The Barakah Effect
SowSee Summary
About the Book
In The Barakah Effect: More With Less, Mohammed Faris weaves Islamic spirituality with modern productivity principles to present a paradigm for personal and professional success deeply rooted in faith. Faris challenges the “Hustle Culture” and offers an alternative: the Barakah Culture—a life aligned with divine blessings.
Faris explores how Barakah (blessing) transforms not only material aspects like wealth and time but also enhances unseen dimensions such as peace and fulfillment. He provides actionable frameworks to reclaim Barakah in a fast-paced world, ensuring that life’s purpose remains God-centric.
About the Author
Mohammed Faris is an executive coach, productivity expert, and founder of The Productive Muslim Company. Recognized as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims, his works bridge Islamic spirituality with personal and professional development.
Insight 1: Barakah Is Rooted in Sincere Intentions
Every action, no matter how mundane, carries the potential to ripple through eternity—if the intention behind it is pure. This is the crux of Barakah: divine blessings amplified by what lies in your heart when you act. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, profoundly said, “Actions are but by intentions, and every person will only have what they intended”. In those few words, the transformative power of intention is laid bare.
Now pause and ask yourself: What motivates you? Why do you work, speak, or even wake up in the morning? The truth is, we live in a time where the external often eclipses the internal. We are taught to measure ourselves by our accomplishments, the opinions of others, and the tangible rewards of our labor. But Islam flips this narrative: success in the sight of God is not judged by results but by the purity of your purpose.
You could build the tallest skyscraper, donate millions to charity, or teach hundreds of students—but if your heart seeks applause or self-glorification, those actions risk being hollow. Conversely, the simplest deed—helping a neighbor carry their groceries or offering a smile—becomes monumental when done for God’s sake. The sincerity of your intention can elevate a fleeting moment into an act of worship.
Sincere intentions are powerful because they anchor your actions to something infinite. You’re not limited by the immediate outcomes, because your purpose transcends this world. Faris illustrates this in the book through the story of Shakour Abu Ghazalah, the founder of Al-Baik. Even as his restaurant struggled, he maintained his commitment to donate one riyal to charity for every chicken sold. He didn’t do it for recognition or profit—he did it out of a deep conviction to serve God through his work. And decades later, that sincerity bore fruit in ways that no business strategy could explain.
But sincerity isn’t easy. It requires vigilance. You live in a world where distractions abound, where ego and self-interest constantly whisper in your ear. Even noble deeds can become tainted by the desire for validation. This is why the scholars of Islam emphasize constant self-accountability. Before you act, ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Whom am I truly trying to please? And after you act, reflect again: Was my intention pure? Did I seek God’s pleasure, or did I stray into seeking worldly approval?
It’s also worth noting that sincerity doesn’t mean grandiosity. The Prophet, peace be upon him, reminded us that God values consistency over quantity: “The most beloved deeds to God are those done consistently, even if they are small”. This tells you that intention isn’t about perfection or performance; it’s about authenticity. If you start with the right intention, even the smallest act becomes significant.
Living with sincere intentions shifts your entire worldview. It frees you from the shackles of external validation. You no longer need to chase fleeting metrics of success because you understand that your worth lies in how closely your heart aligns with God’s will. This is the ultimate liberation—when your actions are no longer confined to the temporary, but tethered to the eternal.
Remember, every moment is an opportunity to realign. Begin each day with Bismillah (in the name of God) and infuse every action with a sincere desire to serve Him. As Ibn Ata’illah so eloquently said, “Actions are lifeless forms, but the presence of an intention brings them to life.” Let your intentions breathe life into your deeds, and watch as Barakah transforms your journey.
Insight 2: Gratitude as a Gateway to Barakah
Gratitude is more than a polite “thank you.” It is a posture of the heart, a lens through which you view the world, and an active acknowledgment of God’s countless blessings in your life. When you embody gratitude, you unlock a spiritual multiplier effect—the phenomenon of Barakah—that brings more abundance, peace, and contentment into your life. As God promises in the Quran: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you”
But gratitude doesn’t come naturally in a world designed to cultivate dissatisfaction. Advertising, social media, and consumer culture push you to believe that what you have is never enough. The phone you own is outdated; your house is too small; your accomplishments pale in comparison to others. This mindset is a direct assault on gratitude—and by extension, on Barakah.
