This third session of the Yearn Phase focuses on shifting from a self-centered life (ego goals) to a God-centered life (Kitab goals) by structuring everything around Salah, self-awareness, and service to the Ummah. Othman emphasizes that the key to achieving true success is aligning our passions, purpose, and daily life with Allah’s pleasure, rather than being driven by materialistic ambitions or external validation.

Key Themes:

Structuring Life for Khushu' in Salah

• True success, as described in Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1-2), belongs to those who humble themselves in their prayer.

• Salah should not be something we fit into our schedules but the foundation of our daily routine.

• Structuring our day around prayer—ending with Isha, waking up for Tahajjud, and prioritizing Dhuhr Asr and Maghrib—creates the conditions for spiritual and worldly success.

• The more disciplined we are in putting Allah first, the more success we will see in unexpected areas of life.

Lessons from the Story of David and Goliath

To illustrate the power of faith, conviction, and purpose, Othman shares the story of Talut (Saul) and Jalut (Goliath) from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:249-251):

• When Talut led his army against Goliath, he tested his soldiers by instructing them not to drink from the river.

• Most of them failed, showing their lack of self-discipline and conviction. Only a small, steadfast group remained.

• Among them was Dawud (AS), a young, unknown warrior who had unwavering belief that Allah (SWT) would grant them victory.

• Despite overwhelming odds, with complete trust in Allah, Dawud (AS) defeated Goliath, proving that success is not about numbers or external power, but about faith, conviction, and trust in Allah.

✅ Key Lesson: True success is not measured by worldly power or numbers but by faith in Allah’s support. Like Dawud (AS), we must learn to trust in the unseen, embrace challenges, and rely on Allah rather than external strength.

Ego Goals vs. Kitab Goals

• Ego Goals are driven by:

  • Status – Seeking promotions, fame, or validation from others.

  • Security – Accumulating wealth out of fear rather than trust in Allah.

  • Selfish Desires – Pursuing comfort, pleasure, and excess materialism.

• Kitaab Goals are focused on:

  • Knowing Allah (SWT) and seeking His pleasure.

  • Knowing yourself—understanding your strengths, experiences, and why Allah placed you in your circumstances.

  • Serving the Ummah—aligning your talents and purpose with the needs of the community.

The key questions to ask:

✅ Does this bring me closer to Allah?

✅ Does this benefit the Ummah?

Framework for Discovering Your Purpose

Othman introduces a structured approach to finding purpose through self-awareness and spiritual alignment:

1. Know Allah

• Deepen your connection with Allah’s names, attributes, and promises.

• Salah is the foundation of this connection—building khushu' (focus and humility) leads to transformation.

2. Know Yourself

• Recognize your strengths, experiences, and personal tests as part of Allah’s unique plan for you.

  • Strengths Finder Assessment (Paid)

  • 6 Types of Working Geniuses (Paid)

  • SparkeType (Free)

• Reflect on how past experiences shape your purpose.

3. Understand the Needs of the Ummah

• Identify what challenges exist within the community and where your skills and strengths can help.

• Look for problems that need solutions and align them with your passions.

4. Writing Your Kitab Goal

• Imagine standing before Allah on the Day of Judgment and being told, “Read your book” (Iqra' Kitabak).

• What do you want your book to say? What legacy do you want to leave?

• Draft an executive summary of your life’s purpose that aligns with faith, contribution, and spiritual growth.

Action Steps for This Week:

✅ Assess Your Goals – Are they ego-driven or aligned with Allah’s pleasure?

✅ Prioritize Salah – Structure your day around prayer, not the other way around.

✅ Reflect on Your Strengths – What skills, experiences, and insights has Allah given you?

✅ Identify Community Needs – Where can your strengths serve the Ummah?

✅ Draft Your Kitab Goal – Write a one-paragraph summary of what you want your book to say when you stand before Allah.

Final Takeaway:

True purpose is not found in wealth or status but in living a life that will earn Allah’s pleasure. By prioritizing salah, self-awareness, and service, we shape a legacy that will stand the test of time—not just in this world, but in the next. Like Dawud (AS), our strength comes not from external power, but from unwavering faith in Allah.