Does Every Form of Success Deserve Praise?

In the noble Quran's perspective, the concept of success is far deeper and more expansive than mere material or worldly achievements. The Quran offers a comprehensive definition of success that encompasses not only external advancements but also internal growth, purity of spirit, and alignment with divine and ethical values. Therefore, the answer to the question, "Does every form of success deserve praise?" is unequivocally no. From the Quranic viewpoint, the praiseworthiness of success is profoundly dependent on its nature, the means by which it is achieved, and its ultimate objectives. True and commendable success is that which is attained through the path of truth, justice, and morality, and ultimately leads to the well-being and betterment of both the individual and society. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that worldly accomplishments, however impressive they may appear, hold no true value if they are not accompanied by piety, justice, and ethics. Indeed, they can even lead to eternal ruin and loss. For instance, the story of Qarun in Surah Al-Qasas (verses 76 to 82) serves as a vivid example of immense material success that, due to arrogance, ingratitude, and disregard for the rights of others, not only failed to be praiseworthy but ultimately led to his complete destruction. The Quran clearly illustrates that wealth and power, if used as instruments of oppression, corruption, and forgetfulness of God, are not merely devoid of true success but become sources of torment and ultimate failure. Thus, praise for success only becomes meaningful when that success is built upon divine principles and teachings. From a Quranic standpoint, true success (falah) is inextricably linked to the purification of the self (tazkiyah), piety (taqwa), the performance of righteous deeds (amal saleh), and the establishment of justice and equity. Chapters like Al-Mu'minun, Al-A'la, and Ash-Shams explicitly outline the criteria for genuine success. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (verses 1 to 11), salvation and success are attributed to believers who exhibit characteristics such as humility in prayer, avoidance of idle talk, payment of zakat, safeguarding chastity, trustworthiness, and fulfilling covenants. These verses demonstrate that success is a collection of moral and devotional virtues, not simply the acquisition of wealth or power. It is the attainment of these virtues that truly deserves commendation, as they lead to the individual's well-being in both this world and the Hereafter. The ultimate goal of every endeavor, from the Quran's perspective, must be to gain divine pleasure and achieve ultimate felicity in the afterlife. Worldly successes, no matter how great, are considered fleeting and worthless if they do not align with this overarching purpose. The Quran, in Surah Hud (verse 112), emphasizes steadfastness and perseverance on the path of truth, and it is this steadfastness that lays the groundwork for genuine success and divine commendation. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (verse 23), after commanding the worship of the One God, it emphasizes kindness to parents, which itself is a form of success in human relations and ethics and is certainly worthy of praise. Therefore, the criterion for praise is the extent to which success aligns with divine standards and its positive impact on betterment and construction. Ultimately, it can be concluded that the praise of success, in the Quranic worldview, is a conditional act. Not only the manner of achieving success but also the intention and purpose behind it are of paramount importance. Successes built upon oppression, deceit, exploitation, or any other reprehensible act are never commendable from a divine and ethical standpoint, even if they appear beneficial in the short term. What truly deserves admiration and praise are successes achieved with sincerity of intention, honest effort, respect for the rights of others, and on the path of truth and justice, leading to a sublime growth in both material and spiritual dimensions. Such successes are not only praised in this world but also bring forth eternal reward and the perpetual satisfaction of God. This comprehensive view of success teaches us to always evaluate our goals and means within the framework of divine teachings.