Introduction
In our world today, success & failure are often measured by wealth, status, fame, and worldly achievements. Society celebrates those who accumulate material possessions, climb social ladders, or gain public admiration. However, the Qur’an and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عليهم السلام) present a vastly different understanding of what true success really means.
From a Shia Islamic perspective, success (falah) is not about how much we gain in this temporary world, but about how close we draw to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and how faithfully we fulfill our purpose as His servants. The Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) teach that true success is not measured in years, wealth, or rank—but in faith, sincerity, and righteousness.
1. Qur’anic Definition of Success
The word falah in Arabic means eternal success, prosperity, and salvation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) defines success not through material gain but through spiritual triumph:
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ
“Indeed, the believers have succeeded—those who are humble in their prayers.”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:1–2)
This verse reveals that the true winners in the sight of Allah are those whose hearts are humble in prayer and whose lives reflect sincerity.
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) explained that falah (success) is not limited to this world but is the eternal peace and nearness to Allah earned through obedience, patience, and sincerity. He said:
“True success is for the one who purifies his soul and disciplines his desires for the sake of Allah.”
(Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 451)
The Qur’an also declares:
وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا
“Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly achieved a great success.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:71)
Thus, true success lies in obedience—not in how much we possess, but in how much we surrender to Allah’s will.
2. Success in the Words of Imam Ali (a.s.)
Imam Ali (عليه السلام), the fountain of wisdom, repeatedly emphasized that real success cannot be divorced from piety (taqwa) and good character. In Nahj al-Balagha, he said:
“Success is the outcome of foresight and patience, and failure is the result of negligence and arrogance.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 114)
Imam Ali (a.s.) beautifully connects success with qualities that strengthen the soul, not the ego. True success requires insight (basirah)—the ability to see beyond the illusions of the world—and patience (sabr), the strength to persevere on the path of truth.
He also said:
“The best provision for the journey to the Hereafter is piety.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 110)
In Shia understanding, every believer is a traveler whose destination is the Hereafter. Worldly comfort is temporary; what truly matters is the state in which one meets Allah. Success, therefore, means reaching that meeting (liqa’ Allah) with a pure heart and a fulfilled covenant.
3. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله) and His Model of Success
The life of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله) redefines what it means to succeed. Despite facing hardship, persecution, and loss, he was the most successful of men—because his success was rooted in faith, character, and obedience to Allah.
He said:
“The successful one is he whose day is better than his yesterday, and whose tomorrow is better than his today.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 64)
This hadith shows that success is continuous spiritual progress—growing in faith, character, and closeness to Allah. The Prophet (s.a.w.) measured success not by possessions, but by self-improvement and service to others.
His entire life demonstrated that success is possible even in adversity, when one stands firm for truth and justice.
4. The Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.): Models of True Success
Every Imam from the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) lived a life of principle, sacrifice, and devotion—showing that true success is about fulfilling divine responsibility, not worldly gain.
Imam Hasan (a.s.): Success through Peace
Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.) showed that sometimes success means avoiding conflict for the greater good of Islam. His peace treaty preserved the faith of the ummah and demonstrated moral strength over political ambition.
Imam Husayn (a.s.): Success through Sacrifice
No event reflects true success more deeply than Karbala. Imam Husayn (عليه السلام) stood against tyranny not to win in the worldly sense, but to preserve truth. His victory was moral and eternal.
“I did not rise for mischief or pride, but to seek reform in the ummah of my grandfather.”
(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p. 245)
Though he was martyred, his stand made him the ultimate symbol of success. Through his sacrifice, Islam’s spirit was revived.
Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.): Success through Patience and Worship
After Karbala, Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) showed that spiritual resilience is success. His prayers in Sahifa Sajjadiya remind believers that turning to Allah in hardship is the highest form of triumph.
He prayed:
“O Allah, make me satisfied with Your decree, patient in Your trials, and thankful for Your blessings.”
