The city never slept, and neither did Suleiman. His days were alive with incessant energy that never ceased. As a highly successful entrepreneur, his days were saturated with board meetings, investor pitches, and business dinners. His nights were spent analyzing market trends and strategizing his next business move. His life was one of titles and affluence, a life many coveted.
But when the city lights faded and the sounds of the metropolis receded into a soft hum, Suleiman was left in the company of his echoing penthouse and his thoughts. Despite his notable accomplishments, he was haunted by a nagging sense of emptiness. His heart felt as hollow as the echoing chambers of his opulent but solitary residence.
Suleiman owned art that could stir the soul, indulged in food that could satiate the most discerning palate, and wore clothes by high-priced European labels. Yet, the pleasure derived from these material possessions was fleeting. It was as if he was trying to fill a void, only to find it growing more profound.
One day, in a flash, everything changed!
While walking in Central Park to relieve work-related stress, Suleiman saw a calm man sitting by the pond silently. The man had a peaceful expression and deep eyes and wore impressive and unique clothing. He appeared confident yet humble and surprisingly sported a traditional Islamic turban, leading Suleiman to believe he may be a Sufi Muslim.
Suleiman was fascinated by the calmness of a man amid the city’s chaos, so he approached him. “True success,” the man said, “is not merely in what we accumulate, but in what we become.” Despite being unfamiliar with each other, Suleiman found himself captivated by the man’s words as they resonated deeply within him.
“Are you a Sufi,” Suleiman asked. The man replied that his sheykh was a Sufi but that, as his murid, he is merely striving to be a Muslim. Suleiman was pleasantly surprised by the man’s kind and humble demeanor.
The peaceful man spoke fondly of his mentor, Sheykh Lokman Efendi. He shared that a community in Upstate New York preserves the teachings of a Sufi saint named Sahibul Seyf in their way of life. He illustrated the importance of this community for someone striving to be a Muslim by telling a story of a Companion of the Holy Prophet (AS) and the second Caliph of Islam’s official visit to Quds.
As Hazreti Umar (RA) approached al-Quds, his clothes became dirty due to the muddy ground. He was leading his camel by its rope towards the city when Hazreti Abu Ubaydah (RA) suggested they change into clothes similar to those of Christian kings. However, Hz. Umar was the leader, also known as Ameer al-Mu’mineen.
The serene man delivered a powerful blow to Suleiman’s chest, recounting the story of Hz. Umar striking Hz. Abu Ubaydah in the same manner. And the man shared how Hz. Umar reminded Hz. Abu Ubaydah that Islam had brought honor to their nation and that seeking favor outside would only lead to disgrace. The only path to success is following the Sunnah of Rasulallah (RA). The calm man told Suleiman that his sheykh embodies the lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammad (AS) more than anyone he’d ever seen.
That night, Suleiman could not sleep; his chest throbbed, and his heart was restless and discontent. The words echoed in his mind, igniting a spark illuminating the emptiness he had been trying to ignore. He questioned his purpose, relentless pursuit of wealth, and the lifestyle he had so heedlessly constructed.
Suleiman felt different as the sun rose over the city; he was inspired to embark on a journey to gain a new perspective. He planned to seek guidance from Sheykh Lokman Efendi and learn from the teachings of Sahibul Seyf.
He didn’t know it yet, but this decision marked the beginning of his spiritual journey, his path toward honor and resilience.
Suleiman’s life was taking an unexpected turn as he shifted his priority from being an entrepreneur to a seeker of knowledge. This transformation felt like a defining moment that would last a lifetime. Despite having a thriving business, he desired to follow a path he did not fully understand. Would this decision lead him to “true success?”
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever felt a sense of emptiness despite your achievements? What might be missing?
What does “true success” mean to you? How does it align or differ from the calm man’s definition?
Like Suleiman, have you ever questioned your purpose and lifestyle? If so, what prompted these questions?
Do you think Suleiman’s decision to explore a new perspective was a sign of weakness or strength? Why?
What steps can you take in your own life to seek a greater purpose beyond material success?