As a young professional working at Afiyah, balancing career ambitions with faith has always been a central focus for me. Recently, I explored Muhammad Faris’ book, The Barakah Effect, and listened to a related podcast featuring his insights. These experiences challenged me to rethink productivity—not just as a means to get more done, but as a pathway to live a life aligned with divine purpose. Below, I’ll share my key takeaways and practical ways to incorporate Barakah into everyday work and life.
Hustle culture tells us that the harder we work, the more successful we’ll be. I’ve seen this play out in my own life—waking up early for meetings, working late into the night, and letting my spiritual practices take a backseat. Faris calls this out as a flawed model. He explains that hustle culture often leaves us spiritually and emotionally drained, with little to show beyond material success.
In contrast, Faris presents the Barakah culture model, which focuses on being productive in a way that is purposeful, God-centred, and sustainable. This approach challenges us to realign our priorities, ensuring that our spiritual and emotional well-being is as central as our professional goals.
One of the most actionable lessons from The Barakah Effect is to begin with small, consistent changes. For instance, Faris recommends structuring your day around Fajr prayer and dedicating the early morning hours to spiritually enriching practices.
I’ve started to implement this by waking up earlier, performing Fajr with focus, and spending a few minutes reading Quran before diving into my day. On days when I do this, I feel more centred and productive, as if the rest of my day falls into place naturally. These early hours are not just spiritually uplifting but also scientifically proven to be our most productive time, free from distractions and mental fatigue.
Faris encourages us to reflect deeply on our purpose as individuals and professionals. What are we ultimately striving for? He challenges us to see ourselves as stewards of Allah’s creation, contributing to the world in ways that align with our divine purpose.
At Afiyah, this resonates strongly with my role in helping clients navigate Islamic financial solutions. Knowing that my work helps individuals and families build their futures in a halal, ethical way gives me a sense of fulfilment beyond the day-to-day tasks. For anyone unsure of their purpose, Faris suggests reflecting on your unique skills and interests. What do you excel at, and how can you use it to serve Allah and others?
A key takeaway from the book is the power of intention. Faris reminds us that every task, no matter how small, can become an act of worship if done with the right intention. Whether I’m drafting emails, consulting with clients, or attending team meetings, I now pause to remind myself of why I’m doing it—to please Allah by serving others and upholding ethical practices.
Faris also highlights the importance of hierarchy in intentions. While financial goals or personal satisfaction might motivate us, these should be secondary to our ultimate purpose of seeking Allah’s pleasure. This shift in perspective has been transformative for me, making even routine tasks feel more meaningful.
A common challenge many of us face is maintaining momentum. Faris acknowledges that grand changes rarely stick. Instead, he advises starting small and committing to just one or two habits for 30 days. For me, this has been ensuring I pray all five daily prayers on time, no matter how busy I am, and taking short breaks to recharge during long workdays.
One practice I’ve found particularly helpful is scheduling short power naps. Initially, this felt counterintuitive—I thought I’d lose valuable time. But as Faris explains, rest is not a weakness; it’s essential to sustaining energy and focus over the long term. Incorporating breaks, prayer times, and even exercise into my schedule has significantly improved my overall productivity and well-being.
Another inspiring aspect of Faris’ message is the potential to bring Barakah culture into our teams and organisations. Simple practices, like starting meetings with a short dua or creating space for open, respectful communication, can transform the workplace into a more spiritually enriching environment.
At Afiyah, we strive to foster a culture that reflects Islamic values. This includes being transparent with clients, treating colleagues with respect, and making decisions that align with Sharia principles. These small yet intentional actions collectively create an atmosphere of trust, positivity, and purpose.
Reading The Barakah Effect has taught me that productivity is not about doing more but doing what matters—with sincerity and purpose. It’s a mindset shift that prioritises what’s truly important: our connection to Allah, our service to others, and our personal growth.
If you’re looking for practical steps to align your work and life with your faith, I highly recommend starting with this book. Begin small, reflect on your intentions, and stay consistent. As Faris emphasises, success is not in the outcomes but in the sincerity of your efforts.
What steps will you take today to bring more Barakah into your life? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear about your journey!
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