Thinking Beyond the Present

Al Salam Alaikum 🌱 

In this edition, we will explore the concept of thinking long-term and considering a 100-year time horizon for your business or personal/life projects.

By having a broader vision and building something that can outlive you, I believe Muslim entrepreneurs can leave a lasting impact on their communities, the Ummah, and the world.

🌅 The Importance of Long-Term Thinking

Adopting a long-term mindset can set you apart in a world where short-term gains and immediate results are often prioritized.

By envisioning your business or personal project beyond the present, you can make strategic decisions focusing on sustainable growth, continuous improvement, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

🌟 Stories of Long-Term Success: The Case of Khalifa Omar Bin Abdulaziz II

Inspiring stories from the past can serve as examples of how a short reign can still achieve tremendous impact.

One such story is that of Khalifa Omar Bin Abdulaziz II, who ruled for only 2.5 years yet accomplished more than most people do in a decade.

Khalifa Omar Bin Abdulaziz was known for his piety, balanced religiosity with good governance, and lack of attachment to worldly possessions.

Growing up in Medina, in the company of great scholars and the remaining companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him), Khalifa Omar Bin Abdulaziz was deeply grounded in Islamic knowledge and principles.

He governed Medina justly, earning popularity among the masses. His commitment to righteous leadership stood out when he was chosen as his cousin, King Suleiman's successor, and he brought about positive reforms during his short reign.

Some of Khalifa Omar's best decisions exemplify the power of long-term thinking.

For instance, he assembled a committee of righteous scholars and assigned them to compile the narrations of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) into books.

This project laid the groundwork for preserving Islamic teachings, which would bear fruit centuries later with the compilation of significant hadith collections by scholars such as Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim.

Moreover, Khalifa Omar focused on increasing the status and influence of religious scholarship by enhancing salaries, establishing institutes of learning, and sending scholars to foreign lands.

Though he did not witness the full extent of his efforts, he played a pivotal role in sowing the seeds for a new era of Islamic scholarship, which flourished into a Golden Age in the subsequent centuries.

In addition, Khalifa Omar recognized the importance of balancing expansion with stability. Realizing that rapid expansion could lead to an unstable empire, he decided to halt further conquests and instead focus on developing the newly conquered lands. 

This prioritization of research and development over continual expansion demonstrated his wisdom and forward-thinking mindset.

Another notable aspect of Khalifa Omar's leadership was his commitment to using public wealth to benefit the community.

He stripped his cousins of their excesses, redistributing their wealth for the greater good and implementing reforms that addressed unjust taxes.

🧱 Next World Thinking: What's Your 100-Year Project? 

The story of Khalifa Omar Bin Abdulaziz II serves as a powerful reminder of the impact an individual can make in a short period of time. 

It also highlights the importance of prioritizing what is truly important and dedicating oneself to projects that have a long-lasting impact.

In line with this philosophy, I encourage you this week to embark on your own "Next World Project." 

Think about a cause that resonates with you deeply and identify how you can contribute positively to it. Devise a plan, involve others to support your vision, and ensure it can continue beyond your lifetime.

Remember, committing to long-term work without immediate results and pushing through obstacles will likely be challenging.

But by prioritizing what truly matters and dedicating energy and resources towards it, you can leave a lasting legacy far beyond your own time.

📚️ The Book That Inspired This Thought

Last year, one of the most impactful books I read was titled "Productivity Principles of Umar Bin Abdulaziz II" by Ismail Kamdar. This remarkable book inspired me to contemplate embarking on a 100-year project of my own. 

Through his insightful exploration of the life and leadership of Umar Bin Abdulaziz II, Kamdar highlights the importance of long-term thinking, purposeful action, and leaving a lasting positive impact. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration and practical guidance on making a meaningful difference.

This week, set aside some time for introspection and reflection on your long-term goals and aspirations. Consider the following questions and use them as a guide:

1. What are your values and principles? Reflect on what matters most to you personally and align those values with your entrepreneurial and/or professional pursuits.

2. How do you want to leave a positive impact on society? Think about the legacy you want to create and how your business or personal project can contribute to the betterment of others.

3. What skills and expertise do you possess that can be leveraged for long-term success? Identify your strengths and areas where you can make a unique contribution.

4. What societal challenges or issues deeply resonate with you? Explore areas where you are passionate about creating positive change and consider how your entrepreneurial efforts can address those challenges.

5. How can your project have a sustained impact beyond your lifetime? Brainstorm ideas and strategies to ensure your project continues to benefit future generations.

6. Who could be potential collaborators or partners in your project? Identify individuals or organizations that share your vision and can contribute to the long-term success of your project.

7. What steps can you take right now to start building your 100-year project? Break down your long-term vision into smaller, actionable goals you can begin working on immediately.

I hope Khalifa Omar's story and the "Next World Thinking" concept inspire you in your entrepreneurial endeavors and beyond.

May Allah bless and guide all your efforts 💫