Decision making is an unavoidable part of our lives. It is almost every day that we find ourselves in situations where we have to choose between alternatives, prefer certain things over others or say no to some opportunities because we cannot have them all at the same time.
In this entry to our blog, we will discuss the five steps of effective decision making as extracted from a single verse of the Qur’an.
فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّهِ
“And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah” (Surah Al-e-Imran: 159)
The first three steps of the process are covered under the broad understanding of “And when you have decided” while the latter two are concerned with “then rely upon Allah”.
Most poor decisions occur as a result of a poor understanding of the problem at hand. So, the first step is to hold yourself back from making any abrupt decisions and spend some time thinking about the situation itself. Empty your mind of any clutter and try to identify the root of the problem.
Once you’ve analyzed the problem in detail, you’ve not only successfully evaded taking a hurried decision but also developed an understanding of the problem which was not possible otherwise.
The second step is to get in all the information possible. Look for any facts that can help you in forming a final opinion on the matter. Moreover, you should be on the lookout for strategies to handle the problem as well. Facts, when coupled with the right strategies, help you develop solutions for the problem.
Don’t worry too much if you reach multiple solutions, which brings us to our next step: ‘evaluating alternatives’.
You will sometimes reach more than one possible solution on a matter and hence, will have to choose between the alternatives. But how do you do that?
Well, the answer is to look for the solution which maximizes your benefits and minimizes your losses. The alternative which brings you the most benefit while also ensuring minimal loss has to be your go-to decision.
Furthermore, for more perplexing issues, you might even need a plan ‘B’ or contingency plan. Your contingency plan is your exit strategy if things don’t work out for some reason. It should also follow the same reasoning. It should maximize benefit, and minimize loss.
Once you develop an inclination towards an alternative, you should now compensate for any errors in your judgment by seeking Allah’s blessing through the Prophetic method of Istikhara. It helps you rejuvenate your trust in Allah, and provides an assurance that, no matter what the outcome, things will go in your favor.
After you’ve gone through the process, taken all steps in your power and also sought divine help, it is time to take the decision and put your trust in Allah. And so we end where we began,
فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّهِ
11 Comments
اَلسَلامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اَللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ
Jazkallah o kahiran kaseera
Allah reward u nd ur team high rank in jaaah
The most appling word in ubove paraaas فتوکل علی اللہ
JazakAllah…… Allah bless u….
Ma Sha Allah great work
JazakAllah khairan kaseera. This is really helpful.
May the team of Al midrar be rewarded for all your hard work and time that you’re putting in for our generation.
JazakAllahu Kheiran
Jazakhallah o khair
جزاک اللہ خیرا کثیرا ❤️
Assalam o Alaikom,
May all the hard work of Al Midrar be rewarded. Aameen
JazakAllahu Kheiran
Outstanding, remarkable and charismatic leader you have and you are doing worthy responsibility. I wanna become like you. May Allah grant us courage and power to achieve my goals. In Shaa Allah
Your Blog is Very Valuable and easy to understand 🙂
Me join your workshop’s