Ismail Kamdar

Ismail Kamdar is the Founder of Islamic Self Help and Izzah Academy, author of over a dozen books, and the operations manager of Yaqeen Institute.
Ismail Kamdar is the Founder of Islamic Self Help and Izzah Academy, author of over a dozen books, and the operations manager of Yaqeen Institute.
11
Nov
2024
Lessons Learned from the trials of life

Lessons Learned from the trials of life

I do not talk about the difficulties in my life publicly. Life is a test, and I am sure everyone reading this has their own trials and difficulties. The past five years, especially, have seen us all afflicted with global trials that have hit the world one after another, and sometimes multiple at the same time. While we all collectively deal with these trials, many of us have been dealing with personal trials as well. I will not mention specifically what I have been through over the past few years, but want to reflect on some important life lessons I learned through all this.

The period of 1440 to 1446 Hijri, (coinciding with 2019-2024 CE) has been a time of intense difficulty for me. There were times during this period in which I felt hopeless, fearful, depressed, cowardly, and even close to death. Living through the pandemic/lockdown, while dealing with the riots in South Africa in 2021, and the floods here over the next few years, as well as the deaths of multiple relatives, was difficult enough. But at the same time, I had to deal with two major personal trials that shaped and defined this period of my life.

Miraculously, one trial ended this past Friday and another on Saturday, like a season finale in which multiple long-term plots were resolved in almost miraculous fashion. Today is my first work day free from these trials, and I sit alone at 5am in peace and gratitude typing this and reflecting over this intense and difficult period of my life. The strange thing is that even though the past six years were extremely difficult and I prayed for ease many times, I am also grateful for this period of my life because it has shaped me and changed me positively in ways that would not have been possible otherwise.

Finding My Courage

Perhaps the one thing I am most grateful for during this period is finding my courage and evolving into a braver version of myself. In 2021, I faced a trial that required courage and I remember feeling a deep sense of fear and cowardice overwhelm me. I recall my neighbors arming themselves to defend our neighborhood, and I felt a deep sense of cowardice and did the bare minimum to keep my family safe. I felt terrible after that for years and determined to never allow fear or cowardice to hold me back from doing the right thing ever again. I spent a lot of time over the next few years working on building my courage and ability to face scary and difficult situations without fear.

In 2024, multiple scenarios forced me to level up. I did things this year that I did not know I was capable of. I found myself facing my trials head-on and even facing danger head-on. I realized a few weeks ago that I am no longer the same person who was so fearful just three years ago. As I stood guard over a van in a dangerous street giving a man my word that I will protect his workers while they were making a delivery there I felt alive, and I felt at peace that I had finally overcome my cowardice in the face of danger and evolved into a better version of myself.

Learning to Work Under Intense Pressure

I never complained publicly about my trials, as this is not the Islamic way. As Prophet Yaqub (AS) teaches us, “I complain of my anguish and sorrow only to Allah” (Qur’an 12:86) Despite my trials, I continued to focus on my work and during these past few years I was able to produce some of my most important work including the History of Islam online course, and 25 Keys to a Happy Life. I learned during this period that no matter what is going on in the world, I must remain focused on serving Allah, building my Afterlife, and producing work that benefits the ummah.

I recall a strange and terrifying afternoon during 2021. It was the middle of the covid lockdown, multiple relatives of mine had just passed away, and I could hear helicopters, gunshots and screaming as riots raged near my neighborhood. Unable to do anything about any of the above, I sat down to homeschool my children, teach my history classes, and write my books. It was in that moment I realized that no matter how crazy the world gets, life goes on and we must remain focused on what is in our control.

Channeling My Patience into Productivity

Ramadan 1444 (early 2023) was one of the most difficult periods of my life. I recall starting that Ramadan in survival mode, barely able to concentrate or think. I told myself this Ramadan I will just focus on personal worship and getting through my trials. Despite this, with Allah’s Help and Guidance, on the 27th of Ramadan 1444 I completed the first draft of 25 Keys to a Happy Life which I started writing on the first of Ramadan that year.

In 25 days I had completed writing one of the most important books I ever wrote to myself. This book started as notes to myself to fix my mindset and elevate my thinking during this difficult period of my life. Alhamdulillah, it is now available to the public and I pray that it will help others to experience happiness and inner peace no matter how difficult life gets. I learned to channel my resolve into productively producing works that benefit myself and the ummah, and I am grateful to Allah for the opportunity to do this.

