This is What is Stopping you to Succeed | Important Lesson by Ustadh Mohamad Baajour

Summary

In this powerful talk, a scholar reflects on six obstacles that close the doors to success in both this world and the Hereafter. These obstacles include being too focused on blessings without gratitude, acquiring knowledge without action, delaying repentance while rushing to sin, bragging about righteous connections without following their example, pursuing worldly desires at the cost of the Akhirah, and avoiding the reality of death. The speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing gratitude, action, repentance, humility, and mindfulness of death to unlock the doors of true success and spiritual fulfillment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't be overly focused on your blessings without remembering the Blesser. Use your blessings in the service of Allah to multiply them.
• 😀 Gratitude involves three things: being grateful with your heart, your tongue, and your limbs. Acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah.
• 😀 Acquiring knowledge without applying it is futile. The true value of knowledge is in its implementation, not just its acquisition.
• 😀 Don't delay repentance. Every time you sin, be quick to seek forgiveness and repent, as we never know when our time will end.
• 😀 Knowing righteous people isn't enough—imitate their good behavior. Just bragging about connections without following their example is empty.
• 😀 Chasing after worldly success without focusing on the hereafter can never lead to true satisfaction. Always balance your focus on both the Dunya and the Akhirah.
• 😀 Death is certain, and we must live with the awareness that it is always approaching. Remind yourself of it frequently to align your actions with the purpose of your life.
• 😀 Don't procrastinate on spiritual matters, thinking you have all the time in the world. Life is uncertain, and death could come at any moment.
• 😀 Using the blessings Allah has given you for disobedience, like watching Haram content or engaging in sinful behavior, wastes the gifts He has provided.
• 😀 True success lies in using what you have for Allah’s service and living a life that reflects the teachings of Islam in every aspect.

Q & A

What are the six barriers that can close the doors of success, as mentioned in the transcript?

The six barriers are: 1) Being preoccupied with blessings and forgetting to be grateful to the Blesser. 2) Acquiring knowledge without acting upon it. 3) Rushing to sin and delaying repentance. 4) Bragging about knowing righteous people without emulating them. 5) Running after worldly gains while ignoring the importance of the afterlife. 6) Moving away from the awareness of death and avoiding its reality.

What is meant by being 'busy with the blessing' and how can this lead to failure in life?

Being 'busy with the blessing' means focusing solely on the material aspects of blessings, such as wealth, children, or health, without acknowledging or expressing gratitude to Allah, the source of these blessings. This leads to neglecting the spiritual obligation of using those blessings in His service, preventing further success.

How can one express gratitude to Allah for His blessings?

Gratitude can be expressed in three ways: with the heart by acknowledging that every blessing is from Allah; with the tongue by constantly saying 'Alhamdulillah' in every state; and with actions by using Allah’s blessings in His service, avoiding their misuse in disobedience.

Why is acquiring knowledge without action considered a barrier to success?

Acquiring knowledge without action is seen as a barrier because it wastes the potential benefits of learning. Knowledge should be applied in daily life, and without application, it becomes meaningless. Just as a doctor uses their degree in practice, religious knowledge should be put into action for personal growth and spiritual success.

What is the importance of repentance in Islam, and why should one rush to repent?

Repentance (Toba) is crucial because it allows us to seek forgiveness from Allah for our sins. It’s important to rush to repentance immediately after sinning, as delaying it can lead to further sin and spiritual harm. Allah is always ready to accept sincere repentance, and we should not delay it, as we never know when our time will come.

What is wrong with bragging about knowing righteous people?

Bragging about knowing righteous people without following their example is problematic because the purpose of such relationships is to emulate their good deeds. Simply boasting about associations without practicing their teachings defeats the purpose of seeking their company.

How does the pursuit of worldly gains interfere with spiritual success?

The constant pursuit of worldly gains, such as wealth, status, or possessions, can distract individuals from their spiritual responsibilities. The transcript highlights that the desire for more material things is insatiable and can lead to neglecting the hereafter. True success lies in balancing both the worldly and spiritual aspects of life.

What is the significance of thinking about death in Islam?

Thinking about death is significant in Islam because it reminds us of the impermanence of this life and the certainty of the afterlife. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged frequent reflection on death to stay focused on the ultimate goal—pleasing Allah and preparing for the afterlife.

Why does the speaker emphasize that death can come at any moment?

The speaker emphasizes the unpredictability of death to remind us that we should not delay repentance, good deeds, or spiritual growth. We are constantly walking towards our final end, and since we don’t know when that moment will arrive, it’s crucial to live righteously and prepare for it.

What role does gratitude play in ensuring the multiplication of blessings?

Gratitude plays a key role in ensuring that blessings are multiplied. When we express gratitude by using Allah’s blessings in His service, He increases those blessings. However, if we take blessings for granted or misuse them, we risk losing them. Gratitude leads to the continued favor of Allah in our lives.