From an early age, our struggle with failure begins. With our first steps toward something that caught our attention or someone we wanted to approach, our attempts often end in stumbling. Yet, our failed efforts to avoid falling never stopped us from trying to stand again. From attempts to walk to learning how to speak, countless words were mispronounced, drawing laughter from those around us, but gradually, we mastered what we sought.

Despite childhood memories filled with stories of failed attempts to learn, persistence and determination always helped us achieve our goals. Still, failure remains a daunting specter for every adult chasing a dream. But making mistakes is not the end of the world; the past, with all its positive and negative experiences, shapes who we are today. Life is full of opportunities and experiences. Do not let a failed attempt define your life—transform it into a learning opportunity and start anew.

1. Understanding the Reality of Failure

Failure is inevitable, and accepting this is the first step toward success. True failure lies in giving up, not in making mistakes. Each attempt that lacks experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. By analyzing failures, we identify gaps and use the lessons to launch new, more informed attempts. Adjusting plans and strategies to avoid repeating past mistakes ensures progress. Mistakes are not shameful; what matters is learning from them. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “A believer should not be stung twice from the same hole.”

2. Taking Responsibility and Facing Failure Positively

When we view failure as a teacher, not an adversary, our perspective on life and its challenges transforms. Failure is not a sign of incompetence or incapacity; it’s a chance to learn and rebuild. Instead of blaming ourselves or circumstances for failure, we can see our mistakes as steps forward in personal growth rather than obstacles.

Adopting a flexible and adaptive mindset is key to success. Facing failure with an open mind and strong will can turn even the most discouraging moments into opportunities for reassessment and skill refinement. Focusing on what we’ve learned from the experience enables us to build stronger, smarter plans. Optimism is not merely a feeling—it’s a lifestyle that empowers us to overcome challenges with courage and determination.

3. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Self-awareness and honest self-assessment are crucial for success. Strengths serve as the foundation for our plans, while identifying weaknesses allows us to embark on self-improvement and seek guidance from experts. Success is rarely achieved in isolation; it requires a robust support network that helps us progress and overcome challenges. Building positive relationships with those who share similar visions and goals can be a significant motivator to persevere through difficulties.

4. Faith and Determination

When faced with failure, the real challenge lies in how you respond and your ability to rebuild and move forward. Failure may seem like an end, but in essence, it’s a new beginning and an opportunity to reassess and find better paths. Allah reminds us in His words: "But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not" (Al-Baqarah: 216). This assurance of Allah’s wisdom strengthens our faith and helps us face difficulties with an open mind and resilience. When this resilience is combined with careful planning, obstacles become mere stations in the journey toward achieving our goals.

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Source:

• "Your Life from Failure to Success" Book by Sayed Sadiq Abdel Fattah
• How to Turn Failure into Success – Inspiring Steps by Dr. Al-Tayeb Belwadih
• How to Turn Failure into Success?! Al Jazeera Net

Since a child enters school, parents often express their dreams for the future, saying things like “We want you to be a doctor,” “We want you to be an engineer,” “We want you to be an officer,” “We want you to be a scientist,” “We want you to be a famous athlete,” and so on.

Education experts say it is wrong to impose a career path on your child without understanding their abilities or knowing their interests, which may differ from your own. Perhaps they want something else; perhaps they aspire to be different from you.

Recent studies indicate that future jobs are changing, with new professions emerging in the coming years while others disappear or decline in importance in the job market. Therefore, preparing your child according to scientific standards is necessary, making them qualified for multiple jobs and skilled in various areas and languages.

Education technology expert Cathy Davidson, as quoted by “Coda Kid,” states that 65% of children will face unfamiliar future jobs due to technological development, artificial intelligence, the robotics revolution, modern communication and connectivity applications, alternative energy, and online shopping roles.

There is no doubt that the new generation of children can absorb many of these developments. You might find a child proficient in a game whose rules are unknown to the parents. Often, children are more skilled in social media applications than their mothers, for instance. Today’s children perform tasks on computers while their fathers might struggle to handle many basics on their personal computers.

