Cultivating Determination: The Foremost Task

The Muslim Ummah today endures the darkest era it has ever known throughout its history. I do not exaggerate when I say that it is no less dire than the calamity of the Mongols (Tatars), for the peril threatening its aspirations for revival is no longer confined to an external enemy that invades, pillages, and sheds blood. Rather, the danger has evolved into a disease of defeatism and feeble resolve, which has insidiously crept into the hearts of its own people, spreading like an infection and finding a nurturing ground.

This is a grave disaster—when Muslims reach the point of contentment with disgrace, coexistence with weakness, and acceptance of defeat, when the flame of lofty ambition and determined spirit is extinguished. Even more perilous is when aspirations are diverted toward trivialities, preoccupied with frivolities and everything that demolishes both the individual and the Ummah.

It is indeed the epitome of failure for any nation when the resolve of its people fades, rendering them incapable of uplifting it, when that spirit of perseverance, which dares to defy adversity in pursuit of the loftiest goals, collapses. When the spark of willpower and the passion for striving towards The Highest are extinguished. How can a nation rise when its elements are scattered, lost, and its energies squandered and depleted? It is as though within it has darkened as much as the world around it, much like a house in the midst of darkness, its lamp having gone out, combining the darkness within and without. What life could there possibly be in such a place?

There is no doubt that the trials and tribulations a Muslim endures from childhood to maturity—witnessing the relentless waves of oppression and misery that befall his Ummah—leave a significant impact and reverberate with profound consequences. Yet, human nature dictates that such adversity should have a positive influence, stimulating the drive for change. As the proverb goes, “Powerful blows shatter glass but refine iron.” We are Ummah of resilient metal, unyielding and unbreakable. However, we have lost knowledge of our own essence and the sources of our strength—how, then, shall we emerge from our labyrinth?

What perhaps exacerbates the situation are the sour dispositions, pervasive in every scene, who know nothing but complaint and lamentation. At best, they direct their accusatory fingers at some person or circumstance, hoping to numb their conscience for a fleeting moment and alleviate even the slightest burden of responsibility. Yet, if we were to scrutinize closely, we would discern in a corner of the scene an inspiring example!

Then, one who reflects upon the immense Islamic legacy, the remarkable models of success, and the cultivation of lofty aspirations left to us by those who came before, stands astonished—not merely at the weakness the Ummah endures today, but at the appalling neglect of the very sources of strength it possesses.

And mistaken is he who believes that the righteousness of the Ummah is the primary cause of the individual’s righteousness; on the contrary, the righteousness of the Ummah begins with the righteousness of the individual, with the success of this individual, and with his ability to gather himself and rise, so that his nation may rise. While the righteousness of the Ummah guarantees the continuity of the righteousness of generations, one who reflects on history will understand how a mere handful of men forged a dazzling history of victories and glorious civilization, each of them as monumental as a whole nation! All of this is the fruit of cultivating determination.

Sheikh Muhammad al-Khadhir Hussein, may Allah have mercy on him, speaks of the greatness of lofty resolve in his complete works encyclopedia: “This virtue elevates its possessor, guiding him towards the high manners and aspirations. It is what uplifts the weak from oppression or disdain, transforming him into one of honor and dignity.

It is what raises a people from their fall, replacing their lethargy with distinction, their oppression with freedom, and their blind obedience with literary courage

This virtue is what shields the community from flattery towards its adversaries, preventing it from relinquishing the very means of its survival and strength. As for the one of feeble resolve, he perceives his enemies as powerful and imposing, and before them, he dissolves in fear, bowing his head in submission. Soon, he finds himself following their every whim, racing toward the very place where their desires lead him astray.”

Many phrases have been etched in my memory, spoken by certain Westerners, and perhaps the most striking of them all is the description of the spiritual strength of Muslims, as articulated by a scholar who, with sincerity and spontaneity, remarked: “Muslims possess a remarkable spiritual power, one that has the ability to lift them from the direst of circumstances, as evidenced by their history. This is what we, in the West, lack, despite our material superiority, which has far surpassed that of the Muslims. In the end, we come to realize that true strength lies not in material wealth, but in the power of the soul.”

