This blog was originally uploaded on the previous version of the www.sajidumar.com website on May 5, 2015.

I dream of the world’s greatest pilot who flies the world’s best carrier, taking people to places they could only dream of as children, exuding effortless charm and hospitality such that every person desires to meet him, train with him, and learn from him.

I dream of an unsurpassed surgeon who walks the corridors of the best hospitals in the world, followed eagerly by dozens of wide-eyed interns paying attention to every word that crosses his lips. He completes the most intricate of operations and has the most rarest of knowledge and skills; he strives and perseveres in saving thousands of lives in the most internationally acknowledged of ways.

I dream of a scientist who has reached the pinnacle of success and is the pillar of every conference and symposium the world has ever hosted in relation to his field, because he has in his intellect that which others are yet to acquire. He ponders and reflects, fearlessly imagines and stretches the boundaries of that known further than ever done before.

I dream of a school principal overwhelmed by the countless job offers he receives from the most recognised educational establishments the world has ever witnessed. One who is sought after by the world’s most elite governments, and who, with fierce determination and focus, endeavours to build several schools of his own, aiming at redefining excellence. He utilises his utmost passions and skills into building the next century or even two.

I dream of a sportsman who is excellent in effort and continuously strives to redefine his boundaries. He fearlessly chases every record in the field of play and serves as an inspiration to every aspiring athlete; one who is followed by millions spanning all across the globe, not only for his talent but for his unmatched character, generosity, and wisdom. He inspires the youth to dream big, be relentless in their pursuit of their ambitions, and to aim high even when all the odds are piled up against them.

I dream of a thousand selfless, visioned billionaires running multinational business empires with scores of people that love them. Businessmen and women who have earned every penny’s worth of their fortune in a praiseworthy ethical manner whilst keeping their fortunes in their hands and not their hearts. They work tirelessly and selflessly day in and day out to support the scholars and propagators, the poor and the needy, the old and the young, developing a world that truly can be called a better place.

I dream and I dream and I dream that from our Ummah will arise these giants! Giants that will inspire generations!

I dream of ambitious leaders with the passion and drive to spark a never-ending change in this world. I hope that there will rise from amongst us heroes and heroines who aspire to reach nothing short of excellence and whose lofty ambitions will be a guiding light in this dark world.

Above all, I dream of all these giants looking like Muslims, behaving like Muslims, speaking like Muslims, whilst living only for the sake of Allah Almighty Alone. When they address the entire globe, every ear of every listener becomes attached to every movement of their lips, because they are who they are! And when they begin their lingering address, they begin with the words: “Indeed, all praises belong to Allah Almighty alone, we praise Him, we seek His assistance and we seek His forgiveness…”

This is my dream that I believe is possible with “Laa Ilaaha Illallah”! These simple words that make excellence the minimum requirement. These simple words that demand the four I’s of success being present in our lives: Ikhlaas (sincerity), Ilm (knowledge), Ihsaan (excellence) and Istiqaamah (steadfastness)!

I dream, because things do not happen to Muslims! Rather, Muslims happen to things!

I dream, because Muslims were placed on earth to teach, to be inspirational, to invent, to relate, and formulate!

I dream, because we were only sent as givers and not takers!

I dream, because for Muslims, dreams were never that which you saw in your sleep, but rather that which keeps you awake and stops you from sleeping!

I dream, I dream, I dream, and I believe!

Dream big, work hard and together let’s assume our podiums of excellence and make our dreams a reality!

P.S. For those eager to travel further along this path, I invite you to read my book, The Journey to Success: The Roadmap of Ikhlās, Iḥsān, and Istiqāmah. In it, I share a framework for nurturing sincerity, striving for excellence, and holding firm with consistency; qualities that define true success in this world and the next.