| The Fruit of Success and the Trial of People |
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The Fruit of Success and the Trial of People
By Dr. Rateb Jneid
8/12/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Throughout history, we see a simple truth: the fruitful tree is the one that gets targeted with stones, because it is the one that gives benefit and attracts attention. The same is true for successful people. The more a person excels in work or life, the more likely they are to face gossip, criticism or envy. This is not because they are flawed, but because some people cannot reach their level and may react with jealousy.
Success not only shows a person’s abilities but also reveals the attitudes of others. Some celebrate the success and appreciate the effort, while others feel uneasy and try to belittle or harm the achiever. In this way, success is a test for both the successful person and those around them, a test of patience, integrity and fairness.
From a spiritual perspective, honour and recognition are ultimately from God. He gives power and respect to whom He wills and removes it from whom He wills. Praise or criticism from people cannot change what God has decreed. As the Qur’an says:
“Say, ‘O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will, and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honour whom You will, and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.’”
[Al-Imran: 26]
Remembering this helps the successful person not to be weighed down by criticism. Their value comes from their sincerity, effort and dedication, not from what others say. Often, harsh criticism shows just how strong their impact really is.
So, the true achiever is like the fruitful tree: targeted with stones but never stopping from giving fruit, strong and rooted, continuing to give. True success is not about pleasing people, but about pleasing God, who alone grants honour and acceptance in this world. |