Indeed, Muslims possess the spiritual strength that is the key to success for both individuals and nations. However, we have squandered it amidst the clamor of worldly distractions, the confusion of falsehood, and the deceit of both near and distant adversaries. The truth is that we are in desperate need of harnessing this power to its fullest and most virtuous potential. We must emerge from the maze of aimlessness and trivialities to the path of wisdom and sound reasoning, so that we may ascend in both our worldly and eternal lives. History has taught me that true power lies not in the sword, but in the heart of its bearer—nurture the strength of your hearts.

It is profoundly disheartening to witness the Muslim who believes that Islam shapes, refines, and polishes a person, elevating them into a unique model of success, yet is himself lazy, procrastinates, and fails to embody this model in his own life and for the generations to come.

He sits idly in the spectator’s seat, waiting for a divine solution to descend from the heavens, forgetting that it is within his own hands, by Allah’s grace and companionship, to achieve success. He is the descendant of a nation whose Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, knew that victory was promised by the divine revelation from the heavens. Yet, despite this, he never neglected to gather all means to bring about that victory and never ceased praying to his Lord, fervently asking for success and the fulfillment of the divine promise, as we saw during the great Battle of Badr and other monumental moments in the life of the first teacher, peace and blessings be upon him.

{There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.} [English translation of surah Ahzab: 21].

Ibn Hazm, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Whoever seeks the goodness of the Hereafter, the wisdom of this world, the justice of character, the encompassing of all virtuous traits, and the deserving of all virtues—let him follow the example of Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and strive to adopt his morals and conduct as much as he is able. May Allah assist us in emulating him, by His grace. Ameen.”

Although most observers of the state of the nation agree that the cultivation of determination is both the solution and the starting point, the realization of this task has not received the attention it rightfully deserves, whether in terms of theory or practical application.

Despite the abundance of writings concerning the exaltation of determination, the encouragement of souls to reach the highest ranks, and the proper management and self-development, the majority of these references focus solely on the aspect of worship, neglecting the Muslim’s relationship with his worldly life, although both are intimately intertwined. Indeed, work itself is an act of worship. The devout worshipper translates the blessings of his uprightness into success in other areas of his life, for there is no true success in this world without rectitude, as it holds no weight in the balance of deeds before Allah, the Exalted. Moreover, the insistence on separating religious success from worldly success is a grave mistake often made by preachers, for faith elevates an individual to the pinnacle of his productive potential, transforming him into a constructive and dedicated force that fortifies the fabric of society. Through his efforts and perseverance, he contributes to the building blocks of the civilization of the Muslim nation. A prime example of this is the Islamic civilization, from the era of Prophethood to the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and throughout the great Islamic empires, all of which flourished through the active contributions of individuals in the construction of civilization and the glory of the nation.

“We have reached the skies in glory, generosity, and honor, and we fervently hope for an even greater manifestation beyond that”.

As I immerse myself in the writings on the cultivation of determination, I inevitably find the name of Ibn Qayyim at the forefront of remarkable authors who have spared no effort in passing down knowledge and wisdom to generations of Muslims, serving as a model of unwavering resolve across different times and places. Not only did he excel in inspiring and energizing the spirits, highlighting the importance of lofty ambition, but he also distinguished himself in unveiling the essential secrets necessary to cultivate this determination—an aspect rarely covered in most writings on the subject. Ibn Qayyim’s works present an in-depth exploration of the soul’s states, delving into its depths, qualities, levels, and types, as well as the ways to nurture and purify it, providing a detailed analysis of the various obstacles that challenge its course, thus making other references on this subject almost redundant.

