Introduction

Strange? What a name!
You might be thinking, What a name for a book—Deen Dunya Dilemma? It does sound strange, doesn’t it? Trust me there is a story behind it. It’s first title was something totally different. I discovered this new title almost by chance. I promise to share the story sooner than you think, but first…

My Second Book
Actually, this is my second book, following 7 Steps to Success in Deen & Dunya for Muslim Entrepreneurs & Professionals. It was published in early 2023. Since then, it has sold thousands of copies. It was also translated into multiple languages, alhadmulillah.

Having said that, every author knows how challenging it is to write, publish, and promote a book. It requires years of hard work but it is not necessarily financially rewarding. So, here comes a natural question:

Why Write Another Book?
After I launched my first book, some entrepreneurs started to reach out for advice on their startups and businesses. Some even asked if I offered coaching. Honestly, I didn’t have much time for one-to-one coaching. So I started a group coaching for these Muslim entrepreneurs and professionals. This is how Deenpreneurs Mastermind was born. 

After spending a year in group coaching and witnessing transformations among these Deenpreneurs, I noticed that although they all were in the same group and got the same knowledge, their results were much different. 

I was missing something. For over 10 years, I talked to 1000s of Muslim Entrepreneurs and Professionals. One of the recurring questions was: Deen Dunya Dilemma.

Asking The Right Questions

To ask the right question is already half the solution of a problem.
–Carl Jung

I knew to some extent that Deen Dunya was a recurring theme for Muslims. So I even included in the subtitle of the first book. Besides, I also dived into this a bit as well. But it was not enough. Let me give you an example.

If I ask you: “Deen (Islam – way of life) or Dunya (physical world, wealth, etc)?”, usually there are 3 answers. 

1. Very few Muslims would answer “Dunya”
2. Some Muslims would say “Deen”
3. Those with the knowledge would say: “Best of Both”

Even you answered “Best of Deen & Dunya”, still most Muslims were still focusing on and stuck on this part of the journey. 

To get unstuck, and move from Survive to Thrive, this book will help you with these 3, inshaAllah. 

1. Asking the Right Questions
2. Life Journey Analogy
3. Planning

Body, Mind, Heart, Soul
I’ve also discovered that the main reason for such a gap in their results among the students was mainly due to their progress on their life journey. While in the first book, I shared the importance of the Purpose – Why – Destination, I soon realized that it is equally important to prepare the traveller for the journey.

It starts with self-discovery and a deep down into a new meaning of what Body, Mind, Heart and Soul represent. 

So What Is It?
So what exactly is this book about? It’s a roadmap for balancing your Body, Mind, Heart, and Soul. It’s about helping you align your life Purpose with your Passions to find your Path – Deen through Prosperity – Dunya in Peace while staying connected to your Creator. This book draws teachings from the Quran, Hadith, Islamic teachings, Islamic & modern psychology, and my life journey as a Muslim entrepreneur and life coach.

Why Didn’t I Share It in the First Book?
You may wonder why I didn’t include these insights in my first book. The truth is, I didn’t know all and I wasn’t ready. 

As I shared above, I was still in the process of discovery. I learnt the true power of this knowledge only after listening and talking to dozens of Deenpreneurs week after week for over a year. As to the fact that I was not ready, let me share a story. 

Gandhi & The Sugar Boy
As the story goes a mother brought her young son to Gandhi and asked him to tell the boy to stop eating so much sugar because it was unhealthy. Gandhi listened to her request but asked the mother to bring her son back in two weeks. The mother was confused but agreed.

Two weeks later, the mother returned with her son. Gandhi then looked at the boy and simply said, “Stop eating sugar.” The boy nodded, and the mother asked Gandhi why he didn’t say this two weeks earlier. Gandhi replied, “Two weeks ago, I was still eating sugar myself.”

The lesson of the story is about integrity, leading by example, and practicing what you preach. Gandhi didn’t feel it was right to tell the boy to stop eating sugar when he hadn’t stopped himself. He wanted to make sure that his actions aligned with his words before advising others.