True gratitude begins with perspective. Consider this: as you read these words, your heart is beating without your conscious effort. You inhale and exhale effortlessly. Each breath sustains you, yet how often do you stop to thank God for this miracle? The reality is, most of what you enjoy in life—your health, your family, your food, your time—is not earned; it’s a gift from God. Gratitude starts when you recognize these gifts as undeserved kindness from the One who owes you nothing yet gives you everything.
The beauty of gratitude is that it transforms your relationship with what you already have. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, you begin to see the hidden blessings in your life. That old car? It gets you where you need to go. That modest apartment? It shelters you from the elements. Even challenges, when met with gratitude, can be reframed as opportunities for growth and purification.
Practicing gratitude is not passive—it requires intention and action. Begin by cultivating a daily habit of reflection. At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be grand. Maybe it’s the warmth of the sun on your face, a kind word from a stranger, or the taste of fresh bread. Over time, you’ll train your heart to notice blessings that once went unnoticed.
Gratitude also grows through giving. When you share what you have—your wealth, your time, your kindness—you remind yourself that blessings are meant to flow, not stagnate. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful on the earth, and you will be shown mercy from above”. Gratitude isn’t just saying Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to God); it’s living in a way that reflects your acknowledgment of His blessings.
When you live with gratitude, you align yourself with the divine flow of Barakah. Time seems to stretch, your resources suffice, and you find contentment even in simplicity. You stop chasing the illusion of “more” because your heart rests in the assurance that God is the ultimate provider.
But gratitude is not just for the easy moments. It shines most brightly in hardship. When you can say Alhamdulillah for a closed door or a detour, trusting that God’s plan is better than your own, you ascend to a higher level of faith. The Quran reminds you, “Perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And God knows, while you do not know”.
Living gratefully is living consciously. It’s a refusal to let the noise of dissatisfaction drown out the divine symphony of blessings playing all around you. Gratitude pulls you back to the present moment, where you realize that God has already given you more than you need.
So, take stock of your blessings. Begin with the air in your lungs, the food in your pantry, and the faith in your heart. Thank God, not only with your words but with your actions. And watch as the doorway to Barakah swings wide open, welcoming abundance that transcends the material and touches the eternal.
Insight 3: The Early Hours Are a Reservoir of Barakah
Imagine starting your day while the world is still. The silence wraps around you like a gentle cocoon, the dawn light promises renewal, and the air carries a purity that feels almost sacred. These early hours—often missed by those who hit snooze—are not just a head start on the day; they are a divine window of opportunity. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “O God, bless my ummah in their early mornings”. In these moments, there is Barakah, a blessing placed by God that amplifies your efforts, deepens your focus, and sets the tone for a day steeped in purpose.
But let’s be honest: waking up early is hard. You know the allure of a warm bed, the weight of sleep tugging at your eyelids. Yet every choice carries its price. The price of choosing comfort in the morning is often chaos later in the day—rushed prayers, frantic schedules, and a nagging sense that the hours are slipping through your fingers. On the other hand, rising early demands discipline, but the reward is a day infused with clarity, intention, and yes, Barakah.
The early hours are special because they’re untouched by the noise of the world. Before emails, texts, and deadlines invade your space, there is stillness. This is the time to connect with God, to align your heart with your Creator before distractions vie for your attention. Whether it’s the quiet recitation of Quran, performing tahajjud (the pre-dawn prayer), or simply sitting in reflection, these moments carve out a sanctuary of peace that sustains you through the day.
Science, too, supports the magic of mornings. Studies show that the brain is most alert and creative in the early hours. Your willpower is stronger, decision fatigue is at its lowest, and you’re less likely to be interrupted. But what science cannot explain is the ineffable power of Barakah. It’s not just about productivity—it’s about the spiritual multiplier effect that turns a few minutes of effort into hours of impact.
Consider the story of Sakhr ibn Wada’ah, the narrator of the hadith on early mornings. Inspired by the Prophet’s, peace be upon him, words, he started sending his merchandise to market at dawn. His business flourished, not because of luck or strategy, but because of Barakah placed in the early morning. You, too, can experience this when you align your actions with divine wisdom.
So how do you harness the Barakah of the early hours? Start with intention. Before you sleep, make dua, asking God to grant you the strength to rise early. Set your alarm far from your bed so you’re forced to physically get up. When you wake, resist the urge to check your phone. Instead, let your first words be Bismillah and your first actions be those that reconnect you with your Creator.