Similarly, in early 1445, I realized that all I could do about my trials at that point was be patient and await the help of Allah. Instead of wasting my time in sorrow and self-pity, I channeled my patience into producing more work to benefit the ummah. It was during this period that I produced my online course on the Shariah which has benefited hundreds of students. Looking back, I am grateful to Allah for giving me this period of time to focus on these works, and guiding me to produce them. I ask Allah to make these beneficial for the ummah.

Bonding with my family

Perhaps the greatest blessing that came out of this trial is that it has been a source of bonding for my family. My relationships with my family members, both close and extended, are stronger than ever, Alhamdulillah. I realized that hardships come either tear families apart or bring them together, depending on how we face them and deal with them. I learned an important lesson in facing the trials of life as a united front and growing closer together through every trial.

During these past few years, a lot of my research has focused on reviving the Islamic family structure and helping others find strength, love, and unity in family too. During these years, I launched Izzah Academy, and through it a marriage and parenting course. My work in my community has become heavily focused on teaching people the importance of traditional living, having large united families, and developing a strong family culture.

The family is the primary power base and source of support of any individual. We must resist the modern trends of individualism in which family is disappearing and losing its value. Prophet Lut (AS) refers to families and tribes as strong supports, and wished to have one. “If only I had the strength ˹to resist you˺ or could rely on a strong support.” (Qur’an 11:80) As we face a new generation of the same evil he faced, we must protect ourselves through developing this strong support.

Realizing my true potential

Alhamdulillah, I am a very different person today than I was six years ago. Gone is the cowardice, self-doubt, fear, awkwardness, anxiety and self-consciousness. I may have lost my youth and gained some grey hairs during this period of life, but I also levelled up and am capable of a lot more today than I was a few years ago. Through these trials, I learned to face my fears, take action, trust Allah’s plan, be patient, resilient, strong, brave, and focused. I found my courage and let go of my fear of death. I am a different person today, I feel it in every aspect of my life, and I am grateful to Allah for everything that helped me grow into a better version of myself.

As Muslims, we should never pray for trials and hardship. We should ask Allah for ease and pray for good things. But trials are a necessary part of life and we all will face periods of trial, some more intense than others. The trials of life serve many purposes, one of the most important is to help us dig deep, discover our true potential, and grow into better versions of ourselves. We may struggle and make mistakes along the way, but as long as we remain focused on obeying Allah, doing the right things, and doing what is within our control, our trials will be a source of blessings for us in the long run.

We ask Allah to accept our efforts, utilize us to serve the religion, and to grant us the best of both worlds. Ameen.

Posted by Ismail Kamdar in Inner Peace, Islam, 0 comments
05
Nov
2024
Excelling at Dunya and Deen

Excelling at Dunya and Deen

Among the people is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world,” yet he has no share in the Hereafter. And among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us goodness in this world, and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:200-201)

When it comes to the topic of balance, the question we get asked the most if how do we balance deen and dunya. This is an interesting question because it means different things to different people. Some people think that balance means making equal time for work and worship, so if they work 8 hours a day, they assume that they need to do 8 hours of worship to achieve balance. Others think balance means figuring out the bare minimum worship to do while focusing on Dunya, while some think the opposite. The try to figure out the bare minimum worldly efforts to focus on while prioritizing worship. Some even have a strange idea that balance means having some kind of halal/haram ratio, where their good deeds need to equal or slightly overpower their bad deeds. This last idea is especially incorrect and problematic.

Looking back at the early Muslims and the Quranic message, it is interesting to note that Islam does not push any of the above definitions of balance between Din and Dunya. Instead, there seems to be a constant theme of excelling in both worlds. The Quran calls on us to seek out the best of both worlds. In the famous dua mentioned in Surah al-Baqarah, we are told to ask Allah for the best of both worlds. The scholars differ over what the best of this world means but they all agree we should seek out goodness in this world. Our religion does not encourage us to live like Monks, abandoning this world and focusing only on worship. Instead, we are supposed to lead the world in a way that is pleasing to Allah.

The early Muslims did not excel at Deen but at Dunya as well. Look back at the example of Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf, not only was he one of the blessed ten promised Paradise but he was a millionaire who built his wealth through hard work and excellent. Khalid Ibn Walid was the sword of Allah, and through his sword he excelled at both deen and dunya. The Sahaba excelled so well in both fields that within a few decades they rose up and became a powerful civilization. This is the way of the early Muslims, their hearts were focused on pleasing Allah and earning Paradise but they did so in a way that they still excelled in their worldly goals and aspirations.