Experts recommend, alongside the launch of the educational process during the new school year, applying five general strategies to prepare children for future jobs:

1. Encourage Learning: Foster a passion for knowledge, and develop a love for learning through reading, writing, analysis, exploration, and leadership. Enhance memory, intelligence, and special abilities—not just by adhering to school curricula but by nurturing your child's talents, improving their skills, raising their academic and mental levels, and providing necessary information and experiences.
2. Introduce Technology Early: Encourage children to enter the world of technology and programming, develop their innovation and invention skills, enhance logical thinking, and boost their creative problem-solving and crisis management abilities.
3. Build Self-Confidence: Avoid scolding or imposing commands on your child. Give them the chance to experiment, make mistakes, and correct them, fostering motivation toward positivity, success, and the desire to overcome challenges. Excessive fear of a child's failure is misguided; it is natural to make mistakes, learn, and succeed.

Education experts advise teaching children how to handle difficulties, recover quickly from failure or setbacks, and give them another chance to learn and improve results.

4. Promote Teamwork: To complete the future preparation strategy, it is essential to develop a spirit of cooperation and teamwork in children. Encourage participation in group activities—whether sports, cultural, or religious—and teach them to accept criticism and others' opinions. This enriches their ability to learn from others and benefit from past experiences.
5. Master Leadership Skills: Leadership is a necessity for future jobs and is crucial in a child's performance and mental and intellectual development, thus shaping their ambitions and dreams. According to specialized researchers, it is also a strong indicator of self-confidence and a child's ability to achieve multiple accomplishments.

These five foundations represent a scientific approach that goes beyond school curricula, meaning that this strategy should accompany the child as an overall educational approach. Many families focus solely on monthly and yearly exams, neglecting the importance of knowledge itself and making it a continuous process. This approach achieves the best investment in human resources, especially when that resource is your child.

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Read the Article in Arabic

Success is not a gift that is given, nor an inheritance that is passed down; rather, it is the result of immense effort and tireless work day and night. This is what the lives of Muslim immigrants confirm, as they have gained the world's trust with their impressive achievements for humanity, overcoming the challenges of being in a foreign land and the arrogant illusions of superiority ingrained in the mind of the white man.

In the following lines, “Al-Mujtama” highlights some success stories of inspiring young Arabs and Muslims who have achieved remarkable successes.

1. A Palestinian Refugee Contributes to COVID-19 Treatment:

From the Al-Nayrab camps in Aleppo, Palestinian refugee Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Zidan graduated with distinction in biochemistry in Syria. After the revolution broke out, he migrated to Lebanon and volunteered with the Palestinian Red Crescent Organization. However, like all Palestinian refugees, Zidan continued to suffer from harsh living conditions, prompting him to migrate to Brazil to continue his academic journey.

Zidan mastered the Brazilian language in just 14 months and had his degree recognized by the Federal University of Viçosa. He worked as a cashier in a restaurant before opening his own restaurant to cover his expenses. However, his scientific dream persisted. He joined a company specializing in drug production and oversaw a project for an international American company to connect advanced analysis devices. Since then, Zidan has been known for his expertise and joined the Brazilian government-run Butantan Institute, the largest research institution in the field of vaccines in South America. Thanks to his achievements, he obtained permanent membership in the Higher Council of Chemistry and contributes to the production of vaccines against viruses, including the coronavirus.

2. An Arab in the European Society of Cardiology:

Egyptian doctor Hatem Suleiman, a critical care consultant, received recognition and membership from the European Society of Cardiology, an honor awarded annually to three experts worldwide in appreciation of their efforts.

Suleiman graduated from Alexandria University, specialized in critical care medicine, then moved to the UK, where he worked at Harefield Hospital, where Dr. Magdi Yacoub performed the first open-heart surgery. He stated that his dream is still to provide Middle Eastern doctors with updates in this field, especially with the high rates of heart disease.

3. The First Muslim to Lead a British Party:

Two years ago, the name of young politician and dentist Anas Sarwar, along with a picture of him and his hijabi wife, filled the front pages of international media, as he became the first Muslim to lead a political party in Britain, the Scottish Labour Party, overcoming his British competitors.

