We're continuing our series of explaining of Dr.Tareq Al-Suwaidan's characteristic breakdown of the Great Muslims of History. (See first post here). We explained in the first series, how the beginning of these individuals usually set them for their achievements in life, and how that such beginnings are blessings from Allah which the individual has no control over. Today, we review the second component and its four elements:

2. Developing Direction

• Choose your passion: the Great Muslims of the past and future followed their passion, knew what they were good at and what they enjoyed doing. 

A moment of reflection here is needed: How many of us are actually fulfilling our passion? Doing something we really enjoy and excel at? Why is the Muslim Ummah killing its own talent by forcing upon itself work, or a line of education that an individual might not even want! A person's passion might be in agriculture, yet due to pressures he might be forced to go into medicine, and leave the important work of feeding this Ummah. Discovering our passion is key to becoming Productive. 

• Choose your field: Great Muslim Innovators throughout History had a focus in their lives. They chose a field and stuck to it. e.g. Ibn Sina - Medicine, Al-Kindi - Optician..etc. 

This is something I'm falling shortly at at the moment, since I'm all over the place in terms of choosing a field. But it makes sense. As the saying goes, "Jack of All Trades, Master of None" .

• Concentrate on one field: There's a difference between choosing your field, and concentrating on it. The two must go together in order to succeed.

It's hard sometimes to keep your focus on one thing for long, especially when you think that you won't succeed. But if a field is your passion, and you concentrate on it long enough, and you ask Allah for help and aid, you're bound to add to it an invaluable discovery.  

• Develop a Vision in your field: Leave your mark in history.  

Don't just be a taker in your field, also give and develop a vision for it. Start where people thought it was impossible, and continue from there, and ask Allah to help you. Remember, every knowledge we're given is only from Allah, and we've been given little knowledge, so ask Allah, the Knower of all to Teach you and Direct you, and the world will open up for you inshaAllah.