The significance of this scholar’s writings lies in their presentation of a map for the well-being of the soul and its highest potential. It begins with the knowledge of Allah, belief in Him, understanding of the self, and comprehension of others. From there, the servant moves on to harnessing the opportunities of this worldly life, investing in the blessings Allah has bestowed upon him, in accordance with Allah’s law and his innate nature. Then, he aligns himself with the truth, not with creation, embraces sincere faith, and builds a righteous life. This knowledge is then translated into productive deeds, righteous actions, patience, calling others to righteousness, and striving in the path of Allah, so that the individual may experience a sound heart and a blessed life in both this world and the Hereafter.

Ibn al-Qayyim is a doctor of hearts, having offered a profoundly significant contribution to the field of knowledge and to the history of psychological medicine. He presented a comprehensive model for interpreting and understanding human behavior, a brilliance evident in many of his works, such as “Zad al-Ma’ad”, “Madarij al-Salikin”, “Al-Jawab al-Kafi” (also known as “Al-Da’ wa al-Dawa”), “Ighathat al-Lahfan”, “Al-Ruh”, “Shifa’ al-‘Aleel”, “Al-Fawa’id”, and “‘Uddat al-Sabirin”.

He who reflects upon the contributions of the Islamic ummah in this decisive and pivotal realm of shaping both the individual and the nation, will come to realize the roots of our current predicament. For it is the nature of the writings that occupy the minds of any people that truly reflects their interests and the depth of their awareness, not the sheer volume of their output. Sadly, the attention given to the cultivation of the self, the elevation of the individual, and the creation of determination is notably weak, despite being the primary avenue that every Muslim must pursue.

When discussing works on the subject of determination, we undoubtedly must mention “Salah Al-Ummah Fi ‘Ala Al-Himmah” (The Reform of the Nation through High determination) by Sheikh Said Al-Afani, a comprehensive work spanning seven volumes, with an introduction by Sheikh Mohammed bin Ismail Al-Muqaddim, who himself authored a book titled “Ala Al-Himmah” (High determination) in a single volume. Furthermore, in this regard, we encounter a different narrative in “Hayatak Min Al-Fashal Ila Al-Najah” (Your Life from Failure to Success) by Said Sadiq Abdul Fattah, where he presents the journey from nothing to greatness through storytelling, highlighting inspiring examples of self-made success stories, particularly focusing on the remarkable achievements of individuals with disabilities.

We also have the book Al-Himmah: Tariq Ila Al-Qimmah (determination: A Path to the Summit) by Mohammed bin Hassan bin Aqeel Musa, who states in the introduction: “What compelled me to write this work was the scarcity of those who have addressed and clarified this subject. I have not found a standalone treatise on it, nor do I claim to have given it its due. However, I have endeavored to enter this field, to delve into this matter, and I seek Allah’s assistance for its completion, placing my trust in Him.”

These are but a few examples of books that have tackled the topic of determination within the Arabic and Islamic libraries, by no means an exhaustive list.

Regrettably, in comparison, Western authors have devoted considerable and prolonged attention to the concept of resolve, recognizing the profound significance of cultivating and motivating it. This, perhaps, partially explains their material advancement in recent decades. Therefore, I believe it is crucial to reference some of the Western conclusions in this field and to contemplate the reflections of the human mind through experience on what one must consider and what is essential to succeed in the cultivation of resolve, so that we do not overlook anything in this vital endeavor. “The wise statement is the lost property of the believer; so wherever he finds it, then he is more worthy of it”. As Allah says: ‘do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.’ (Al-Ma’idah: 8). And some scholars have said: ‘Everything that does not contradict Islam falls within it.’

Among this is the poet’s saying:

“Do not belittle a sound opinion, even if it comes from one deemed imperfect,

For the most precious of treasures, the pearl, loses its value in the hands of a careless diver.”

Albert Einstein once stated, “We cannot solve our big problems with the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” This serves as a clear indication of the need to transcend superficial thinking and embrace a deeper, more fruitful approach, grounded in principles and values through which problems can be resolved and overcome. It is, precisely, the journey of transformation and intellectual elevation we must embark upon in order to overcome our shortcomings and weaknesses. It is a journey of preparation for the making of glory.

