Most people who aim for personal growth or are highly focused on their careers—profession or business—have either read or heard of a book called The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. This international bestseller, written by Stephen R. Covey, was first published in 1989. According to one report, the book has sold 25 million (i.e., 2.5 crore) copies to date, while Wikipedia notes that 40 million (i.e., 4 crore) copies have been sold.

What is it about this book that has captivated millions of readers around the world? What does it contain that draws so many people? The book outlines a process to prepare oneself to live a meaningful life. After researching the lifestyles and histories of successful individuals over 200 years, Stephen R. Covey compiled seven characteristics or habits that he presents in this book. These habits are proven to be common among successful individuals across history.

Dear reader, my intention is not to write a review of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. My goal is to highlight the seven habits mentioned by the esteemed author and, in doing so, to demonstrate how each of these habits can be traced back to the lifestyle of the Prophet of humanity, Hazrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). As a Muslim and a student of knowledge, I wish to show that the practices presented in this book as keys to success have universal relevance, and that they are deeply rooted in the life philosophy of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.

Dear reader, I humbly remind you of one thing: my purpose in referencing The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is not to critique the practices mentioned in the book, nor to question their validity. As a Muslim and a follower of the Prophet, I am simply investigating how Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) life aligns with the principles presented in this widely influential work. I have found that the ideals presented in the book are exemplified in the life of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.

The seven habits of highly effective people will now be followed by the corresponding aspects of Rasulullah’s (peace and blessings be upon him) life philosophy. First, let us know the titles of the seven habits mentioned in the book:

• Habit 01: Be Proactive, not Reactive.
• Habit 02: Begin with the End in Mind.
• Habit 03: Put First Things First.
• Habit 04: Think Win-Win.
• Habit 05: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.
• Habit 06: Synergize (Teamwork).
• Habit 07: Sharpen the Saw (Self-Improvement).

Habit 01: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Stephen R. Covey provides an extensive discussion on what it means to be proactive. Proactivity, he says, means that as human beings, we are responsible for our lives. Being proactive means making decisions and taking action with a calm, rational mind, rather than reacting impulsively. He contrasts this with being reactive, where people are often influenced by their external environment and lack control over themselves. Reactive people tend to get upset by others’ words, become angry easily, or react strongly to flattery and criticism.

The qualities of a proactive person, as identified by Covey, are:

1. Self-Awareness: Proactive people are self-aware.

Biography of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “He who examines himself is wise.” Self-awareness is a key attribute of a believer. It is impossible to be a true believer without self-awareness. Belief in monotheism fosters self-awareness. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam also said, “A true believer is not bitten twice from the same hole.” Hafiz Ibn Hajar Asqalani (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) explained that this hadith means a believer is cautious, self-aware, and does not make the same mistake repeatedly.

On the authority of Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), a companion asked the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): “Ya Rasulullah! How do I trust in Allah? Should I leave my camel untied or keep it tied?” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, “First tie your camel, then trust in Allah.” In another hadith, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Stay away from lepers as you would stay away from lions.” The scholars of hadith explained that the purpose of this hadith is to teach self-awareness and caution, not to suggest that disease is inherently contagious.

2. Responsibility: Proactive people take responsibility. They do not try to shirk responsibility.

Biography of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam taught that every believer is responsible and will be questioned about their responsibility. On the authority of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be asked about his flock. The Imam (leader) is responsible for his people, and he will be asked about them. A man is responsible for his household, and he will be asked about them. A woman is responsible for her husband’s household and children, and she will be asked about them.”

3. Thoughtful Decision-Making and Action: Proactive people make thoughtful decisions and take action.

Biography of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: Jabir Ibn Abdullah (Radiyallahu Anhu) reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam taught them the Istikhara prayer, a way to seek guidance in decision-making. He would also encourage consultation (shura). Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “No one has ever regretted consulting others, and no one has ever failed to benefit from consultation.” Aisha (Radiyallahu Anha) said, “I have never seen anyone consult others more than the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).”

4. Not Blaming Others for One’s Fate: Proactive people do not blame others for their own destiny.

Biography of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Everything has a destined measure, even delay or hastening.” Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu Anhu) reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “If the entire world gathered to benefit you, they could not benefit you except with what Allah has written for you, and if they gathered to harm you, they could not harm you except with what Allah has written for you.”

5. The language of pro-active people is responsible and polite. The fifth quality of pro-active people is that their words are responsible and their language is polite. This means they don’t speak foul language.

Biography of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: The speech of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam was always modest. He never spoke foul language. On the authority of Anas Radiyallahu Anhu, he said, “Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was not rude, nor did he curse or use abusive language. When he scolded someone, he would only say, ‘What is wrong with him? May his forehead be dusty.'” In another hadith, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said:

‘Whoever can guarantee me the control of his tongue and his private parts (meaning he will be responsible in the use of these two things), I can guarantee him Paradise.’

Apart from this, an important point is highlighted in the explanation of this practice, which is the concept of the ‘Circle of Concern’ and the ‘Circle of Influence.’ The Circle of Concern refers to matters beyond one’s control, while the Circle of Influence refers to matters under one’s control. Pro-active people pay attention to where they are spending their energy and time. Reactive people tend to focus more on the Circle of Concerns, which are out of their control. This means:

6. Pro-active people focus on things within their control. The sixth quality of pro-active people is that they focus on things within their control. They try not to spend time on uncontrollable matters.

Biography of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Abandoning unnecessary words and deeds is the beauty of a Muslim.”

Furthermore, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam also said, “When a person abandons futile (non-controlling) matters, his Islam is blessed.”

Stephen R. Covey raised two important points. He wrote, “Not admitting a mistake, not correcting it, and not learning from it is the second mistake.” This means:

7. Pro-active people admit mistakes, correct mistakes, and learn from mistakes. The seventh quality of pro-active people is that they admit mistakes, try to correct them, and learn from them. On the other hand, pro-active people never blame others for their own mistakes.

Biography of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: The biography of the last Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam, including his admission of mistakes, is a profound example. Abu Bakr Siddiq Radiyallahu Anhu narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) blessed those who admit their mistakes and seek forgiveness. He also said:

“Every human being errs, and the best are those who repent.”

Stephen R. Covey also wrote, “We are true to ourselves and to others when we keep promises.” Both keeping promises and maintaining integrity are key to a pro-active approach. This means:

8. Pro-active people make promises and keep them. The eighth quality of pro-active people is that when they make a promise, they keep it.

Biography of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah Radiyallahu Anhu, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said about the signs of a hypocrite: “The signs of a hypocrite are three: 1. If he speaks, he lies. 2. If he makes a promise, he breaks it. 3. When entrusted with something, he betrays that trust.” Another narration mentions a fourth sign: “He speaks indecent words during quarrels.”