Productivity: Hallmark of an Islamic Lifestyle

Religion is not really the best way to describe Islam. "Deen", which means a complete way of life is the more appropriate term. It affects the minutest detail of a person's lifestyle, to the broader matrix of society such as politics, economy, and social justice. It permeates through every aspect of human life because it really is an encompassing guidance for mankind formulated by its Creator. In other words, it is the best way to do everything in any given situation. It doesn't leave any loophole or confusion, for a guidance that comes from Allah (swt) is perfect and comprehensive.

From the perspective of a non-muslim, it might seem strange that the word productivity and religion or Islam are even put under the same light. There's some sort of dichotomy when it comes to these matters, as faith and action are usually viewed as separate and distinct in one's paradigm. But in Islam, they are deeply intertwined. That is because Islamic life is based on two solid foundation - belief and action. Both must go together and remain together to realize their true values. To say that you are a Muslim who believes in Allah and his Messenger but does not act upon it makes you a walking contradiction. To claim that you are a non-practicing Muslim is an oxymoron by itself, for a Muslim by definition is one who submits his will to the will of Allah (swt). It's like saying you are a non-submitter who submits. You are not making a lot of sense. That is exactly why, the proposition that living an Islamic lifestyle is living productively makes perfect sense with that premise in mind. Allow me to argue this proposition in three standpoints - theoretical, practical and historical.

From a theoretical standpoint, we can see that the teachings and principles that surrounds Islam were promulgated with productivity as one of its cornerstones. From Surah Al-Asr for example, Allah (swt) takes an oath by time. Anything that Allah (swt) swears by in the Qur’an is a matter of great importance and should be pondered upon sincerely. Hence, mankind in the Qur'an is made to reflect upon the concept of time as something not to be taken lackadaisically. It injects a sense of urgency in the hearts and minds of the believers to make every moment count and to always be in a state of struggle to benefit oneself and others in this life and the Hereafter.  As narrated by Ibn Abbas (ra), “There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.” There are countless more ayahs and hadiths that supports this point but the aforementioned are already sufficient if one takes the time to contemplate deeply.

From a practical standpoint, it is only when one actually lives the life of a Muslim that one could really experience the inner change and revolution that translates into action. When your everyday life and habits are influenced by Islam, you'll start to realize that you have never been so productive in your life. For instance, you'll find in psychology and self-development books that the most important habit in having a productive day is waking up early. Islam has that covered for you by requiring you to wake up at dawn for the fajr salah. Thereby starting your day in tranquility in front of your Creator before facing the hurdles of the day. There is no better boost in energy than that. As for the technique of pomodoro for example, built around the ultradian and circadian rhythm of an individual, Islam has a better application of that concept through the five daily prayers. Taking breaks between your busy schedule to clear your mind of stress and worries and attain serenity in the presence of your Lord creates that balance that your mind, body and spirit needs to get you through the day with remarkable results. Furthermore, the idea of taking a piecemeal approach to work and productivity is best expressed in the hadith narrated by `Aisha (ra), that Allah’s Messenger (saw) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds alone will not make you enter Paradise (except by Allah’s mercy), and that the most beloved deed to Allah (swt) is the most regular and constant even though it were little.” Pacing yourself and not overburdening your body and mind brings about your optimal performance. Applying these concepts in our daily routines, habits and to-do lists will produce the best results.

From a historical standpoint, we find that it is unprecedented in History how much the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his Companions (ra) accomplished in such a short period of time. In a short span of 23 years, Muhammad (saw) revolutionized an entire nation from being a people of ignorance, chaos and violence to a nation of dignity, honor and scholarship. In such a short period, he transformed a nation in the decadence of polytheism, tribalism and immorality to an Ummah with pristine character at the highest echelon of moral fiber. That is why, even the west in Michael H. Hart's book "The 100 Most Influential People in History", he regarded Muhammad (saw) as the number one in the list of the top 100 people that made the most impact in history. Umar Ibn Al Khattab (ra), the second caliph of Islam was placed at number 52, which I think is a grave understatement of what Umar (ra) accomplished. To be able to put the two superpowers of that time - the Roman and Persian Empire - to its knees for a period of just 10 years is no trivial feat and definitely deserves a higher spot on that list. Again, this is a reflection of how productive an Islamic lifestyle is. The potential to accomplish is tremendous and the sense of fulfillment is overwhelming. So to my brothers and sisters who wants to realize their full potential and make the best of their time, the most sound advise is - live as a true Muslim. Hence the adage, "Oh Muslim, be Muslim."

