#Al Salam Alaikum 🌱 

When we think of competition, if often brings to mind images of vying for wealth, status, or material possessions.

In our worldly context, competition is frequently associated with a race to accumulate more money, better looks, higher social status, or greater consumption.

But the Noble Quran offers a starkly different perspective on what true competition should be.

❌ False Competition: Money, Children, and Wealth

The Quran cautions us against false competition that revolves around fleeting worldly gains.

In Surah Al Hadid (57:20-21), Allah (SWT) says:

This verse reminds us that the worldly competition for wealth and children is as fleeing as vegetation that dries up and turns to straw. 

Such pursuits can distract us from the ultimate race, which is for Allah’s forgiveness and pleasure.

✅ The True Competition: Good Deeds

The Quran encourages us to channel our competitive spirit into striving for good deeds.

In Surah Al Mutaffifin (83:26), Allah (SWT) says:

“So for this let the competitors compete.”

Here, Allah is directing our competitive nature towards virtuous deeds and actions that earn His pleasure and reward.

This is the essence of true competition in the eyes of Islam.

🌟 Examples from the Companions

The companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) understood this concept well and often outcompeted each other in performing good deeds.

Here are a few inspiring stories:

• Abu Bakr and Omar (AS): One notable example is the competition between Abu Bakr and Omar. During a call for charity, Omar (AS) brought half of his wealth, thinking he would surpass Abu Bakr (AS). However, Abu Bakar (AS) brought all of his wealth, setting a higher standard of generosity and sacrifice.

• The Ansar and the Muhajirun: The Ansar (helpers) of Madinah and Muhajirun (migrants) from Makkah competed in supporting each other and sharing their resources. This competition was not for personal gain but for the betterment of the community and the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

• Charity and Night Prayers: Many companions would secretly give charity at night to avoid recognition and to ensure their deeds were solely for Allah’s sake. They also competed in offering night prayers, seeking closeness to Allah (SWT).

⁉️ What Are You Competing For?

For us Faith First entrepreneurs, the real competition is not our competitors, profit margins or the market, but understanding what is truly worth competing for.

The Quran teaches us that our ultimate goal is not amass wealth or achieve worldly success at the expense of our faith and values.

Instead, we should use our businesses as vehicles for this higher form of competition and as a means to fulfill our divine purpose.

By focusing our competitive spirit on virtuous acts, we can achieve true success and fulfillment, both in this world and the Hereafter, inshAllah.

Let us be inspired by the companions and channel our energy into the competition that truly matters.

{And in that, let the competitors compete.}

Every race that distracts you from this race makes you a loser, even if you win.

This week, I encourage you to take five minutes each day to reflect on your competition. Sit in a quiet place and ask yourself:

1. What am I (truly) competing for in my daily life?

2. Are my competitive pursuits aligned with my faith and values?

3. How can I redirect my competitive spirit towards actions that earn Allah’s pleasure and reward?

Write down your thoughts and make a small, actionable plan to focus on virtuous deeds.

🤲 Closing Supplication

May Allah (SWT) guide us all to complete in what truly matters.

Ameen.