Dr. Stephen Covey states that self-development and honing one’s abilities are akin to gasoline for a car—one cannot travel without fueling the vehicle.

Stephen Covey, hailed by “Time” magazine as one of the 25 most influential Americans in the lives of others, is the author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. This renowned work offers transformative insights into personal change, and it has become one of the most famous self-development books, with sales exceeding fifteen million copies in thirty-eight languages worldwide. It has garnered immense popular attention and is widely regarded as one of the most influential management books in history.

He is also the author of “The 8th Habit”, which was classified as an extension to his seminal work, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”.

Among the notable Western books on self-development and the cultivating of determination is “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”, by the Canadian author of Indian descent, Robin Sharma. One of the most famous works in the self-help genre, it has been translated into nearly seventy languages, despite its narrative being largely based on fiction.

The U.S. administration recognized the significance of cultivating determination in its resurgence, as evidenced by President Barack Obama’s notable attention to the book “Nudge” by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. He established a dedicated institute to teach the principles of the book, naming it the “Nudge” Institute, with the aim of fostering positive societal change in America based on the methodology proposed by the authors.

Richard Thaler was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for this book, which delves into the concept of change and its underlying philosophy, highlighting the reasons behind the misguided decisions we make in life, such as accepting undesirable situations without striving for transformation. He demonstrates how small, simple, and sustained actions can lead to significant improvements in our lives. This book, considered one of the most influential works in American libraries, was recommended by Bill Gates, the American entrepreneur, programmer, and founder of Microsoft, who became renowned for the wealth he built through his own efforts.

One of the most significant works in the realm of self-development in Western literature is “The Shallows” by Nicholas Carr. Though it has not yet been translated into Arabic, this book addresses a crucial and pressing topic—the profound impact of the internet on people’s lives and the dangers that arise from it. Carr expounds on how the internet has transformed the masses into shallow thinkers.

Although the ideas presented in these books are crucial in the cultivating of determination, the most profound of these insights were introduced by Muslims long ago. In fact, they surpassed Western propositions in terms of significance, as their approach to cultivating determination extended beyond worldly success to encompass the hereafter. Their inspiration was drawn from the two divine revelations, ensuring that we were not accused of ignorance or backwardness, but rather of negligence and heedlessness, a far graver fault in my view.

The cultivation of determination, grounded in the light of faith and certainty, is incomparable to the cultivation of determination based solely on the illumination of mere material energy. For there are divine secrets, divine companionship, and a divine grace that decisively shape the course of events in a manner beyond the reach of human intellect. This is a privilege reserved only for those who comprehend the grandeur of Allah, Exalted and Most High.

Ibn Nabatah, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“Venture into the gravest matters, and do not say

That high achievements and distinction are mere fortunes.

Aspire within yourself to fall short,

In pursuit of a goal, a race to surpass.”

Let no one say, “An individual with a feeble will cannot cultivate a strong one.” Allah, the Almighty, says: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Ar-Ra’d: 11). And He, the Exalted, also says: “He has succeeded who purifies it” (Ash-Shams: 9). The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said in the hadith authenticated by Al-Albani: “Verily, knowledge only comes by learning and forbearance only comes by cultivating forbearance. Whoever aims for good will receive goodness and whoever seeks to evade evil will be protected from it.” And the esteemed scholar Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said in “Al-Durar al-Kamina”: “The traveler must have a lofty will that propels and elevates him, and knowledge that enlightens and guides him.”

The cultivation of determination is of paramount importance today for the advancement of both the individual and the nation.

In conclusion, you are not required to be the best of people, but rather the best version of “yourself.” driven by the verse: “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” (Al-Ankabut: 69).

So repeat: “O Living, O Self-Sustaining Sustainer! In Your Mercy do I seek relief rectify all my affairs and do not entrust me to myself even for the blink of an eye.”

صناعة الهمة أول مهمة، جزء من كتاب “صناعة الهمة”