During Ramadan this year, I completed reading Mohammed Faris‘ book, “Barakah Effect: More with Less.”
This is his second book, following “The Productive Muslim,” which gained popularity among Muslim professionals I know. Initially, I doubted I could finish this book due to its thickness. However, after attending a book club discussion about it, I felt motivated to read it, completing it in just about two weeks during Ramadan.
The book offers a fresh perspective on Hustle Culture and its impact on mental health. Hustle Culture revolves around never being satisfied, constantly pursuing more, and refusing to accept one’s current reality. The Barakah Culture provides an antidote to this.
📖 Book I Read:
- Barakah Effect by Mohammed Faris
🗂️ Type of Book:
- Productivity
- Personal Development
- Islam
🔑 Keywords:
- The Antidote of Hustle Culture
- Being grateful
- Balancing faith and work
🫱 Key Takeaways:
- Rizq, or sustenance, extends beyond material wealth. It encompasses anything that contributes to my well-being, including physical, mental, and spiritual health, as well as my family, friends, network, and the services I enjoy.
- Barakah Culture has this beautiful humble approach to goal setting: it starts with intention and istikhara, is fueled by sabr (perseverance) and salah, and ends with gratitude.
- Start every action with sincere intention and ask Allah for help.
👷 How I apply it:
- Set my intention right for every action.
- Applying Gardener Mindset.
- Shift from the Hustle Culture where always dissatisfied with my present situation to the Barakah Culture where embracing gratefulness and contentment.
📚 Other reference(s) I need to explore
- Productive Muslims by Mohammed Faris.
- Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.
- The Seasons of a Man’s Life by David J. Levinson
Although a Muslim writes the book and draws from references in the Qur’an and teachings of the Prophet, its content remains relevant to anyone seeking balance in their life and career.
