Why Dream Big?

"Who am I to do that?", may be a question that is often asked by your inner self, only to stop yourself when you have thought of doing something meaningful, something bold. And you are not alone in this.

Setting big goals can be exciting… but also intimidating. The fear of failing, of not being “good enough”, having imposter syndrome, of not knowing where to start. All these thoughts creep in and push us towards procrastination. It feels safer to stay in our comfort zone, where we don’t risk falling short or looking silly.

But the truth is, Islam encourages us to aim high. Not out of arrogance. But because we believe in Al-Haadi (The Guide), Al-Azeez (The All-Mighty), Al-'Aleem (The All-Knowing), who is the best helper, best planner, and best guide.

The Power of a Sincere Intention

In Islam, it all begins with our intention. The Prophet ﷺ said:

When we intend something good, whether it’s starting a new business, going back to study, memorising Qur’an, or even mending a broken family tie, we’ve already taken the first step. Allah knows that. And that intention, if sincere, holds immense value in His eyes, even before we achieve anything. Sincere intentions are powerful.

Don’t Be Afraid to Aim High

There are many reasons why you may feel inadequate or reluctant to "dream big". Some may even perceive it as being selfish or prideful. But this isn’t what we learn from the life of our Prophet ﷺ. His mission was vast. His prayers were vast. His compassion was vast.

He asked Allah not just for Jannah — but for Al-Firdaus, the highest level of Paradise. Why? Because when you’re asking Al-Kareem (The Most Generous), you ask big.

Allah reminds us:

If the idea is planted in your heart, maybe it's a sign that you're more capable than you think, especially when you turn to Allah for strength.

The Traps of Fear and Procrastination

One of Shaytan’s favourite tricks is whispering fear and doubt: “You’ll fail. It’s too late. People will laugh. You’re not ready.” And sometimes we believe him.

So we delay. We push the goal to “next month,” “next year,” “after the kids grow up,” or “when I’m in a better place spiritually”. And we end up not pursuing it at all.

But the path to achieving anything, big or small, always starts by taking the first step.

Build Self-Belief by Believing in Allah

As Muslims, our self-confidence is tied to Tawakkul, our trust in the One who created us. You’re not relying on your strength or intellect or your own cleverness. Instead, you’re relying on Allah.

Self-belief doesn’t mean you think you can do it on your own. It means you believe and trust in Allah's guidance and support you. And elevate your effort through du’a.

Umar bin Al-Khattab narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

The bird doesn’t sit in the nest waiting. It takes flight, even when skies are uncertain. So should we. Have trust in Allah and take the leap.

A Few Practical Steps to Start

Here are some gentle reminders to help you walk towards your goal:

1. Make du’a – Ask Allah to keep you consistent, strengthen your resolve, and guide you in the right direction.

2. Start small – Break your goal down into small and manageable steps. Every small step takes you closer to your big goal.

3. Write it down – This gives your goal structure and helps you stay focused. Use your favourite notebook, journal, or app on your phone. Whichever is convenient and accessible.

4. Find good company – Surround yourself with people who encourage and makes you feel positive about your success.

5. Keep moving, even slowly – These are your goals, you set the pace, and you decide how soon you get there. It's not how fast you get there, but getting there the right way. In Sha Allah.

May Allah guide you in your journey to achieve your goals. Aameen.

Featured Image Credit: Generated by DALL-E, OpenAI (2025).