Al-Mawardi’s Adab al-Dunya Wa Din

To learn more about what Islam teaches about this topic, I was reading through a classical work Adab al-Dunya Wa Din (Ethics of Dunya and Din) by the classical scholar Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi. This book was written a thousand years ago during the Abbasid Golden Age by one of its leading political scholars. Al-Mawardi is more commonly known for his masterpiece Ahkam al-Sultaniyyah which focuses on Islamic Political Theory and is perhaps the most important book produced on that topic. Adab al-Dunya Wa Din is one of his lesser-known works, which has recently been translated into English and it focuses on how to achieve balance, happiness, and excellence in both Dunya and Din. This book is full of brilliant timeless principles for pursuing excellence. Today, I just want to share with you the first three principles from the book which I believe are essential today for achieving balance and excellence in both worlds.

Principle #1: Take Care of Your Mind

The first principle is the importance of developing one’s intellect. Al-Mawardi argues that the greatest gift that Allah has given us is our brains. It is through correct usage and development of our intellect that we succeed in both worlds. It is through developing and using our minds that we reflect on the Signs of Allah, learn the Quran and Sunnah, recognize God’s blessings and make good decisions. Good decisions benefit us in both worlds. An intelligent person will succeed in religion because their intellect leads them to recognize Allah’s Blessings and to live a goodly life that is pleasing to Allah.

But it will also benefit him in this world because he will use his mind to make good decisions about family, community, work, and business. This is one of the reasons why the preservation of intellect is one of the five main goals of the Shariah. Losing one’s intellect through not using it or substance abuse leads to bad decisions and ruining one’s life in both worlds. Therefore, all success depends on being sound of mind and using your mind wisely.

Principle #2: Control Your Desires

Linked to this, he mentions in the same chapter the second principle, which is to above following one’s desires. Everyone has moments in their life in which their desires are pulling them in one direction and their brains in the opposite direction. If we develop our minds and control our desires, we will make good decisions in such moments. For example, when a married person is tempted to cheat on their spouse. At that moment, if one’s desires are dominant, a person will make a foolish choice that can ruin their life in this world and the next. Intelligent people know and understand the repercussions of zina and this helps them to make good decisions and stay away from such sins. So he dedicates the entire first chapter of his book to these two principles: nurture and grow and use your intellect while keeping your desires under control is key to success in both Din and Dunya.

Principle #3: Seek Knowledge

The third principle mentioned in this book is the importance of knowledge. Note that in Islam, there is no distinction between religious and secular knowledge. This is a modern division of knowledge that is alien to the Islamic worldview. The early Muslims were polymaths who succeeded in both worlds because they sought and acquired all beneficial knowledge. In Islam, we can divide knowledge into beneficial, trivial and harmful. We must avoid harmful knowledge like learning how to manipulate and con people because such knowledge leads to temptation and sin, and we should avoid trivial knowledge like memorizing the names and lives of western celebrities because such information is useless. However, we must seek beneficial knowledge.

Al-Mawardi argues that to succeed in both Dunya and Din, you need to be a student for life. He says that knowledge is more important than wealth because wealth is a matter of Qadar but knowledge is something you can actively acquire. Furthermore, he says real social status and dignity comes from knowledge and wisdom, not just wealth. So he encourages a life-long pursuit of all beneficial knowledge. Al-Mawardi says that success in Din is dependent on knowledge because we need knowledge to know right from wrong and to know our responsibilities and duties. Likewise success in Dunya is also dependent on knowledge because knowledge opens new doors and helps us excel at every aspect of life.

Principle #4: Prioritize Worship

Finally, a fourth principle he mentions in the book is prioritizing daily ibadah starting with the five daily prayers. A Muslim must prioritize the worship of Allah and build the rest of his life around this. It is through these principles, cultivating the mind, controlling desires, seeking beneficial knowledge, and prioritizing the worship of Allah that we can develop the right mindset and lifestyle to excel at both worlds.

We ask Allah to bless us with the best of this world and the next world and to protect us from the Hellfire.

Ameen.

