Success in the past often becomes history. The experiences gained become knowledge. This knowledge is invaluable because, no matter how much it is shared, it never diminishes or loses its worth. However, the one thing that holds no price is time. Once time passes, it can never be reclaimed. Therefore, we should utilise our knowledge and sacrifice our time for the welfare of others, hoping that it will bring us the greatest rewards in the hereafter.
We cannot quantify the rewards of our deeds, but the goodness we bring to others can be measured, both objectively and subjectively. Our prayers, fasting, and charity do not benefit Allah directly; however, we can measure the goodness we bring to others as a reflection of our devotion to Allah. Avoiding wrongdoing, embodying humanitarian values, and making contributions to society are indicators of successful worship. If we still engage in slander, lies, gossip, and destruction, it signifies that our worship has failed. To evaluate our acts of worship, we must ask ourselves what benefits or goodness others have received from us. This is why the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged people to gather firewood to help others rather than spending hours in supererogatory prayers at the mosque.
Personal success is singular, but success for others is twofold. It’s like throwing a ball against a wall; it bounces back to us. When we successfully do something good for others, they receive the immediate benefit, but the knowledge, experience, and success return to us, enriching us further. All of this is knowledge, and in the eyes of Allah, those who possess knowledge hold a higher status. However, knowledge without righteous deeds carries no reward. Likewise, doing something without knowledge also yields no reward. When someone gives charity or wears religious attire, the one who understands the knowledge behind it gains rewards, while the one who imitates without understanding gains nothing. Religion begins with knowledge, knowledge of Allah. Faith starts with intention, sincerity for Allah’s sake.
Returning to practical examples, why do the Malays generally fail or lag in business, and more puzzlingly, why do they also fail in politics? It all starts with knowledge, whether in business or politics. Both are activities of competition and rivalry. In politics, there are winners and losers, while in business, there are those who advance and those who fall behind. In politics, one battles, and in business, one competes. Although there are differences in the playing fields, the internal management aspects share many similarities.
It begins with understanding the game, there are risks of winning or losing, advancing or falling behind. The level of risk depends on the stakes. If the capital is large, the risk is high. If the Malay power is used as collateral, the risk is immense. If we fail, the cost could be billions or trillions and might take decades or centuries to recover. Therefore, it is essential to understand the “game of chance.” The highest risk is the risk of Hellfire.
If you place the leader at the forefront, the chances of success are only 10%. Leaders are not prophets guided by divine revelation; they have their own interests at heart. In a political party, the president, and in a company, the chairman.
If you place the organization at the forefront, the chances of success are 50%. The organization in politics is the party, and in business, it is the company.
If you place the people at the forefront, the chances of success are 90-100%. In business, it is the consumers.
This means that if sacrifices are necessary, leaders should be the first to go, not the organisation. Then, the organisation should be sacrificed before the people. Leaders come and go; no one is irreplaceable. The organisation is a tool or vehicle. Without an organization, there is no unity. Together, we are powerful. Organizations have no life, sin, or reward; they do not go to Heaven or Hell. Therefore, it is easier to improve them. As people age and weaken, organizations grow stronger.
Parties or companies exist for the people/consumers, not for the leaders. People are not born for leaders, parties, or companies. People do not create problems for leaders and organizations. People/consumers provide opportunities for leaders and organizations. However, the function of leaders and organizations is to solve problems, not to create or exacerbate them.
All of this is basic knowledge, and it applies equally to business and politics. Consider Western countries, small in size, but they colonised the world for hundreds of years. After World War II, they re-colonised through economics, human capital, business, finance, and investment. This is American hegemony and Western imperialism. When I listen to our political leaders speak, it often seems like village-level politics to me. It is no wonder they fail at the national level, where the best objective should be for the people.
Finally, what should we do? This type of knowledge is not understood by 90% of the population. In politics and business, 20% of the smart control the other 80%. This 20% are themselves controlled by another 20%, which is why deception is so prevalent. Therefore, it is the duty of those with knowledge to raise awareness about falsehoods and provide enlightenment. When people are wise and intelligent, the nation will progress.
Good one . Thanks to the author