"Not Failure, But Low Aim, Is Crime"
The statement "Not failure, but low aim, is crime" aligns closely with Islamic teachings that encourage believers to aim high, strive for excellence, and trust in Allah's guidance and decree. Islam emphasizes effort, intention, and perseverance over mere outcomes, and considers complacency and lack of ambition as detrimental to one's spiritual, personal, and communal growth.
1. Striving for Excellence (Ihsan) in Islam
Islam encourages believers to aim for excellence in all their actions. The concept of Ihsan (doing things in the best possible manner) is central to Islamic teachings. Settling for mediocrity when one has the ability to achieve more is contrary to the spirit of Ihsan.
“Indeed, Allah loves that when anyone of you does something, he does it with excellence.”— Sunan al-Bayhaqi
2. The Qur'anic Call to Strive
The Qur'an repeatedly urges believers to strive hard for both worldly and spiritual success. This verse emphasizes that human efforts and aspirations determine their rewards. Failure is not condemned in Islam; rather, it is the lack of striving or having a low aim that is problematic.
“And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.”— Surah An-Najm: 39
3. Ambition in Leadership and Knowledge
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to aspire for greatness, particularly in seeking knowledge and leadership when qualified. This shows that Muslims are encouraged to aim for the best even in their spiritual goals. It reflects a mindset of aiming high, which is more virtuous than settling for less when greater good can be achieved.
“When you ask Allah for Paradise, ask Him for Al-Firdaus (the highest level of Paradise).”— Sahih al-Bukhari
4. Trusting Allah While Aiming High
Islam balances high ambition with reliance on Allah (Tawakkul). A Muslim is encouraged to strive for lofty goals while trusting that the outcome is in Allah’s hands. This means one must exert effort (high aim) and leave the result to Allah. Failure in such efforts is not sinful but a lack of striving or relying solely on oneself without Allah’s guidance is.
“Tie your camel and trust in Allah.”— Sunan al-Tirmidhi
5. Accountability for Wasted Potential
In Islam, humans are stewards (khalifah) on earth and are accountable for the resources, talents, and opportunities given to them. Allah warns against wasting one's potential. This forgetting includes neglecting one's abilities and settling for mediocrity instead of striving for progress. Low aim, when one has the capacity for more, can be seen as a failure to fulfill the divine purpose.
“Do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.”— Surah Al-Hashr: 19
6. Lessons from Islamic History
Islamic history is filled with examples of individuals who aimed high and achieved greatness. Had these figures been satisfied with low ambitions, the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large would have been deprived of their contributions.
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): Despite immense opposition, he aimed to bring about a complete transformation of society based on justice and monotheism, achieving remarkable success in his mission.
- Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi (Saladin): He didn’t settle for fragmented victories but aimed for the liberation of Jerusalem, uniting Muslims in the process.
- Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Al-Khwarizmi: These scholars aimed for excellence in science and medicine, leaving legacies that benefited humanity for centuries.
7. Low Aim Contradicts the Concept of Hope and Effort
Islamic teachings emphasize hope, perseverance, and continuous effort. The Qur'an discourages despair and calls for action. Low aim often stems from despair or a lack of confidence in Allah’s mercy and one’s abilities. Islam, however, demands proactive efforts with the belief that Allah’s help will follow sincere efforts.
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”— Surah Ash-Sharh: 6
Conclusion
From an Islamic perspective, failure is not a crime, as it is part of the human experience and often a stepping stone to success. However, low aim—choosing complacency over ambition—contradicts the Islamic values of Ihsan, accountability, and striving for the betterment of oneself and society. Muslims are encouraged to set high goals, work diligently, and trust in Allah's wisdom, knowing that success ultimately lies in the effort and sincerity of their intentions. Thus, the statement "Not failure, but low aim, is crime" aligns with Islamic teachings and serves as a reminder for Muslim youth and adults alike to dream big, work hard, and contribute meaningfully to their faith, community, and humanity.