5 Essential Personal Skills Development Tips for Muslims
Are you ready to make a real difference within the Ummah?
Well, buckle up because I've got some crucial insights and resources to share with you about personal skills development for Muslims.
Let's cut to the chase. There is a saying that says, "He whose two days are equal is a loser." Harsh, right?
Think about it – if you're not growing, you stagnate. And as a Muslim, you're called to be an agent of positive change in your community. So, how do you do that? By constantly learning and honing your skills to serve others better.
But first things first, let's talk about goals.
What are your goals? Have you even thought about them? Having clear goals is essential because, without them, you're just wandering aimlessly.
As a Muslim, you're supposed to be a vicegerent of Allah in your community, which is a pretty big deal. But how can you fulfill your duties if you don't know what you're aiming for?
Now, I'm not here to sugarcoat things. It's not enough to talk the talk. You've got to walk the walk. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "The best among mankind is the most beneficial to them." So, if you want to be the best version of yourself, you need to roll up your sleeves and develop your skills.
But here's the good news – you don't need to be a scholar or a linguistic genius in Arabic to make a difference. Nope, all you require is the willingness to learn and the determination to grow.
So, let's dive into some areas where you can start developing those essential skills.
Communication Skills Development
Communication is a crucial skill to develop.
Whether you're rallying people for a cause or sharing knowledge, effective communication is the name of the game. And guess what? It's not just about talking. It's about listening, reading, and writing.
Let's talk about reading.
Yeah, I know. You're busy. We're all busy. But if you want to communicate effectively, you've got to stay informed. Pick up a book or two – I recommend:
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler, and
Smart Thinking: Skills for Critical Understanding and Writing by Matthew Allen.
Trust me. They'll sharpen your reading skills like nobody's business. These two books are your silver bullets if you want to become a critical reader.
Next up, writing. Ever heard the phrase, "The pen is mightier than the sword"? Well, it's true. Writing allows you to articulate your thoughts clearly and reach a broader audience. So, brush up on your writing skills with resources like
Successful College Writing by Kathleen T. McWhorter and,
Writing Arguments by Book by John C. Bean et al.
The first is especially good for beginning writers and the second for critical writers. By the way, they can help you improve your reading too.
Reading and writing are excellent skills. But they are not enough for your mission as a Muslim. You need to add speaking to the mix.
Public speaking can be terrifying. I get it. But it's also incredibly powerful. So, why not take a public speaking course to polish your skills? Check out:
The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen Lucas and
Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning by David Zarefsky for expert guidance.
These two books will teach you how to organise your thoughts and present them in the most compelling ways, depending on your purpose and audience.
Last but not least, listening. Yep, listening is a skill too. So, tune in to news, podcasts, and lectures by scholars. And yeah, why not interview some experts while you're at it? Get yourself a copy of:
Listening: The Forgotten Skill by Madelyn Burley-Allen. The book will help you become a pro at soaking up knowledge like a sponge.
Take these books or their audio or video versions as self-learning courses you can use to develop your communication skills. Once you've mastered the skills, create writing, speaking and listening opportunities for yourself through all the permissionless platforms available out there, such as YouTube, podcast, Substack, Medium, etc. And practise like your life depends on it. Of course, the Ummah depends on it.
Time Management Skills Development
Okay, let's talk about everyone's favourite topic – time management.
Look, I get it – you've got a lot on your plate. Between work, family, and community responsibilities, it can feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. But here's the thing – it's not about having more time. It's about using the time you have more effectively.
You can't afford to allow one responsibility of yours to affect any other important responsibility. Being a Muslim requires balancing between material and spiritual responsibilities.
That's where time management skills come in handy.
Seriously, they're a game-changer. So, why not check out
The Skinny on Time Management by Jim Randel, and
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy?
They'll teach you how to maximise your 24-hour gift and stop procrastinating like a champ.
Remember, personal skills development is a lifelong journey. So, don't expect overnight success. But if you're willing to do the work, I guarantee you'll see great results.
Striving to learn time management skills will make you become a super useful Muslim to the Ummah, your family, your local community, and yourself. Imagine what you can achieve in a lifetime when you are in control of your time
So, what are you waiting for?