Even a few small changes can create profound shifts. Use this time to pray Fajr on time, to plan your day with a clear mind, or to focus on meaningful work. You’ll find that what takes hours later in the day can often be accomplished in minutes during these blessed moments.
Remember, the early hours are not just a productivity hack; they are a gift. A chance to reclaim time, to realign your soul, and to step into the flow of Barakah. It’s not about doing more but about starting with purpose. So, tomorrow morning, when the alarm sounds, don’t see it as an interruption. See it as an invitation to step into a day anchored in blessings.
As the Quran reminds us, “And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember”. Rise, remember, and let the Barakah of the early hours guide you.
Insight 4: Barakah in Serving Others
You were not placed on this earth for yourself. This truth may feel counterintuitive in a world that glorifies self-promotion and individual achievement, but it is a central principle of Barakah: the more you serve others, the more blessings flow into your life. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others”. It is through selfless service that you find purpose, connection, and the divine multiplier effect of Barakah.
Think about it. The most enduring satisfaction doesn’t come from accumulating wealth or accolades—it comes from seeing your actions uplift someone else. A warm meal given to a hungry soul, a kind word to someone struggling, or even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outward in ways you’ll never fully grasp. This is the secret of Barakah in service: it turns finite resources into infinite impact.
But serving others isn’t just about grand gestures or significant sacrifices. It’s about consistently showing up for the people around you, even in the smallest ways. Begin with those closest to you: your family, neighbors, coworkers. Ask yourself: Have I made their lives easier today? Have I brought joy or comfort into their world? These acts might seem small, but when done with sincerity, they carry tremendous weight with God.
Yet, serving others doesn’t mean depleting yourself. Islam teaches balance. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your service to others should come from a place of strength and intention. Take care of your own spiritual and physical well-being so that when you give, you give from a full heart. When you embrace a life of service, you’ll notice something profound: the barriers that separate you from others begin to dissolve. You see the struggling mother not as a stranger but as a sister. The homeless man on the street becomes your brother. Service cultivates empathy, and empathy is the soil in which Barakah flourishes.
This principle is beautifully illustrated in the story of the Ansar, the people of Medina who welcomed the Prophet, peace be upon him, and the Muhajirun (immigrants from Mecca) into their homes. The Ansar didn’t just share their food and wealth; they shared their hearts. Their generosity was so profound that God mentions them in the Quran: “They give [others] preference over themselves, even though they are in need”. In their selflessness, they experienced Barakah—blessings that enriched not only their lives but the entire ummah.
Service is also a form of dawah, a way to invite others to the beauty of Islam without uttering a single word. When your actions reflect kindness, generosity, and integrity, you become a living testament to the transformative power of faith. In serving others, you serve God, and He promises to multiply your rewards: “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it”.
So, ask yourself: How can I serve today? Maybe it’s mentoring a young professional, volunteering at a food bank, or simply listening to a friend in need. Start where you are, with what you have. Don’t underestimate the power of your actions. Remember the story of the woman who gave water to a thirsty dog and was forgiven by God for her sins. Even the smallest act of service, when done for God’s sake, can tip the scales of your life.
Service transforms you. It softens your heart, expands your perspective, and connects you to the divine flow of Barakah. It reminds you that your existence is part of something far greater than yourself. And when you live with this awareness, you don’t just serve others—you serve your soul.
In every moment of service, you are planting seeds. You may not see them sprout in your lifetime, but their fruits will endure in this world and the next. As the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “When a human being dies, all their deeds cease except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them” . Through service, you leave a legacy of Barakah that outlives you, rippling through generations.
Embrace this path, for it is the path of the Prophets and the righteous. Serve others not for recognition, but for the pleasure of God. In doing so, you’ll find that what you give is never lost—it is multiplied, transformed, and returned to you in ways only He can orchestrate.
Insight 5: Barakah Requires Sustained Effort and Trust
You’re a gardener. Every action you take, every word you speak, every intention you set is a seed planted in the soil of this life. But here’s the thing: you don’t control the rain. You can nurture the seed, water it, and shield it from harm, but ultimately, it is God who makes it grow. This is the essence of Barakah—it flows not from your effort alone but from the divine grace that magnifies your effort beyond its natural capacity.
Barakah requires two things that seem contradictory: sustained effort and complete trust in God. At first, this duality may feel unnatural. Your instinct tells you to push harder, to control every variable, to leave no room for uncertainty. But the reality is, no matter how meticulously you plan, the outcome is never in your hands. Success—true, lasting success—is a partnership between your effort and God’s will.
