How do you measure success?
Salam, 
As a Muslim American trying my best to be a productive member of society, abiding by the law and seeking God Almighty’s pleasure i find myself in the mist of constantly striving for success.
Success is measured different ways, but of course we all want to achieve success in the afterlife. Every time we think about the unconceivable amount of blessings God has bestowed upon us we should thank him. Its our obligation being showered by his mercy.
Trying to maximize your potential is essential for your success as a human being. We all have to tie our camel, by this i mean “we do our best and God will do the rest” as Mufti Abdul Rehman Ibn Yusuf would say. A lot of times we feel like we can’t achieve a goal but we should always be confident. Some interesting points to look at Shaykh al-Islam Shabbir Usmani said that if 4 matters are present, success is guaranteed:
1) one’s intention must be true;
2) one’s goal must be true;
3) the means one takes must be true; and
4) the way one takes the means must be true.
We know that actions are judged by intentions so do everything for the sake of God, ask yourself what skills you possess? what are your interests? what do you envision with your potentials? and of course make sincerity.
A lot of times we tend to forget God in our life, its good after we sneeze we say “Alhumduillah” meaning Praise be to God, remember God all the time.
So how do you measure success?
Everybody will have different perspectives on how they measure success but i think we all want to be happy, healthy, and halal…
Its about the afterlife, this life will come to an end, we (Muslims) are travelers in this world and indeed in paradise is eternal happiness, As the Quran says
” God promises those among you who believe and lead righteous life, that He will make them sovereigns on earth, as He did for those before them, and will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will substitute peace and security for them in place of fear. All this because they worship Me alone, without setting up any idols besides Me. Those who disbelieve after this are the truly wicked” (24:55).
Grab the measuring tape! Of course this topic can go much deeper, this is just what i feel about it.
Jazakullah for you time, God willing we all benefit from each other and are successful in this life and in the hereafter..Ameen!
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad said “The intelligent one is the one who remembers death most often, and prepares for it. They leave this world in honor and with the blessings of the Hereafter. [Ibn Abi Dunya]
[ratings]