We Have Very Modest Ambitions
By Hisham Abu Yusuf | 2026-10-07T17:39:31.991391+00:00 | Topic: Purpose | Masjid: Hisham Abu Yusuf
Summary
Our Modest Ambitions
- Many Muslims often have very low aspirations in life.
- We tend to settle for the minimum, both spiritually and worldly.
- This contrasts sharply with the examples set by our Prophets and the teachings of Islam.
Prophet Sulaiman's Grand Du'a
- Prophet Sulaiman (AS) made a powerful du'a, asking Allah for a kingdom unlike any other.
- This demonstrates immense ambition and unwavering trust in Allah's power.
- His prayer was for a unique dominion, showing a desire for greatness.
Aim for the Penthouse of Jannah
- The Prophet ﷺ taught us to ask Allah for Al-Firdaws.
- Al-Firdaws is described as the highest and most central part of Jannah.
- This guidance encourages us to have the highest spiritual ambitions and not settle for less in the afterlife.
Be Ambitious in This World Too
- Our ambition should not be limited to the afterlife; it extends to this dunya.
- Aim for excellence in worldly pursuits: pursue higher education (PhD), leadership roles (UN), or build significant businesses.
- Be ambitious because Allah is your provider, not your limited self.
Ambition for Others' Benefit
- Allah wants us to thrive and benefit from this dunya, not neglect it.
- Our worldly ambitions should be driven by a desire to benefit others and the wider community.
- Use your success and resources to uplift, serve, and make a positive impact.
Ambition is Not Greed
- There is a crucial distinction between true ambition and mere greed or foolishness.
- Asking for wealth solely for show (e.g., a luxury car to impress) is not ambition, but a lack of intelligence.
- True ambition is purposeful, intelligent, and seeks to achieve something meaningful, not just ego gratification.
We Have Very Modest Ambitions
Muslims, we have very modest ambitions. You ask someone, you pick someone off the streets, a Muslim brother, a Muslim sister — what's your ambitions in life? "I want to get a minimum wage job." Yeah, sheikh.
One of your Prophet Sulaiman (alayhi as-salam), when he made du'a, he said: "Oh Allah, give me a kingdom nobody has ever had."
That's how you should make du'a.
The Prophet ﷺ says: if you're asking Allah for something, ask him for the penthouse of Jannah — don't ask him for the bottom.
Be Ambitious — in This World Too
So I ask you: what do you want to achieve in this dunya? And you say, "I want to get a BTec." No, sheikh — you should be the PhD from Oxford. You should be at the United Nations. You should be the biggest business person in Manchester. You should be ambitious, because you know Allah is going to provide for you, not yourself.
So you should ask Allah ambitiously — not just for the afterlife, but in this world too. Allah wants us to be people who look after this dunya and who benefit from this dunya. Don't forget you're part of this world. Be ambitious when you ask Allah, but ask Him so you can benefit others.
Ambition vs. Greed
Don't ask Him because you're greedy. "Wallah, I want a Lamborghini." Why? So I can drive on the day of Eid on Wilmslow Road and show people what sounds my engine makes? No — don't ask Allah for that. That's not ambition. That's foolishness. It's a lack of intelligence.
Be ambitious, because the One who provides for you will give you a blank check.