In my case, I was not fully practising myself some of the things I will be sharing in this book especially those related to the Body. As Gandhi said, “I was still eating sugar myself”. It would be hypocritical if I “preached” you something which I didn’t practice. 

Right Hand What?
As promised, here comes the story behind the first title of this book “Right Hand Book”. As I was looking for a title for this book, I was after a high emotional state and point in time we all agree as Muslims. This is when I came across the following verse in the Quran:

As for those given their records (book of deeds) in their right hand, they will cry (happily), “Here (everyone)! Read my record! I surely knew I would face my reckoning.” They will be in a life of bliss, in an elevated Garden, whose fruit will hang within reach. (They will be told,) “Eat and drink joyfully for what you did in the days gone by.”

–Quran, 69:19-24

Alhamdulillah, we all are Muslims and believe in these verses that in the future we all will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement. Allah SWT will take us into account about each and everything. One of the happiest outcomes is the verse above. Some of us will be given our book of deeds – Life Book in our right hands. This means our good deeds will outweigh our shortcomings. We have attained Allah’s Mercy and Pleasure.

Isn’t this what we all want, after all? Let me share a thought experiment with you to fully explain the power of this ayah, inshaAllah.

…’s Journey to Jannat Al Firdaus

Type your name in … above. Then let’s give this a try. For the sake of example, we will follow a Muslim brother named Rizwan (acceptance, accepted by God – pun intended). You can replace it with your name, purpose, passion, path, etc. Actually, this is one of the core objectives of this book. Bismillah.

Imagine…
Fast forward to the Judgement Day. You are holding your book of deeds in your right hand. On top of that, it says you are admitted to the Jannat Al Firdaus! The best of the best. Alhamdulillah! 

What is inside?
Now you open the book. You see the first page. In golden script, you read: 

Rizwan discovered his purpose in life – to serve Allah full-time.
He dedicated everything he did to seek His Pleasure.
Rizwan also discovered himself. He discovered his God-given gifts, skills, and talents such as capturing beautiful moments in video and turning them into beautiful stories.
Rizwan turned his passion (photography & videography) into his profession (Ihsan.Media) and connected with his ultimate purpose – serving Allah SWT.
He achieved this by helping 1000s of Muslim entrepreneurs craft and share their stories with millions of people via video to grow their halal businesses.
While others were mainly busy with their work or business and barely found time for their daily prayers, Rizwan was in a constant state of service to Allah even while he worked.
Because Rizwan served his clients with ihsan & ikhlas to seek Allah’s pleasure.
So that even though he was serving his clients was counted as his service to Allah SWT.
He served Allah SWT in the best way he could.
He served with ihsan – excellence and beauty.
Allah SWT was pleased with him.
Allah SWT accepted his service.
Allah SWT invited him to Jannat Al Firdaus.
Any reward for Al Ihsan other than Al Ihsan?
Quran, 55:60

Why bother?
Rizwan is one of my Deenpreneur students as a matter of fact. His company is also real. You can learn more about it at www.ihsan.media. Before this, Ihsan.Media was just another media company. With this, it becomes a calling for Rizwan and his team to serve Allah SWT by serving their fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.

I hope that you see the pattern by now. So far I haven’t seen a Muslim who says no to getting their book of deeds in their right hand. So far I haven’t seen either a Muslim who has a clear plan or picture of what will be written in their book of deeds. 

It is like you want to go on a journey in far away land but don’t prepare, do any research, check out how you get there or actually never get started. 

My Intention
Speaking of intentions, this hadith comes to mind:

“Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what they intended.”

Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1

My intention in writing this book is first and foremost selfish. What do I mean? I really want to master these topics outlined in this book. The best way to do it to teach it. 

My intention is also to share it with as many (at least 1 million) Muslims as I can so we all can do our best to prepare for this journey of meeting Allah SWT and holding our books in our right hands, inshaAllah. 

Journey Based on Islamic Sources
This journey is based on Islamic teachings, from the Quran and Hadith, as well as Islamic psychology and personal development. I have dived in and learnt a lot from the works of Imam Al Ghazali. It’s a blend of timeless wisdom and contemporary methods.