Sarwar was born into a Pakistani Muslim family. His father was the first Muslim Member of Parliament in Britain for the Labour Party. Anas first worked in medicine before moving into parliament and political participation. He was promoted within the Labour Party and elected on the “MSP” list for Glasgow in 2016. He focused on safety issues at the Royal Hospital and was investigated. He also worked to overcome societal issues of racism and discrimination against non-whites, receiving death threats for himself and his family, which includes three children. After leading the party in 2017, he faced discrimination, being told it was due to his religion and skin color. Consequently, Sarwar founded a coalition to combat Islamophobia in Parliament in 2018 and eventually led the party in 2021.

4. The First Hijabi in the Australian Parliament:

Fatima Payman, with Afghani origin, is the first hijabi member in the history of the Australian Parliament. She is a former member of the Labour Party and an advocate for Palestinian rights, having resigned from the Labour Party to become an independent senator due to the party's stance on Gaza.

Payman's grandfather was a member of the Afghan parliament but was forced to migrate. Her father worked in small jobs to provide a decent life for his family, initially moving to Pakistan and then to Australia, where the family was reunited. Payman recounted how she would listen to her father talk about his dreams for the children of their homeland during dinner, but he passed away from cancer after a long struggle. She joined the Labour Party to defend workers' rights, like her father.

5. Dalia Mogahed: A Rising Muslim Influencer:

“80% of news coverage about Muslims is negative,” stated Dalia Mogahed, a former advisor to former US President Barack Obama and one of the most influential women in the Arab world.

Mogahed's prominence rose after a series of lectures on the conditions of Arabs and Muslims post-9/11 and the wave of Islamophobia that swept the West, blending it with her personal life. She is an Egyptian researcher with a degree in chemical engineering but has dedicated herself to studying the conditions of Muslims. She is currently the executive director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies and holds memberships in prominent centers for Islamic-Western communication.

6. The Educational Platform Khan Academy Conquering the World:

In 2008, Indian-American Salman Khan from Louisiana started helping his cousin with math lessons through simple video tutorials. A diligent young man, he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in mathematics, then earned two master's degrees in electrical engineering and computer science. Khan did not know that his simple channel would transform into a global educational platform, revolutionizing remote learning, especially in scientific subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

Khan's dream was to build a free global virtual school. He learned how to design and record lessons simply and collaborated with major educational platforms like the College Board to make the content more interactive with students and responsive to their questions and feedback. Khan Academy became a refuge for students during the coronavirus pandemic, especially in exceptional circumstances across Africa and Asia.

Bill Gates, the Microsoft giant, urged the world to listen to Khan's story on the TED platform. The notable aspect is that the institution is non-profit, relying on donations, internet ads, and nominal subscriptions. TIME magazine named Khan Academy's founder among the 100 most influential people in our lives.

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Read the Article in Arabic

Success is a commonplace desire that is concurrently pursued by individuals from different cultures and belief systems. The achievement of success in the Islamic world is not easy and is directly related to the principles of perseverance and hard work. It is the right way to practice Islam in everyday life as a spiritual person. To make the discussion clearer, we can understand that these instruments of driving success are one of the elements of those involved in the training of both professional hardworking sportsmen and religious faithful. We’ll try here to show how the deeply rooted attributes of dedication and work ethic, influenced by Islamic norms, may bring about real success.

The Quranic Outlook on Success

Success in Islam, especially in Akhirah, is not simply about making money or rising in status. "Falah," which means success includes metaphysical objectives alongside the physical ones, is the ultimate success. The Quran and the Hadith Making Achievements in Life Calls for an Integrated Approach that Combination Faith and Good Works with Effort. In this regard, the Quran says, "And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways… And surely Allah is with those who do good" (Quran 29:69). This verse emphasizes the need to strive and work in the way of Allah so that one can be able to succeed in whatever course one undertakes.

Diligence and Dedication in Islamic Beliefs

1. An Example from the Prophet Seerah (Biography): The life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shows boundless dedication and hard work. He faced great challenges and opposition in fulfilling the mission of conveying the message of Islam; however, he still fought hard. There were many travels, struggles, and attempts to establish order during his time, which showed his unyielding obedience to the cause. The story of the Prophet (PBUH) teaches every Muslim that any achievement cannot be reached without a great deal of effort.
2. The Concept of Niyyah (Intention): All people act for a purpose. It is the intention that is more important for an action. Thus, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated ‘If one of you employs someone, then let him make his intention as to whether the work is for Allah, the Almighty. What I really am saying is actions, MAN. This Hadith explains that every good work must be accompanied by a particular aspect of hard work. Muslims when working, are happy to please Allah and benefit people who are granted these works, and success in the true sense comes in.