Reliance on Allah: Similitude of the Birds

"Do they not see the birds above them with wings outspread and folded in? None holds them aloft except the Most Merciful. Indeed He is of all things, Seeing." [Qur'an 67:19]

The Prophet (saw) said: "Were you to put your complete trust in Allah, He would provide for you as the birds. They leave their nests hungry in the morning and return filled in the evening" [At-Tirmidhi]

It was my first day in law school and it was as if I was dipped in a pool of toxic waste only to come out half-dead and disoriented. Wasted as I can be, I was relying on my last remaining chakra to drag my lifeless body home. It wasn't like the movies I came to enjoy, I thought, all those glamour of the courtroom dramas in "A Few Good Men" or "Philadelphia" were nowhere to be found. This is a boot camp and I was enticed to it for the wrong reasons. But my father always taught me to keep it a virtue to finish what I started, so I had to stay. It was a daunting test I had to bear and it wasn't easy at all. What has all these mumbo jumbo about my past got to do with reliance on Allah, you might ask. Well the point when I learned the Islamic principle of Tawakkul changed everything. It changed my outlook in life, it changed how I viewed my challenges, and it changed me.

I've heard the concept before, but it was always the distorted version of it, that's why I never really got to appreciate it for its real essense. But after reading the right materials and listening to the right people, it started to sink in. People unfortunately made use of the term as an excuse for not having the guts to face the challenges in life. They seclude themselves in worship alone, leave the matters of the dunya to Allah without any efforts on their part, and calls it Tawakkul. The result is not a pretty sight.

The analogy of the birds, for the people who reflect and contemplate, brings forth the full spectrum of what Tawakkul really means. You see, the hadith mentions of the bird leaving early in the morning from their nests. They weren't at home lying in their couch holding a remote control watching TV nor did they forget their portion of the dunya by just focusing on worship alone. They were out there and working the whole day and of course worshiped Allah in their own natural fashion. They did their part, all that was expected of them, and they were taken care of by The Divine. However, despite all their toil and struggle, they weren't counting on their own abilities and skills alone for their provision. Their trust and reliance never lost focus. They were conscious of their Provider, that's why they prosper. That's in complete antithesis to the mindset of most people today. Kibr or their bloated ego has brought them to the delusion that it is their own actions alone that deserves credit for their blessings in life. Hence, when failure befalls them, they shatter in misery.

Learning this principle changed how I experience law school. I no longer go to school with an apprehensive heart nor do I go home with a depleted spirit. I march forth with reliance on my Lord and exert all the efforts I could give, and I glide back home with tranquility in my heart and gratitude to Him. The ends afterall are with the Qadr of Allah, I just have to do my part and remain steadfast in my faith. I'll use my portion of this dunya to bring me to my ultimate ambition - Jannah. Insha Allah...

"Serenity in Waves"

(Photo taken by Ivy Sulaiman)

"...(Such is) the artistry of Allah, Who disposes of all things in perfect order..." 

(al-Naml 27:88).

Everybody needs a moment of serenity, a moment to ponder, a moment of utter solitude. After all, the first droplet of the greatest miracle descended upon the Prophet (saw) in his moment of reflection, alone in the cave (Hira) of the Mountain of Light. It is in these sublime moments, that the greatest ideas that could change the course of history or someone's destiny envelop the mind of the passenger. When everything seems congested and cluttered, we seek these moments. In a world of busy streets, both in the literal sense and in the cerebral sense, these moments are rare to find.

I had one of those moments, alhamdulillah, and I found them sitting beside the Mufti beach of Tawi-Tawi one blessed afternoon. There's nothing like the sound of the waves gushing forth as the light reflects from the sea like pearls paving a path. All the background processes of the mind are shut off, and most of the RAM of the brain are freed like an open highway at 3 am. You're just sitting there, but you're not there. The moment is taking you on a trip to a dimension beyond space and time. Just like the waves, in complete submission to its Lord. I am in total awe but in a subtle and profound way. One word comes to mind... mashaAllah!

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