Why do I lack peace despite success?

“Why do I lack peace despite success?” This is a profound and challenging question that many people in the modern era grapple with, even after achieving material and worldly goals. At first glance, external successes like wealth, status, fame, and desirable social relationships might seem to guarantee happiness and inner peace. However, the reality is that true peace is something beyond material achievements; it has deeper roots within the human being. The Holy Quran, as the divine word and guide for human life, addresses this topic extensively, clarifying the causes and pathways to achieving genuine tranquility. The Quran explicitly states that the true tranquility of hearts is not found in wealth, status, or children, but in the remembrance and recollection of Allah. Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, declares: “الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ” (Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.) This verse is the central axis of the answer to your question. Worldly successes, though they may bring temporary pleasures, cannot be a source of eternal peace and heartfelt contentment due to their transient and fleeting nature. Human beings are inherently seekers of absolute perfection and boundless tranquility, and this perfection and tranquility are found only in connection with the Creator of existence, Allah Almighty. The absence of peace amidst peak success can stem from several factors, which can be examined from a Quranic perspective: 1. Excessive focus on this world (Dunya) and neglect of the Hereafter (Akhirah): The Quran repeatedly highlights the deceptive and fleeting nature of worldly life. Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, states: “اعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاتُرٌ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ الْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَامًا ۖ وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانٌ ۚ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ” (Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. [It is] like the rain whose vegetation delights the disbelievers; then it dries and you see it yellowed; then it becomes debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.) When a person dedicates all their efforts to achieving worldly successes and forgets the primary purpose of life—worship of God and preparation for the Hereafter—their heart becomes entangled in this ephemeral pursuit, and they will never attain peace. Fear of losing what has been gained, envy of those who have more, and an insatiable thirst for more, all hinder peace. 2. Lack of true purpose and meaning: Human beings are inherently meaning-seeking creatures. Although one may achieve wealth and fame, if their life lacks a higher purpose and connection to the source of existence, a sense of emptiness and meaninglessness will engulf them. The Quran defines the purpose of human creation as servitude and worship of God: “وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ” (And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me - Adh-Dhariyat 51:56). When life is centered on this axis, every success gains meaning in light of divine pleasure, and this meaning brings deep and lasting peace. 3. Neglect of the spiritual and moral dimensions: Material successes are often built on competition, self-interest, and sometimes, disregard for the rights of others. The Quran places great emphasis on cultivating moral virtues such as patience, gratitude, justice, benevolence, and humility. Neglecting these dimensions and focusing solely on personal gain can lead to anxiety, tension, and a lack of peace. A person who strives with a pure heart and sincere intention for the pleasure of God, while simultaneously respecting the rights of others, experiences a deeper sense of inner contentment. 4. Anxiety and fear of the future: The modern world is characterized by dizzying speed of change and numerous uncertainties. Even the most successful individuals may worry about maintaining their position, losing assets, or facing unforeseen challenges. These concerns, especially in the absence of reliance on Allah (Tawakkul), are a primary source of disquiet. The Quran invites believers to trust in God, stating: “وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ” (And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him - At-Talaq 65:3). This reliance removes the heavy burden of worries from a person's shoulders and bestows peace of mind. 5. Relationship with God and worship: Prayer (Salah), supplication (Du'a), recitation of the Quran, and constant remembrance (Dhikr) are tools that the Quran introduces for connecting with God and achieving peace. These acts of worship are not only means of showing gratitude at the peak of success but also serve as a refuge against challenges and worries. When a person occupies their heart with the remembrance of God, a door of light and tranquility opens for them. As stated in Surah Al-An'am, verse 125: “فَمَن يُرِدِ اللَّهُ أَن يَهْدِيَهُ يَشْرَحْ صَدْرَهُ لِلْإِسْلَامِ ۖ وَمَن يُرِدْ أَن يُضِلَّهُ يَجْعَلْ صَدْرَهُ ضَيِّقًا حَرَجًا كَأَنَّمَا يَصَّعَّدُ فِي السَّمَاءِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَجْعَلُ اللَّهُ الرِّجْسَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ” (So whoever Allah intends to guide - He expands his breast to [receive] Islam; and whoever He intends to send astray - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe.) Divine guidance and the expansion of the heart to accept truth are indeed true peace. Ultimately, genuine peace is found not in the quantity of achievements but in the quality of one's connection with the Creator and a meaningful life based on divine values. This peace, even amidst life's storms, acts as a secure anchor, preserving the human heart from turmoil and anxiety, and bringing a deeper experience of felicity. So, if despite success, you lack peace, perhaps it is time to look deeper within yourself and your relationship with your Creator, and redefine your life priorities based on Quranic teachings. By shifting focus from “having” to “being” and from “this world” to “the Hereafter,” one can attain that inner tranquility (sakinah) that never diminishes with the decline of apparent successes. This perspective not only brings inner peace but also places worldly successes within a more meaningful and blessed framework, for whatever is gained through divine grace inherently carries blessings and peace.