3- Perseverance and Patience (Sabr): The Quran stresses the need for patience and constancy. Allah says, " Believers, be steadfast, and vie in steadfastness, stand firm in your faith, and hold Allah in fear that you may attain true success. " (Quran 3:200). This verse urges us to be resolute in our efforts and remain true to our commitments, even when uphill. Patience and perseverance are both basic attributes of commitment, allowing us to overcome hurdles on the way and achieve our goals.

4- Diligence and Effort (Jihad): The concept of "jihad" in Islam is often misunderstood. Even if it means fighting with weapons. But the broader meaning also includes effort and effort in the path of Allah. It includes personal struggles to acquire knowledge, do good, and work hard in one's career. The Quran says, “And there is nothing for a man except the good for which he strives.” (Qur'an 53:39) This verse emphasizes that a person will receive only that which emphasizes the importance of striving to achieve success.

Practical lessons from Islamic teachings

1. Balancing temporal and spiritual goals: Islamic teachings encourage a balanced approach to life. Where each person strives for worldly success and spiritual fulfillment. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge. excellence in one's profession and contribute positively to society. The same goes for their faith…maintain and fulfill their religious obligations. This holistic approach guarantees success and sustainability.

2- Yearning for Growth: Islam instills the spirit of continuous self-improvement and acquiring knowledge throughout one’s life. Such is the case in this saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which states, “Everyone must acquire knowledge, even if he has to go as far as China.” (Sunan ibn Majah) This teaching further reinforces the notion of self-advancement daily. Expanding self or developing skills, while knowledge per se, is the more empirical approach to self-improvement, which causes the upsurge of determination to endure difficulties and achieve success.

3- The significance of community and cooperation is stressed in the teachings of Islam. As stated by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “The believers are like one body, with regards to one another; they exhibit love, mercy, and compassion for one another” (Sahih Muslim). The act of socializing, comforting, and assisting each other is important to achieve any goals or objectives. Muslims are always told to assist people with active and passive means, share useful information and the skills they possess, and engage in activities that are uplifting to society.

4- Tawakkul (Trust in Allah): Achieving any purpose requires a lot of effort and sacrifice but the Islamic teachings counter these notions by emphasizing the need for faith in Allah’s will. It has been encouraged to put in the best effort and leave the rest to Allah. Indeed, this is avowed in the Quran (65:3) which states: ‘and he who puts his trust in Allah, then he will surely suffice him’. In such a case, Proper Trust in Allah (SWT) helps promote one’s inner calm and self-percussion since those who hold this trust believe all their work is done for Allah and left in His hands.

One of the aspects that is very much emphasized in Islam is the greatness of attaining success through hard work and focus. Many stories and examples are told in the Quran and Hadith to help Muslims achieve the various goals that they seek. It is through practicing the principles followed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) combined with pure intentions, patience, and consistent effort that Muslims can earn and enjoy real success; success that is cut across both the physical and the spiritual domains. Ultimately, in Islam, to be successful means to seek the pleasure of Allah, to be of help to other people, and to live life in moderation and with a purpose. 

Source: 

(1) The Fruits of Hard Work - Dawat-e-Islami. https://www.dawateislami.net/magazine/en/bright-teachings-of-islam/how-to-work-hard.

(2) 5 Keys for Developing Islamic Habits of Success - About Islam. https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/living-islam/5-keys-for-developing-islamic-habits-of-success/.

(3) Diligence is the Way to Success - إسلام ويب. https://islamweb.net/en/article/181393/diligence-is-the-way-to-success.

(4) Effort and Success | Islamic Teachings Book 2 | Al-Islam.org. https://www.al-islam.org/islamic-teachings-book-2/effort-and-success.

(5) What is the meaning of true success in Islam? And how we can achieve it? https://www.dawateislami.net/magazine/en/commentary-of-quran/true-success.