Posted by Ismail Kamdar in Islam, Leadership, 0 comments
29
Oct
2024
NEW FREE EBOOK: The Straight Path

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Posted by Ismail Kamdar in Books
05
Oct
2024
Balancing Contentment and Ambition

Balancing Contentment and Ambition

A common question we receive is: how do we balance contentment and ambition? Both are positive qualities that are essential for a happy and successful life, yet they seem to contradict each other. Contentment teaches us to be satisfied with what Allah has provided, while ambition drives us to seek more and work hard to achieve lofty goals. On the surface, these values may seem contradictory, yet Islam encourages us to embrace both.

Contentment: A Pillar of Faith

Contentment is a fundamental aspect of purifying the soul. Without it, greed can take hold, leading to a constant sense of dissatisfaction, no matter what we achieve. Numerous hadiths remind us of the virtues of contentment and warn us of the dangers of greed.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Wealth is not in having many possessions. Rather, true wealth is the richness of the soul.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6446, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1051)

He ﷺ also said, “Whoever among you wakes up secure in his property, healthy in his body, and with his food for the day, it is as if he were given the entire world.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2346)

The Prophet ﷺ also warned us against greed in various hadiths, including:

“If the son of Adam had two valleys full of wealth, he would desire a third. Nothing will fill his belly except the dust of the grave, but Allah relents to those who repent.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6436)

“Beware of greed, for it destroyed those before you. It commanded them to be miserly, and they obeyed. It commanded them to sever family ties, and they did so. It commanded them to behave wickedly, and they did so.” (Abu Dāwūd 1698)

Ambition: A Call to Hard Work

How do we differentiate between ambition and greed? Is it wrong for a believer to aspire to a higher standard of living, aim for a promotion, or buy a better home? While Islam teaches contentment, it does not discourage ambition or setting goals. In fact, Islam encourages us to strive for excellence (Ihsan) in everything we do.

Ambition is not contradictory to contentment, but rather complements it. Contentment comes after striving—after working hard and doing our best, we should be content with whatever Allah has provided for that day.

In the hadith of Ihsan, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Verily, Allah Almighty is excellent and loves excellence.” (Al-Mu’jam al-Awsaṭ 5884)

Islam teaches us to aim for excellence in every aspect of our lives—whether it’s in our work, finances, or family life. We should strive to be the best version of ourselves, working hard towards noble and meaningful goals. However, contentment should come after this effort—being satisfied with a hard day’s work, even if the results aren’t what we had hoped for. Contentment means being happy, even when we don’t achieve all our goals.

Practical Tips for Balancing Contentment and Ambition

So, how do we achieve this balance? Here are some practical tips:

  1. Practice Gratitude: Every day, focus on the blessings you have and thank Allah for them. By appreciating what you have, you’ll find contentment even in difficult times. There is always something to be grateful for.
  2. Redefine Success: Success doesn’t have to mean the same thing to you as it does to others. In modern society, success is often measured by wealth and fame, but these aren’t necessarily the metrics for a believer. Redefine success based on your relationship with Allah, your family, and your community. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever wakes up secure in his property, healthy in his body, and has his food for the day, it is as if he were given the entire world.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2346)
  3. Set Realistic, Meaningful Goals: Have goals that are both achievable and noble, pleasing to Allah, and beneficial to the Ummah. Working towards such goals will bring satisfaction, even if you don’t achieve all of them. The journey itself will be rewarding.
  4. Enjoy the Journey: Don’t tie your happiness to end results. Some people believe they’ll only be happy when they finish school, get married, or retire, but this mindset often leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. Find joy in the process, the hard work, and the small victories along the way.
  5. Be Flexible with Your Strategies: Life is not a straight path. When pursuing a goal, you will encounter obstacles. These challenges shouldn’t curb your ambition; instead, adjust your strategy and find new ways to achieve your goals.
  6. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others: Focus on your own blessings and goals. Everyone’s journey is different, with unique successes and challenges. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “Renounce what people possess, and people will love you.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah 4102)
  7. Prioritize Faith Above All: A key to balance is prioritizing Islam above everything else. When you focus on Allah’s pleasure, you will always find reasons for contentment. With this mindset, you’ll find Allah assisting you in reaching your goals and granting patience during trials.
  8. Be Satisfied with Hard Work: At the end of the day, all that matters is that you tried your best. Set your goals, work hard, and be content with what you achieved. Don’t focus on what’s beyond your control; focus on what is written for you, and you will find the balance between contentment and ambition.

