PROPHETIC MODEL OF SUCCESS
Believers must not Despair
THE followers of the Prophet of Islam should always keep in mind that the Prophet Muhammad has been acknowledged by historians to be the most successful individual in the entire history of the world. According to the Quran, he came into this world to set ‘a good example’ (33: 21) to all human beings. It would be quite correct to say that not only was he the most successful human being but that he also showed the secret of unparalleled success through the example of his life.
By being supremely successful himself, he set a model of supreme success for his own and succeeding generations. It is a matter of historical record that the Prophet of Islam was faced with the severest of difficulties. Beset by hardships, not to speak of persecution, he nevertheless scaled the heights of personal success. An orientalist has aptly written of him that “He faced adversity with the determination to wring success out of failure.”
Did not the Prophet, despite all manner of setbacks, achieve the greatest success in history? In the same vein, the believers should always remain hopeful. They should never allow their hearts to be weighed down by despair.
This is what the Quran means by saying that “Surely with every hardship there is ease.” (94: 5) This Quranic teaching, along with the example of the Prophet’s life, shows that there is no justification for the believers to feel bowed down by frustration no matter what the circumstances. When the Creator of the universe has Himself declared for all eternity that ‘every hardship is followed by ease,’ it is a sure indication that every disadvantage is invariably accompanied by an advantage. That being so, what is there left to fear?
The truth of this message of the Quran has been proved right to a remarkable extent. Did not the Prophet, despite all manner of setbacks, achieve the greatest success in history? In the same vein, believers should always remain hopeful. They should never allow their hearts to be weighed down by despair.
The believers should realize that they are standing on the threshold of a very bright future. This is the eternal message the Prophet has conveyed to them in words and in practice.