Think of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, during the migration to Medina. He planned meticulously, leaving Mecca at night, taking an unconventional route, and hiding in the Cave of Thawr. Yet, when the Quraysh stood at the mouth of the cave, ready to capture him, he did not panic. Instead, he said to Abu Bakr: “Do not be afraid, for God is with us”. This moment exemplifies tawakkul—trusting God even after you’ve done everything in your power.
Your life is filled with moments like this. You study for the exam but cannot guarantee the result. You apply for the job but cannot ensure the offer. You strive to raise your children well but cannot control their choices. This is where Barakah enters—not as a replacement for effort but as a divine augmentation of it. When you combine your hard work with reliance on God, the results often surpass anything you could have imagined.
But Barakah doesn’t always look like what you expect. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the door you’re knocking on remains closed. In those moments, trust that God’s plan is better than your own. This trust doesn’t mean passivity. It means working hard with the knowledge that your role is to plant and nurture, not to determine the harvest. It also means reframing setbacks as divine redirections. The “failure” you experience today might be the foundation for a success you can’t yet see.
Barakah also requires patience. Like a farmer waiting for the seasons to change, you must resist the urge to rush the process. The Quran likens faith to a tree: “Its roots are firm, and its branches reach the sky”. Trees don’t grow overnight, and neither does a life infused with Barakah. Sustained effort, paired with trust, is what allows your roots to deepen and your branches to flourish.
This balance between effort and trust liberates you from the anxiety of over-control. You stop fixating on the outcome because you understand that your worth isn’t tied to it. Instead, you focus on the process: showing up, doing your best, and leaving the rest to God.
Imagine standing before God on the Day of Judgment. He won’t ask you whether you succeeded in worldly terms. He’ll ask you about your intentions, your efforts, and your trust in Him. Did you strive to fulfill your purpose? Did you trust His wisdom when the path wasn’t clear? These are the questions that truly matter.
Live your life like the gardener. Plant seeds of goodness with sincerity, water them with effort, and trust God to bring the rain. Whether the harvest comes in this world or the next, you can be sure of one thing: no effort done for God is ever wasted. As the Quran promises, “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it”.
The lesson is clear. Work hard, but don’t tether your heart to the results. Anchor your heart in God, and let Barakah transform your labor into a legacy that reaches far beyond what you can see or measure. This is the path of peace, purpose, and divine abundance. This is the path of Barakah.
Insight 6: Small Acts Can Yield Massive Barakah
In a world that glorifies grand gestures and monumental achievements, it’s easy to dismiss the small things. The culture around you equates success with viral fame, multimillion-dollar deals, and life-changing breakthroughs. But in the eyes of God, it’s not the size of the act that matters—it’s the sincerity and consistency behind it. Think of the raindrop. It is insignificant on its own, but when combined with millions of others, it can fill rivers, irrigate crops, and sustain life. Your small deeds are like those drops. A kind word to a stranger, a quiet supplication for someone in need, or a single dollar given in charity may seem inconsequential, but their ripple effects are limitless when Barakah magnifies them.
But here’s the challenge: small acts are easy to overlook. You might tell yourself, “What difference does it make if I smile at my coworker? Will this one prayer really matter? Does this dollar truly help anyone?” These doubts are whispers of Shaytan, designed to deter you from the immense potential of seemingly minor actions. In truth, small acts are the building blocks of Barakah. They create habits, shape your character, and connect you to God in ways you may not immediately realize.
The beauty of small acts is their accessibility. You don’t need wealth, power, or extraordinary talent to perform them. A sincere intention and a willing heart are all that’s required. When you start each day with the mindset of seeking Barakah through small deeds, your life begins to transform. You find purpose in the ordinary and extraordinary in the mundane.
Consider your daily routine. How many opportunities to create Barakah go unnoticed? Saying Bismillah before you eat, thanking the cashier at the grocery store, or making dua for someone you’ve never met—all of these actions invite divine blessings into your life. Over time, these small acts become a habit, and that habit becomes a way of life.
There’s also a profound humility in focusing on small acts. It reminds you that God doesn’t need your grandeur; He values your sincerity. This humility keeps your ego in check and aligns your heart with your Creator.