Conclusion

Balancing contentment and ambition is essential for a fulfilling life. While contentment teaches satisfaction with what Allah has provided, ambition drives us to strive for excellence and achieve meaningful goals. Islam encourages both—hard work and contentment—emphasizing that contentment comes after striving. True contentment guards against greed and dissatisfaction, while ambition pushes us to be the best version of ourselves.

By practicing gratitude, redefining success, setting realistic goals, and finding joy in the journey, we can achieve this balance. Prioritizing faith and avoiding comparisons with others further helps align our ambition with spiritual contentment. We ask Allah to accept our efforts, guide us to balance, and protect us from greed, laziness, and jealousy.

Learn more with our self-help bundle, on sale here.

Posted by Ismail Kamdar in Inner Peace, Islam
03
Oct
2024
How to Develop a Strong Reading Habit

How to Develop a Strong Reading Habit

In an age dominated by microcontent and shortened attention spans, many people openly admit that they don’t read or struggle to focus long enough to complete a full book. This trend is concerning because books are vital for intellectual and spiritual growth. The transformative experience of reading a deep, life-changing book cannot be replicated by any form of video, no matter how long. Short bursts of information, typical of microcontent, can’t effectively strengthen the mind or nourish the soul. Reading books is an essential habit for anyone striving for excellence.

This holds especially true for Muslims. Books are central to our legacy. From the time Muslims first learned the art of papermaking from the Chinese, books have played a crucial role in the dissemination of knowledge and wisdom. The final revelation of Islam is itself a book—the Qur’an. The sayings and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) were preserved in the books of Hadith, while Islamic law is explained in books of Fiqh. The Qur’an is elaborated on in books of Tafsir, and our spiritual traditions are expanded upon in books of Tasawwuf. Books have always been, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of our tradition.

As society leans more toward microcontent, you can distinguish yourself in any field by becoming an avid reader. The bar for excellence is low because so many people settle for mediocrity. Even an average reading habit—say 10 books a year—can set you apart from your peers. An excellent reading habit—50 books a year—can position you as a leader in your field. If you want to excel, building a strong reading habit is essential. Here are some tips to get started.

1. Build a Reading List and Home Library

You can’t start reading if you don’t have anything to read. Begin by creating a list of books that interest you or can help you grow. These could be religious texts, self-help books, or works related to your profession. You can borrow them from a local library, download digital versions, or purchase physical copies to start your own home library. Once you have a few books on hand, choose one to begin with—just be realistic about your choice.

2. Start with Smaller Books and Set Realistic Goals

If you’re not used to reading, tackling a lengthy book might feel overwhelming. The best way to begin is by choosing a shorter book, preferably under 100 pages, but rich in content. Be realistic about what you can handle, and start with something practical and beneficial. A short but impactful book can have a profound effect on your mind and soul. Find one that aligns with these goals and start reading.

3. Schedule Time Daily for Reading

Life is busy, and it’s hard to find time for new habits unless you deliberately make room for them. If reading is important to you, prioritize it by scheduling time for it daily. Pick a time when you are free and able to concentrate, such as early in the morning, during your lunch break, or just before bed. Commit to reading for a few minutes every day during this time.

4. Learn to Focus by Gradually Increasing Your Reading Time

At first, you may struggle to concentrate for extended periods. Don’t be discouraged—start small with just five minutes a day. Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase your reading time by a few minutes every week. Over time, you’ll find yourself reading for 30 minutes to an hour without difficulty. By establishing this habit, you’ll be able to read several valuable books each year.

5. Join a Book Club

If starting a reading habit feels difficult alone, consider joining or creating a book club. In a book club, members can motivate each other and hold one another accountable for meeting their reading goals. To start one, gather a few friends or family members, choose a book to read, and agree to meet after a few weeks to discuss it. A book club can provide the social encouragement needed to get back into reading.

6. Leverage Technology to Assist in Retention

Technology often distracts us with mindless content, but it can also help foster strong reading habits. Use apps to track your reading progress, or download ebooks to read on your mobile devices. You can watch video summaries to reinforce key concepts, join online discussions, or enroll in courses that explain the ideas in greater depth. These are just a few ways technology can support your reading goals.

7. Start Today—Don’t Delay

Don’t procrastinate. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to establish a strong reading habit. Start today by picking a good book, setting a time to read, and dedicating just a few minutes to reading a few pages. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider trying our self-help bundle, a collection of must-read books that inspire better habits and encourage excellence in all aspects of life. Learn more about the bundle here.

Posted by Ismail Kamdar in Books