(Sahifa Sajjadiya, Du’a 50)
Thus, success for the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) was not in avoiding pain—but in facing it with faith and dignity.
5. Success vs. Worldly Illusion
The Qur’an warns believers not to confuse worldly gain with divine success:
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۖ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ
“Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your full reward on the Day of Resurrection.”
(Surah Al-Imran 3:185)
Imam Ali (عليه السلام) said:
“Do not be deceived by this world, for it betrays those who trust it and ruins those who love it.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 131)
True success is not measured in how long we live or how much we own—but in whether we have pleased Allah. Material success without spiritual grounding is a mirage; it fades as quickly as it appears.
6. The Inner Dimensions of Success
According to Shia thought, success has two dimensions—external and internal.
- External Success: Achievements in family, education, community, or work—earned lawfully and ethically.
- Internal Success: Purity of heart, steadfastness in belief, and nearness to Allah.
Imam al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) said:
“The one who knows his soul knows his Lord; and the one who knows his Lord achieves success.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 32)
The true journey toward success begins within. Self-awareness, self-control, and sincerity purify the soul and bring divine light (noor) into one’s life.
7. The Role of Time and Effort in Achieving Success
Time management and diligence are central to success. Imam Musa al-Kadhim (عليه السلام) advised:
“Strive that your time is divided among four portions: worship, livelihood, social interaction, and lawful enjoyment.”
(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p. 409)
Success is not achieved overnight—it requires consistency (istiqamah). The Imams (a.s.) taught that persistence in small deeds brings great rewards.
The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if small.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 68, p. 202)
8. The Balance Between Dunya and Akhirah
Islam does not discourage worldly ambition, but it commands balance. Imam Ali (a.s.) said:
“Work for this world as if you will live forever, and work for the Hereafter as if you will die tomorrow.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 293)
This profound saying teaches moderation—be responsible in worldly duties, but never forget the eternal goal. True success is harmony between both realms, where dunya serves as the bridge to Akhirah.
9. Keys to True Success (According to the Ahl al-Bayt)
- Taqwa (God-consciousness) – Protects from sin and keeps one focused on divine goals.
- Sabr (Patience) – Endurance through trials brings spiritual strength.
- Ikhlas (Sincerity) – Purifying intention for Allah makes every act valuable.
- Shukr (Gratitude) – Appreciating blessings increases barakah (blessings).
- Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) – Reliance on Allah ensures peace in outcomes.
- Adab & Akhlaq (Good character) – Reflects the essence of faith.
Imam Ali (a.s.) said:
“Whoever fears Allah achieves success, and whoever obeys his desires fails.”
(Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 3011)
10. The Ultimate Success: Meeting Allah with a Pure Heart
The Qur’an concludes the journey of success with a single criterion:
يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ
“The Day when wealth and sons will not benefit anyone, except the one who comes to Allah with a pure heart.”
(Surah Al-Shu‘ara 26:88–89)
A pure heart—free of arrogance, greed, and hatred—is the ultimate sign of success. The Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) lived and sacrificed to teach us this truth: that real victory is moral and eternal.
Conclusion
In the light of the Qur’an and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.), success is not a matter of material achievement but of spiritual fulfillment. It is to live with purpose, sincerity, and steadfastness upon the path of truth.
When we align our ambitions with divine pleasure, every act becomes a step toward everlasting success. As Imam Ali (a.s.) said:
“Successful is he whose intellect guides him, and whose desires do not dominate him.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 108)
Let us, therefore, redefine success—not by worldly standards, but by the eternal values of faith, service, and moral excellence taught by the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.).
“Indeed, the believers have succeeded.”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:1)
“Success is for the one whose intellect guides him, and whose desires do not rule him.”
(Nahj al-Balagha)
“True success is for the one who purifies his soul for Allah.”
(Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 451)
“Real success is not in wealth—but in closeness to Allah.”
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