Best of Both Worlds
I’ve also drawn from my experiences as a life coach, inspired and certified by Tony Robbins. Moreover, I am also certified as a Tiny Habits coach by B.J. Fogg, Ph.D. at Stanford. These coaching techniques, combined with Islamic principles, create a unique approach to growth that’s both practical and deeply spiritual.

Plans Work?
As you will see moving forward, unlike many books, it is not only for reading. This book will challenge you to write your goals for each chapter, challenge your beliefs and mindset, encourages you to define your commitment with your motivations. Last but not the least, it will challenge you to come up with different methods and plans how to reach your goals.

At this point, you may be asking yourself: “Will this work? Do plans actually work?”. Here is my answer: “Plans may not, but planning will for sure”.

Why? Because planning from your side shows your sincere intention and action. Action backed up by a sincere intention towards Allah SWT is never left unappreciated. How do I know? 

“Allah says: ‘I am as My servant thinks of Me. If he remembers Me to himself, I remember him to Myself. If he mentions Me in a gathering, I mention him in a gathering better than it. If he draws near to Me a handspan, I draw near to him an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.'”

— Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 97, Hadith 38

So are you ready to go on this journey?

Who is this book for?
This book is designed for Muslims who seek personal and spiritual growth while balancing their worldly responsibilities and religious obligations. 

My first book was for mostly Muslim entrepreneurs. This book is for Muslims from all walks of life, no matter your age, your nation, where you live as long as your life book is still open. 

In other words, it’s for:

– Professionals and Entrepreneurs: Those navigating the challenges of their careers or businesses, looking to align their professional life with their faith.

– Spiritual Seekers: Muslims who want to deepen their connection with Allah while pursuing success in both Deen and Dunya.

– Personal Development Enthusiasts: Muslims interested in self-improvement, goal-setting, and developing a growth mindset rooted in Islamic teachings.

– Muslim Youth: Those searching for guidance on how to build their future, find their purpose, and live a life of passion and prosperity.

– Muslim Coaches and Mentors: People guiding others in faith-based personal development who want practical, actionable steps integrated with Islamic principles.

It provides practical strategies for achieving success in both the spiritual and worldly realms, making it ideal for anyone striving for balance in their life.

What can you expect?
Deen Dunya Dilemma is a guide that blends Islamic principles with modern personal development strategies to help Muslims achieve success in both their spiritual and worldly lives. It focuses on holistic growth by exploring essential areas of life, including the body, mind, heart, soul, purpose, passion, path, prosperity, and peace. Each chapter provides actionable steps, mindset shifts, and spiritual insights to align personal goals with faith, empowering readers to balance Deen with Dunya.

Through Quranic verses, personal stories, reflective exercises, and coaching techniques, the book teaches you how to:

• Take care of your physical (Body), mental (Mind), emotional (Heart) and spiritual (Soul) well-being
• Develop a new & holistic worldview based on Islamic values
• Nurture your emotional and spiritual health
• Discover and live your purpose
• Align your passion with service to Allah
• Choose the right career path, whether entrepreneurship or a professional role
• Foster a healthy relationship with wealth, viewing money as a tool for good
• Cultivate inner peace and resilience through trust in Allah

In essence, Deen Dunya Dilemma is about achieving balance, success, and fulfillment in life while staying grounded in Islamic values.

Why should you read this book?
This book will be one of the most important books you will ever read. It will be one of the most important things you will ever do in your life. Why? 

Because it is about the most important thing in life. It is about the life itself and its meaning. It is about you, your purpose here and hereafter.

You should also read Deen Dunya Dilemma because it offers a unique and practical approach to achieving success and fulfillment in both your spiritual and worldly lives, without compromising Islamic values. 

