In fact...

In fact, the successful, prosperous and triumphant persons manage to overcome obstacles that lie in their way to reach the goal. Of course, true success and salvation have such extended meanings that include both material and spiritual victories and both of them have also been considered with respect to the qualified believers.

Victory and success in the present world mean that man would live freely, independently, prosperously, and honorably and these good conditions are only achieved under the shadow of faith. Success in the Hereafter means to abide respectfully and prosperously under the mercy of Allah, showered by eternal blessings and having the company of purified and amenable friends.

Twenty times every day and night we say /hayya ‘alal-falah/ (Come to success!) in the call to prayer and in the prologue to the daily ritual prayers, clearly declaring this final aim so that we do not lose our path. Islam says: “Those who have faith and purify their souls are indeed successful”. But Pharaoh uttered the blasphemy: “...whoever is uppermost this day will be indeed successful”. [^2] The Arabic word /falah/ means to prosper.

Maybe the reason that the farmer in Arabic is called a /fallah/ is because he makes the conditions ready for plants to grow and prosper. When a seed is placed in the soil, it rescues itself by 3 actions and reaches open space: It plants its roots in the depths of the ground. It absorbs the nutrients of the soil. It moves the soil away from its path in its growth upward.

Like a seed, the human being must accomplish these three actions in order to free himself and reach the open space of monotheism delivering himself from false gods and the dark world of materialism: He must fortify the roots of his beliefs through reasoning. He must gain Allah-given potentialities as much as possible for spiritual development and perfection.

He ought to discard enemies and obstacles and pushes aside any deity other than Allah with the phrase ‘La ’ilaha ’ilia Llah’ (“There is no god save Allah”) in order to reach the open space of monotheism. Who Are the Successful?

1- Worshippers: “...and worship your Lord, and do good, that haply you may prosper.” [^3] 2- Those whose deeds are valuable and heavy: “...Then whoever’s scales be heavy, those are they who shall be prosperous.” [^4] 3- Those who avoid jealousy: “...And whoso is saved from his own avarice such are who are successful.” [^5] 4- Allah’s party: “...Beware!