We learn disciplined knowledge to make our life in the world better; how about using same knowledge to do better in hereafter

One of the professional opinion about our goal setting - is to write SMART goals.

What is SMART goals? It is an acronym where S stands for 'Specific', M stands for 'Measurable or meaningful',  A stands for 'Actionable', R stands for 'Relevant' and T stands for 'Time-bound'. Why should we write SMART goals? We should write SMART goals so that we can be successful in achieving those goals.

Usually, in our everyday life we are successful most of the time if we aim at an achievable goal. Some people make mistakes and correct them as we would say they go through a trial and error process and finally achieve the goals. But that actually takes long time and there is uncertainty.

It is important to set SMART goals to help us clarify ideas, focus efforts, use resources productively and increase our chance of achieving success.

Now these professional approach is to be successful in everyday business of our worldly life. I was thinking about it - how I can take a professional approach in achieving success in our spiritual goals. All wants to get the garden of paradise in the life hereafter. But are we really trying hard to achieve success in that kind of effort. The same way we try to achieve success in our business - not really.

Why do we have to write specific goals? Because I want to have a concrete idea about what I am trying to achieve. In this case salvation in the Day of Judgement. What is the Day of Judgement or the Day of Standing in front of Allah the Almighty God - the Day of Reckoning. That day no person would be able to help or support another person. People will be completely powerless on that day and only Allah (The Creator of Haven and Earth and everything in between) will have the Supreme Authority, which actually is the eternal truth. If our idea about that day is clear and specific then we can set a goal very specific to achieve salvation on that very day.

First thing first. Be a believer in Allah and the other six categories - such as: angels, books of guidance from Allah, messengers of Allah, Day of Judgement, Kadr of Allah and the day of resurrection. Now if you're a believer first thing is Salah. Never compromise with Salah if you want to 'die a Muslim'. So, being specific about your goal setting needs to be that you'll never compromise with Salah. Never compromise with time of Salah and never with importance of Salah. That is what you need to be specific. The goal is saying five times Salah in time in the Masjid with jama'ah. So, it is measurable that five times Salah with perfect timing needs to be performed. In here I can definitely measure it if I miss one Salah I am failing. What issues I might encounter in achieving five times Salah in a timely manner? My job, my shopping, my family life, my personal life - eating, sleeping and time to keep personal hygiene that is taharah. Everything mentioned here can be the barrier to perform five times Salah in a timely manner.

There comes the Actions require to take to achieve the goal. The challenges that I will face needs to be actively overcome. Here again comes what resources shall I use to remove these barriers. First thing is very easy to overcome. My job. In US there is no job that will stop you saying your Salah in time. To overcome this barrier all you need to do is be prepared for the Salah before the time. Other thing is explain your boss what it is and no one will say no to your Salah in USA.

Then comes shopping. Never go to shopping just before the Salah time. Say your Salah first and then start. Again if you're ready, make your wudu before you start for the shopping mall the next Salah time comes and say your Salah anywhere on this earth. For a Muslim any ground is a musallah. Just the place needs to be free  of filth. Remember everything else can be compromised for Salah. But Salah cannot be compromised for anything.

The next quality of SMART goals is 'Relevance'. Since our goal is to fare equity and straightforwardness and no crookedness in the Day of Judgement. It would be relevant to work towards that goal.

Last but not the least is goal has to be set to achieve success in a timely manner. If one works toward achieving timeliness in his Salah he should set a time in front of him. Let's say in a month I will achieve getting all my Salah in congregation in the masjid. First week he can plan to get his 'Isha and Fajr prayer in jama'ah. This is the first and foremost two Salah that will make sure you're doing quiam all night from Magrib to Fajr. That would be a huge achievement. And to do this one has to do some sacrifice. Sacrifice is not only slaughtering animal. Real sacrifice is waking up early morning to say your Fajr Salah in jama'ah. The next three weeks you'll be able to find a way either to pray your Dhuhr, Asr and Maghrib in the masjid or at work in jama'ah with other brothers there.

 

Hopefully, this professional approach to setting your goal will also work in your religious life as well. Set your SMART goals to achieve success in the life hereafter.