Here’s why it stands out:

1. Holistic Guidance: The book provides a roadmap to success that integrates all aspects of life—body, mind, heart, and soul—helping you grow both personally and spiritually.
2. Actionable Steps: It’s not just theoretical; each chapter offers practical strategies, reflective exercises, and mindset shifts that you can implement immediately in your daily lives.
3. Balancing Deen and Dunya: If you are a Muslim who struggles with balancing your religious obligations with career, personal ambitions, and everyday life, this book provides clear guidance on how to achieve harmony between both.
4. Purpose-Driven: It helps you discover your life’s purpose and align your passion and career choices with your faith, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
5. Modern Relevance: Using contemporary coaching techniques, such as goal setting, personal reflection, and self-discipline, the book addresses modern challenges while staying rooted in timeless Islamic teachings.
6. Spiritual and Practical Success: Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or young adult, the book teaches you how to excel in your career, finances, and relationships, all while strengthening your connection to Allah.

In short, you will find a comprehensive, faith-centered guide to living a balanced, successful, and purpose-driven life.

If you are still reading these lines, hopefully, you have justified your companionship with me on this journey for a little longer. Then let’s begin. 

Journey Starts
The journey this book takes you on is one of self-discovery and alignment. It’s about understanding who you are, what you’re passionate about, and how you can turn that into a life of purpose and prosperity, all while remaining connected to Allah.

Each chapter represents a step in the transformative process. Before embarking on any journey, it’s essential to lay the groundwork. It is important to focus on your intentions (niyyah) and prepare your Body, Mind, Heart & Soul to embark on a path of self-discovery and growth. By reflecting on your Purpose in life, you can approach the journey with clarity and focus.

Body
The journey begins with caring for the body, recognizing that it is the vessel through which we perform our duties and worship. This chapter emphasizes treating the body as an amanah (trust from Allah), maintaining it through halal (permissible) and tayyib (pure – good) nourishment. The body is the foundation for productivity and spiritual well-being, and taking care of it is the first step toward success.

Mind
Once the body is cared for, the next focus is the mind. This chapter helps readers cultivate a growth mindset and develop resilience, driven by faith in Allah. It explores how one’s thoughts and self-talk impact their ability to grow. The mind is the engine for learning, creativity, and decision-making, and nurturing a positive, faith-based mindset is critical for making wise choices.

Heart
The heart is the seat of emotions and plays a central role in spiritual and emotional well-being. This chapter addresses the purification of the heart from negative traits like envy and arrogance while fostering positive qualities such as gratitude and compassion. A pure heart is vital for establishing deep relationships, managing emotions, and connecting with Allah on a deeper level.

Soul
The soul is the core of a person’s spiritual journey. This chapter focuses on nourishing the soul through consistent worship, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and patience (sabr). It emphasizes the importance of keeping the soul aligned with the ultimate purpose of life: serving Allah. The soul’s growth is central to spiritual fulfillment, inner peace, and resilience during hardships.

Purpose
With the body, mind, heart, and soul aligned, readers are now ready to explore their purpose. This chapter helps readers reflect on why they were created and how they can live a life of purpose. It emphasizes that success in life is not just about worldly achievements, but fulfilling the higher purpose of serving Allah and using one’s talents and passions in alignment with His will.

Passion
Building on the idea of purpose, this chapter explores the concept of Ikigai (reason for being) and how to align one’s passions with their purpose. Passion becomes an engine for productivity and satisfaction when it is aligned with faith. Readers are encouraged to identify what excites them and how they can use their passions to contribute to society and serve Allah.

Path – Deen
Here, readers are guided to choose between two main career paths:

• Entrepreneurship: For those who choose to build and create, this path focuses on the freedom, risk-taking, and leadership required to be an entrepreneur. If readers choose this path, they are encouraged to refer to the author’s first book, 7 Steps to Success.
• Professional/Employer: For those who choose the professional path, the emphasis is on aligning their career with their purpose and passion, finding companies that share their values, and contributing meaningfully within an organization.

The choice between these paths is personalized, helping readers align their careers with their spiritual goals.

Prosperity – Dunya
This chapter breaks the myth that money is inherently evil and instead positions wealth as a tool that amplifies who you are. It teaches readers to adopt a healthy mindset around wealth, seeing it as a blessing from Allah that should be used for good. It encourages giving 1% of their earnings to charity to purify their wealth and increase their barakah (blessings). Financial prosperity is seen as a means of enhancing spiritual success.

