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Al Salam Alaikum 🌱
💭 Reflecting on the Learnings from Last Ramadan
As part of my customary preparation for the Holy Month of Ramadan, I take some time to reflect on the lessons learned from the previous Ramadan. Last year, I began a practice I plan to continue inshAllah: writing down and processing the lessons I'm learning to truly internalize and embody their messages. This applies whether I engage with the Quran, a podcast, a YouTube video, etc.
What I appreciate about Ramadan is the intentional slowness it encourages. Instead of rushing to complete a certain number of khatmas (Quran recitations), I strive to delve more deeply rather than spread myself thin. I read and contemplate the verses, study the tafsir, and seek out YouTube videos by well-known scholars to understand the context in which the verses were revealed and their meanings.
One specific lesson from last year’s Ramadan reflections that I’d like to spotlight in this newsletter is a verse from the first few verses of Surah Al Fath.
“Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph, ‘O Prophet,’ so that Allah may forgive you for your past and future shortcomings, perfect His favor upon you, and guide you along the Straight Path and so that Allah will help you tremendously.”
🤍 The Clear Triumph: The Treaty of Hudaibiya
For context, this Medinian chapter takes its name from the clear triumph (i.e. The Treaty of Hudaibiyah) in verse 1.
The Treaty of Hudaibiya, which took place between Prophet Muhammad's and his companions and the Quraysh of Mecca in 628 AD, was initially perceived as a setback for Muslims. The Quraysh denied the Muslims' right to perform the Umrah pilgrimage, which was disappointing to the Muslims.
The treaty had several conditions that seemed unfavorable to Muslims at first, such as the clause stating that any Quraysh person coming to Prophet Muhammad without the permission of their guardian would be returned to Mecca, but any Muslim going to the Quraysh would not be returned.
Over time, this seemingly unfavorable treaty became a significant victory because it established peace, temporarily diffused the tension between the Muslims and the Meccan pagans, and allowed the Prophet Muhammad and his followers to spread awareness and understanding of the faith widely. Eventually, this led to a ten-year truce and the peaceful opening of Mecca.
The key takeaway is that setbacks often serve not as endpoints but stepping stones that can catapult us forward. Therefore, the Treaty of Hudaibiya underlines the importance of maintaining steadfastness, patience, and resilience when facing setbacks.
It reminds us to view defeats not as failures but as opportunities for growth and eventual success.
🛶 My Personal Voyage
My journey over the past six years as a co-founder of an ed-tech business has been a rollercoaster of rewarding and challenging experiences.
The goal to reach the first $1 million mark to "graduate" from a global accelerator program I was a part of drove me relentlessly. Often, this drive came at the expense of my faith and family.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges in sustaining a small, self-funded company. Despite financial stability, I reached a crucial turning point where I recognized the necessity for change.
Contrary to the accelerator's advice to secure external investors and expand, I opted for downsizing. This decision required letting some team members go, marking a period of personal and professional challenge, demanding courage to face uncertainty.
In the entrepreneurial circles I was part of, this decision was perceived as a "defeat." Despite occasional self-doubt, I held firm to my conviction that it was the right decision at the right time.
In retrospect, this seeming defeat led to my most significant breakthrough, unveiling a new path and a larger purpose I had not previously considered.
This experience attests to the idea that temporary defeats can indeed be opportunities in disguise. The difficult decision I made over a year ago to downsize, which initially seemed like a defeat, catalyzed my spiritual, personal, and professional growth.
By detaching my ego and disregarding others' opinions, I emerged stronger.
In the face of what appeared to be a defeat, I found a blessing.
It prompted me to question the status quo, challenge prevalent capitalist and liberal ideas in business, and forge my own God-centered path forward.
As a result, I transformed into a "time millionaire," with the freedom and capacity to pursue projects and experiments that align with my skill set and abilities and add value for others.
Looking back, I realize that what I initially perceived as a temporary defeat was indeed an opportunity in disguise, steering me toward a more fulfilling and impactful trajectory.
This underscores the profound wisdom that temporary defeats can turn into permanent victories.
🌵 Spiritual Resilience in Adversity
Challenges and setbacks in life and business are often stepping stones to lasting success. It’s not the setbacks that matter but how we react, learn, and use them to propel us forward.
Faith provides us the spiritual resilience to see these moments as growth opportunities.
Using the example of the Treaty of Hudaibiya and my experience downsizing my previous company, apparent setbacks can lead to eventual victories.
So, it's not the defeat itself that's important, but how we define it, respond to it, learn from it, and use it to fuel our future victories.
Identify a recent "defeat": Think about a recent situation where you felt you had experienced a defeat. Write it down in detail, including your thoughts and feelings at the time.
Analyze: What did you learn from this situation? How did it affect your subsequent decisions or actions? Did it provide new insights or inspire any changes in your approach?
Reframe the defeat: Now, try to reframe this defeat as an opportunity. How could this setback pave the way for future success? What did it teach you that could be valuable in the future?
Plan for the future: Based on these reflections, what steps can you take to turn this defeat into a victory in the future? How can you apply the lessons you've learned to future challenges?
Gratitude: Lastly, take a moment to express gratitude to Allah for this learning experience. Even though it may have been difficult, it has provided you with an opportunity to grow and develop.
👇️ Download Ramadan Reflections E-Book
I'm excited to share that I've compiled all 23 lessons I learned during Ramadan 2023 into a short e-book. You can access it via the link below.
I encourage you to download the file and reach out and let me know which lesson resonated the most with you and why. Your feedback is invaluable, and I look forward to your thoughts.
And yes, I plan to document what I learn this year and share it shortly after Ramadan inshAllah!
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