The impact of these small acts often extends far beyond what you can see. You may smile at someone who is struggling, unknowingly lifting their spirits. You might teach a child a supplication, and that child may one day teach it to their children, creating a chain of reward that spans generations.
The Quran is filled with examples of small actions leading to great outcomes. Consider the story of Musa, who was told to strike the sea with his staff—a simple act that parted an ocean. Or the mother of Maryam, who dedicated her unborn child to God—a small intention that led to the birth of one of the greatest women in history. These stories remind you that God doesn’t measure deeds by their size but by their sincerity and alignment with His will.
The lesson is clear: never underestimate the power of small acts. They are seeds planted in the soil of this world, watered by your sincerity, and nurtured by God’s grace. Some will sprout into immediate blessings; others will grow into towering trees of reward in the Hereafter.
So, start small, but start now. Greet someone with a smile, donate whatever you can spare, or simply say SubhanAllah when you see something beautiful. Trust that God will take your small efforts and multiply them in ways you cannot imagine.
Insight 7: Barakah Anchors You in the Present
Your mind often lives in two places: the past, replaying regrets, and the future, forecasting anxieties. Meanwhile, the present—the only moment you can truly live—is overlooked. Barakah, however, pulls you back to now. It roots you in the present moment, not as an escape from responsibility but as a recognition of where God has placed you.
The Quran reminds you of this profound truth: “And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favors of God, you could not enumerate them”. This verse calls you to pause and see the blessings around you. They’re not in yesterday’s memories or tomorrow’s dreams—they’re in this very moment. Yet, how often do you let the beauty of the present slip by unnoticed because you’re too busy chasing what’s next?
Think of your morning coffee, or tea. It’s warm in your hands, fragrant with promise. You sip it while scrolling through your phone, half-reading an email, half-thinking about the meeting ahead. In that rush, you miss the Barakah of the moment: the ability to taste, to pause, to be alive.
Living in the present doesn’t mean you neglect planning for the future or learning from the past. Instead, it means you approach each moment with mindfulness and gratitude. The past is gone; the future is uncertain. But this moment is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, embodied this presence. When he spoke to someone, he gave them his full attention, making them feel as though they were the most important person in the world. He didn’t rush through interactions or let his mind wander. His life was a constant flow of presence, gratitude, and purpose.
You might wonder how Barakah connects to this idea of being present. When you fully inhabit the moment, you open your heart to recognize the blessings that God has placed within it. Whether it’s the joy of seeing a child smile, the peace of standing in prayer, or the taste of simple food, Barakah is felt most deeply when you’re not distracted by what was or what could be.
Consider this: a life anchored in the present reduces the constant craving for more. Consumer culture thrives on making you feel that what you have is inadequate. But when you pause and reflect, you realize that God has already given you everything you need. This awareness doesn’t mean you stop striving; it means you strive from a place of contentment, not lack.
Barakah also makes your time feel abundant. When you’re fully present, minutes stretch into meaningful moments. You accomplish more, not because you rush, but because you focus. It’s like how early morning hours—blessed by Barakah—seem to expand, allowing you to achieve what feels impossible later in the day.
To cultivate this presence, start by slowing down. Before beginning a task, say Bismillah to anchor yourself in divine purpose. During your prayer, focus on the words you’re reciting, imagining them as a conversation with God. When spending time with loved ones, put away distractions and give them your undivided attention.
Presence also requires trust in God’s plan. Anxiety about the future often stems from a desire to control outcomes, forgetting that God is the best of planners. By living in the present, you surrender that control, trusting that the One who provided for you yesterday will provide for you tomorrow. As the Quran assures, “And whoever relies upon God—then He is sufficient for him”.
This mindset frees you from the relentless chase for “more.” You realize that the true wealth of life isn’t in possessions or achievements but in experiencing God’s blessings, moment by moment. It’s in the Barakah of time well spent, relationships nurtured, and prayers offered with focus.
Living in the present is not passive—it’s intentional. It’s a decision to be fully alive in the here and now, recognizing that this moment, fleeting as it may be, carries infinite potential for connection with God. So take a deep breath, look around, and ask yourself: What is God blessing me with right now? You’ll find that the present isn’t just enough—it’s abundant.
“So which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?”
The Barakah Effect is a transformative concept that can shift your worldview, productivity, and relationships from mere accumulation to meaningful alignment with divine purpose. Faris’s message is clear: seek Barakah, and your life will overflow with blessings that cannot be quantified but deeply felt.