Peace
The journey concludes with peace, the ultimate goal of this path. This chapter ties together all the previous chapters, showing how aligning one’s body, mind, heart, soul, purpose, passion, career, and wealth leads to inner peace. Through patience, trust in Allah, and daily dhikr, readers are shown how to cultivate lasting tranquillity and contentment, regardless of external circumstances.

In summary, the book takes readers on a transformative journey that begins with foundational self-care (body, mind, heart, and soul) and progresses to discovering purpose and passion, choosing the right career path, and achieving prosperity. Ultimately, it leads to a state of peace, a balance between Deen and Dunya, while remaining aligned with Islamic teachings.

Life Journey Analogy

Think of this book as a bridge between where you are and where you want to be. The steps are clear, but it’s up to you to take them. And I’m here to guide you along the way, inshaAllah.

Below, I would like to share one of the best analogies on Life Journey that I came across by Imam Al Ghazali. It is based on the teachings from the Quran and Sunnah. It is also adjusted to our modern day. May Allah forgive our shortcomings and guide us to the Straith Path. 

Body
is Car 

Your body is the car that carries you through life. Just like a vehicle, it needs regular maintenance and fuel to function well. Eating healthily, exercising, and resting is your car’s upkeep, ensuring that you can travel smoothly on your journey. Without care, the car breaks down, and your journey becomes much harder.

Mind
is the Electronics / Dashboard

The mind, like the electronics in a car, processes vital information. It’s responsible for decision-making and analyzing the world around you. It alerts you to dangers, signals when you’re going off track, and helps you navigate complex situations. A well-functioning mind ensures that you’re always aware of your surroundings and stay on the right path.

Salah is the GPS

Prayer (Salah) is the GPS system for your journey. It constantly recalculates and redirects you back onto the right path, no matter how far off course you go. Through regular prayer, you stay connected to Allah, receiving guidance, strength, and direction. Salah ensures you’re always aware of your destination and how to get there.

Heart is the Engine / Light

The heart is the engine, the core of the car’s power, and also its guiding light. Just as the engine drives the vehicle forward, the heart fuels your emotions, motivation, and love for Allah. If the heart is pure, the engine runs smoothly, propelling you closer to your destination.

Heart inspired by Faith turns on the light that shows you the way, illuminating the right path. Without faith, the road becomes dark, and you lose sight of where you’re going. Faith in Allah illuminates the journey, helping you see through the darkness and navigate difficult times. It keeps you hopeful, knowing that Allah is guiding you, even when the road gets tough.

Soul
is the Driver

The soul is the driver of this vehicle. It’s in charge of steering the body, mind, and heart in the right direction. The driver (soul) is responsible for staying on course, resisting distractions, and making sure the car stays on the path to Allah. The soul’s ultimate goal is to reach the Creator, and it must remain focused, using all the resources at its disposal wisely.

Ego is the Baby in the Back Seat

The ego (nafs) is like a child sitting in the back seat of the car. It constantly demands attention, pulling you toward immediate pleasures, comforts, and distractions. It’s up to the soul—the driver—to maintain control, soothing the ego while keeping focus on the journey. If the ego is allowed to take over, the journey gets disrupted, and you may lose your way.

Purpose
is to Reach Allah

Your purpose is to journey through life with the aim of reaching Allah. Everything you do, whether it’s caring for your body, developing your mind, or purifying your heart, should be done with the intention of getting closer to Him. This purpose guides every decision, every turn, and every choice on the path.

Jannah is the Goal

Jannah (paradise) is the ultimate reward at the end of your journey. It’s the place of eternal rest and happiness, where all your efforts in this life are rewarded. Just as reaching a desired destination brings joy and fulfillment, entering Jannah is the ultimate success.

Allah is the Final Destination

Beyond the journey itself, the true destination is closeness to Allah. Every step you take, every action, and every intention is meant to bring you closer to Him. The journey is not just about reaching a place; it’s about fulfilling your purpose and drawing near to your Creator.

Passion
Helps You Enjoy the Ride

Passion is what makes the journey enjoyable. It’s the excitement and joy you feel when you align your work and life with your purpose. Passion keeps you motivated, ensuring that even when the road gets rough, you find joy in serving Allah and pursuing your goals. It transforms the journey from mere obligation into something fulfilling and inspiring.