Get out there and start exploring your potential. The Ummah is counting on you!
Interpersonal Skills
Now, let's touch on something often overlooked but oh-so-important – interpersonal skills.
Yeah, I'm talking about how you interact with others. Whether it's your family, friends, or colleagues, your interpersonal skills play a massive role in your success.
So, what are interpersonal skills anyway? Think communication, empathy, teamwork – all that good stuff. And guess what? They're not just nice-to-haves. They're must-haves. Because let's face it – life is a team sport, and if you want to win, you've got to play well with others, whether they are Muslims or not.
So, how do you improve your interpersonal skills?
It's simple, really – practice. Yep, just like anything else, the more you do it, the better you'll get. So, any time you go to the mosque or attend a dawah program, start by actively listening to others, putting yourself in their shoes, and working together towards common goals.
But please, don't just take my word for it. Check out resources like:
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
They're chock-full of tips and techniques for mastering the art of interpersonal skills.
If you have not yet read them, please do yourself a favour to read them ASAP. There are a lot of gems in those books that will help you become better at dealing with people, especially for dawah purposes.
Financial Intelligence Skills
Money.
Not the most glamorous topic. But trust me, everyone knows it's essential. Because here's the thing – whether you like it or not, money makes the world go 'round. And if you want to live a comfortable life and support the Ummah, you need to get smart about your finances.
So, what exactly is financial intelligence?
It's simple – it's about knowing how to manage your money wisely. That means budgeting, saving, investing – the whole shebang. Because you see, if you're not in control of your finances, they'll control you.
But how do you develop financial intelligence?
You start by educating yourself. Read no-nonsense financial books like:
Unscripted: The Great Rat Race, and
The Millionaire Fastlane
Both books were written by MJ DeMarco. DeMarco will teach you everything you need to know about building wealth and securing your financial future without all the BS out there.
Now, I must give you a caveat here. DeMarco is a no-nonsense author. If you have a high ego, he will deflate it for you with his unconventional wisdom. But I guarantee you will go away with some smart knowledge.
But you know what? It's not just about knowledge. It's about action, too. Reading DeMarco without action will not take you anywhere financially.
And you see, the more wealthy Muslims like you the Ummah has, the easier the world can experience the power of zakat and sadaqah.
Self-Education Skills
Last but not least, self-education.
I know the school's out, but that doesn't mean the learning stops. In fact, it's just the beginning. Because here's the truth – the more you know, the more you grow.
So, what exactly are self-education skills?
Well, they're all about taking control of your learning. That means reading, taking courses, attending seminars – whatever it takes to expand your knowledge and skills.
But here's the best part – you don't need a fancy degree or a classroom to educate yourself. Nope, all you need is curiosity and a willingness to learn. So, start by reading books on topics that interest you, watching educational videos online, and taking advantage of free resources like podcasts and webinars.
For most skills you want to acquire, YouTube and Google are your university. Amazon is your library, and ChatGPT is your friendly Professor.
And don't forget to network with like-minded enthusiasts interested in learning the skills you want to acquire!
Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to grow. Join online communities, attend local meetups, and strike up conversations with experts in your field. You'd be surprised how much you can learn from others.
But here's the thing – self-education isn't just about acquiring knowledge, too. It's about applying it. So, don't just consume information, put it into action. Start projects, experiment with new ideas, and don't be afraid to fail. Failure is just a stepping stone on the path to success.
So, whether you're improving your interpersonal skills, mastering financial intelligence, or diving into self-education, remember this – the journey of personal development is never-ending. But with dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge, you can discover your full potential and make a lasting impact on your community.
Are you ready to take the first step? Good.
Now go out there and make it happen. Your future self will thank you for it.
Ma Salama,
Teslim Adeyemo
The Muslimchangemaker
By the way, don’t miss the following:
I built a free 7-day course on how to use Dawah to:
Solve your own worldly and spiritual problems.
Create a system that allows you to contribute meaningfully to humanity.
Build a legacy you'll continuously earn rewards from even after your demise.
You will learn the exact 4-steps a Muslim needs to do dawah today.