In a world of endless notifications, quick videos, and shortcuts, the slow, steady act of reading can feel outdated. But the truth is, reading remains one of the most powerful tools for building a successful, focused, and purpose-driven life. For Muslim founders in particular, the question is not just whether reading increases the chance of success, but how and why it does, both in the dunya and the akhirah.
Let us explore how reading shapes strong minds, disciplined habits, and spiritual insight, all of which are essential ingredients in lasting success.
1. Reading Builds Real Knowledge
Success is not based on raw ambition alone, it is built on knowledge. Reading allows you to access deep insights, learn from others’ experiences, and make informed decisions.
According to Pew Research, individuals who read regularly are more likely to:
- Develop new skills
- Report stronger personal and professional growth
- Stay updated with meaningful trends in their field
For founders and leaders, this knowledge often translates into sharper strategies, clearer priorities, and better business judgment.
Unlike surface-level information from short-form media, books provide structured learning, often organized in a way that trains your mind to think critically and deeply. The more you understand, the more wisely you can act.
2. Islam Started with “Read” (اقْرَأْ)
As Muslims, we do not just value reading because it is useful, we value it because Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) honored it. The very first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was:
“Read in the Name of your Lord Who has created.”
- Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1)
This first command marked the beginning of a mission rooted in learning, reflection, and responsibility. Reading was not just for scholars, it was for every believer, a gateway to spiritual elevation and social contribution.
Islamic history is full of scholars, leaders, and thinkers who treated reading not as a hobby, but as a sacred duty tied to their success in both worlds.
3. The Best Among Us Were Readers
3. The Best Among Us Were Readers
Many of the greatest contributors to Islam’s intellectual legacy were avid readers and writers. Their success was not accidental, it was built on a foundation of consistent, purposeful reading.
- Zayd ibn Thabit (رضي الله عنه)was one of the Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) scribes. He mastered Hebrew and Syriac and was entrusted with compiling the Qur’an. His literacy and dedication made him central to the preservation of revelation.
- Imam Al-Ghazaliread widely across philosophy, theology, and spirituality. His books, like Ihya’ ‘Ulum ad-Din, are still read globally. His success came not from public popularity but from deep knowledge and sincerity.
These men were not chasing fame; they were grounded in knowledge, which they accessed through reading, reflecting, and writing.
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4. Reading Trains the Mind for Success
4. Reading Trains the Mind for Success
Modern research confirms what our tradition has always known: reading develops powerful mental habits.
Benefits of regular reading include:
- Improved memory and focus
- Stronger emotional intelligence
- Better problem-solving skills
- Increased patience and attention span
For Muslim founders navigating decisions, stress, and competition, these qualities are vital. Reading trains you to think deeply, delay impulsive decisions, and approach problems with clarity and calm. These are skills no business school can teach as effectively as regular, disciplined reading can.
A common misconception is that successful people read fast. In reality, they read consistently. The key is discipline.
A study by financial planner Tom Corley found that:
- 88% of financially successful people read at least 30 minutes a day.
- Most of them focused on self-improvement, biographies, and work-related materials.
More importantly, Muslim scholars modeled this discipline long before such statistics existed. They maintained structured reading routines, memorized texts, and joined study circles, all while leading communities and solving real-world challenges.
As a Muslim founder, even 20 minutes of daily purposeful reading, on leadership, Qur’an tafsir, communication, or systems, can build long-term clarity and strength.
6. Not All Reading Benefits
It’s important to note that not all reading leads to growth. Some content distracts, entertains, or even damages. Our Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) made du‘ā:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit.” - [Sahih Muslim 2722]
Beneficial reading means choosing books that:
- Increase your understanding of your work and mission
- Clarify your thinking
- Strengthen your character
- Align with your values as a Muslim
This could include Qur’an tafsir, books on productivity, biographies of Muslim scholars, or resources on leadership and business from a faith-aligned perspective.
7. Founders: Read with Purpose
For Muslim founders, reading is a form of leadership training that helps you:
- Refine your vision.
- Solve complex challenges.
- Communicate more effectively.
- Make decisions with foresight and confidence.
Beyond strategy, reading also nurtures humility. It shows you how much you do not know. That humility protects against arrogance and encourages consultation, which is a Sunnah of successful leadership.
Make it a habit to read not just to gain, but to apply. Read with the niyyah (intention) to grow closer to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), serve people better, and build something lasting.
So, Does Reading Increase Success?
So, Does Reading Increase Success?
Yes, reading, when done consistently and with purpose, absolutely increases your chances of success. It sharpens your thinking, disciplines your time, and grounds you in something deeper than trends or competition.
For the Muslim striving to lead with purpose, benefit others, and please Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), reading is not a side habit, it is part of the path.
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