The Secret of Success
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

Eighty percent of the information received by a human being from the outside world comes to him through his eyes-provided he keeps his eyes open. There is an abundance of oxygen in the air, but if it is to do him any good, he must assiduously breathe it in. If, however, we are to benefit from our environment, it means rather more than just depending upon our own spontaneous biological functioning. It means that we must have the will and ability to seize the opportunities given to us by God and to learn to grapple with whatever their built-in conditions may be. We cannot expect the world-of its own-to lay its gifts at our feet.

This concept is of the greatest importance in the sphere of D'awah work. The spreading of the Islamic message is not something, which is going to happen automatically, and, if it is to come about, it will depend upon our grasping whatever opportunities come our way. In modern times the greatest opportunity that has presented itself is the widespread freedom of belief enjoyed all over the world.  (Only in a few communist countries are curbs placed upon religious activities). This freedom, however, carries with it a tacit proviso, i.e. that propagation of the faith must not take place by coercion, but by gentle persuasion. One reason for this is that so long as one does not use force, there will be no serious opposition to such activity. Perhaps a more important reason is that everyone should enjoy the same freedom of belief; the forcing of beliefs upon others is tantamount to encroaching upon that freedom, not destroying it. Failure to respect this condition means misusing the opportunity, which presents itself; D'awah activity carried on in this way would eventually prove counter-productive. After such an abuse of another's privilege, there would be nothing to stand between God's punishment, and us for it is He who has provided us with this unique opportunity to bring other people within the fold.

It is an opportunity to be seized, not wasted.

 Missed opportunities spell ruin. That is the way of the world. And that is the will of God. (114:10-11)

  At the Olympic games held in Los Angeles in July-August 1984, about 62 Indian sportsmen participated. When the games were over and they returned to New Delhi on August 16, 1984, they received a chilly welcome, as they had failed to win a single medal, neither gold, silver nor bronze.

What was the reason for this failure? According to a report published in the Times of India (August 17, 1984), "Lack of scientific and systematic training was the main reason for India's poor showing. We did our best but that, unfortunately, was not good enough. The entrants began their training just three months beforehand."

What has been said about the Olympic games applies to all walks of life. 

In this world of competition it is necessary to enter the field fully prepared. If you enter it inadequately prepared, little else but failure will await you.

Your preparation should conform to two requirements: it should be organized and it should be consistent with the standards of the times. If it is not so, you will fail to make your mark and you will be unable to keep in step with modern developments.