Habits to Win Here and Hereafter Workbook as you follow along with this series!

Transcript

This transcript was auto-generated using AI and may contain misspellings.
One day, as the companions were gathered around him, the Prophet ﷺ shared a gut-wrenching reminder. A day will soon come, he said, peace be upon him, that people will gang up on you and all share in on attacking you, just like people invite one another to eat a dish. Meaning that it'll be all too easy to come after the Muslims. So one of the companions, perhaps a bit stunned at what that implied, asked, oh is it, you know, because there will be so little of us Muslims at the time? Are we just going to be outnumbered? And the Prophet ﷺ responded, no in fact, there will be plenty of Muslims around, but the amount of Muslims will be meaningless, since you'll be like the leftover foam in the ocean that, while plenty, simply floats on the water. Your enemies will have no fear or respect for you and Allah will place al-wahn in your hearts. Now the companions at the edge of their seats asked, what is al-wahn, oh messenger of God? To which the Prophet ﷺ responded, love of this world and hatred of death. You might be wondering, what does hadith have anything to do with good habits and being productive with our time? I mention it because it's a powerful reminder of what true productivity actually is. We're here in this world as Muslims, not to increase our population or just get more work done, but we're here to make a difference. A time will come where there are millions of Muslims, yet our contributions will be negligible. How many of us Muslims work day in and day out, pouring all of our energy solely into our careers, just like any other person? Whether or not that time has already come, it's a stark reminder that we need to always be aware that our goal in life is not to pursue endless wealth or fame or other happiness only this world provides. And unfortunately this is where many of us find ourselves today. Our definition of productivity is defined by pursuit
of pleasure. What makes us happy, even if temporarily, is what defines our goals, purpose, and ultimately our day-to-day activities. For some of us, that means working hard enough to pay off that next vacation or expensive lifestyle. For others, it could mean spending time watching videos on YouTube or TikTok. But our lives are so much more worth pursuing when we seek the only thing that will ever give us everlasting happiness. Think about where you stand today. Why do you do what you do? What are your strengths and weaknesses? And what do you need and even want to do to reorient your purpose? And by the way, as you engage in the self-reflection, don't feel like you need to start from scratch or that you have one too many things you need to work on. Remember that ultimately this religion is easy and meeting our goals is never out of reach. The Prophet ﷺ said, Inna al-deena yusr. This religion is easy. Whoever makes it hard, it's going to become hard. But you don't do that. Fasaddidu wa qaribu. Take a balanced approach. Be intentional. If you can't meet your goals, do something that will get you one step closer. Wa abshiru. Give glad tidings. Keep your head up and encourage one another to do good. And along the way, ask Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala for help. Now that is true productivity.
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