Deen
is Path (Islam)

Islam is the straight path that leads to Allah. It provides guidance on how to live, what to avoid, and how to navigate the complexities of life. By following the Deen, you stay on the safest, most direct route to your destination. Straying from the Deen leads to detours, and the road becomes more difficult.

We will also expand the meaning of Deen just from religious obligations such as daily prayers and dhikr, to everything we do including your career. 

You can choose the entrepreneurial path, taking charge and building something from the ground up, or the professional path, contributing meaningfully within an organization. Both paths can lead to Allah if they are aligned with your purpose. You are responsible for choosing the path that best fits your strengths, passions, and faith.

Dunya
is World

The Dunya (world) is the domain you must travel through. It’s filled with distractions, temptations, and obstacles that can make the journey more challenging. But with the right focus, you can navigate through it while keeping your eyes on the ultimate destination—Allah.

Money and prosperity are like the gas that fuels your vehicle. They give you the means to continue the journey and help others along the way. Money, when viewed as a tool, amplifies your ability to do good, contribute to others, and fulfill your responsibilities. Just as a car needs fuel to move forward, you need resources to continue your journey and support others on their path.

Peace
is the State

Peace is the state of mind and heart that comes when you are aligned with your purpose, driven by faith, and following the guidance of Deen. It’s the calm assurance that you are on the right path, even when challenges arise. Inner peace is the tranquillity that comes from trusting Allah and knowing that every step brings you closer to Him.

So it is not only about the Destination, but the Journey as well. Goal here is to become the Soul at Peace – Nafs al Mutmainnah. 

In summary, this journey is about using your body, mind, heart, and soul to travel through the terrain of the Dunya, guided by Deen and fueled by faith and passion, to ultimately reach the destination: Allah. Along the way, you choose your path, find joy in the ride, ensure your car is fueled with prosperity, and strive to maintain inner peace, all while keeping your eyes on the final goal—closeness to Allah and entry into Jannah.

Big Promise

This book is not just a guide—it’s an invitation to live the way you are meant to live, according to your fitra (innate nature). Your fitra aligns with the natural order of the universe, the flow that everything in creation is part of, from the stars in the sky to the trees on Earth. Everything follows the divine flow that Allah SWT has set, as the Quran reminds us:

The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them glorify Him. There is not a thing except that it glorifies (Allah) by His praise, but you do not understand their (way of) glorification.
— Quran 17:44

Everything in the universe is in a constant state of glory and submission to Allah, moving in perfect harmony with His will. But unlike the rest of creation, humans and jinn are granted free will. We are the only ones who can choose whether to join this divine flow or ignore it.

This is your invitation.

If you choose to accept, if you commit to implementing the principles laid out in this book, then by the time you reach the final chapter, Peace, you will enter into a different reality—a state of flow, peace, and prosperity beyond your imagination. This is not a promise of worldly riches alone, but something far greater: inner peace, contentment, and success that align with your purpose and your connection to Allah.

The steps outlined in the book are designed to bring your life into harmony with this divine order, allowing you to experience the ease and blessings that come from living in alignment with your Creator’s plan. As you align your Body, Mind, Heart, Soul, and Purpose with Allah’s will, you will find that every aspect of your life begins to flow more naturally, bringing joy, fulfillment, and true success.

If you reach the final chapter, implement the guidance, and yet feel no change, no transformation—if you find that the promise hasn’t been fulfilled for you—then simply email me and ask for a refund. This is how confident I am in Allah’s promise that by joining this divine flow, you will experience a state of peace and prosperity beyond your dreams and imagination.

Dua
Let’s begin this journey with a dua: 

O Allah, we started our journey with our first step towards You. You run towards those who take a step towards You. Help us to be consisten on this path. Make it easy on us. Guide us on this path of growth and self-discovery. Help us align our hearts and minds with Your will, and give us the strength to pursue our purpose with passion and dedication. 

O Allah, make us among those who are the fore front or on the right side. Help us to not only start but also finish this journey. 

Ameen.