Mustaqbilun - Mastering the Art of Futures Thinking by Ezatulhada | Sneak Preview

Bismillah.

I thought, why not gift my mother with another book, do something meaningful on her behalf?

May Allah accept all the lil things we try to do that might win His blessings.

***

M - Mindset of a Futurist

U - Understanding megatrends

S - Scanning weak signals

T - The Futures Triangle

A - Alternative Scenarios

Q - Questioning Assumptions

B - Building your Future

I - Innovating with Foresight

L - Learning from wild cards

U - Using Causal Layered Analysis

N - Narrating your future

Mysterious? Is the future really mysterious? Not at all if we care to unlearn any stale ideas we might have about imagining it. It requires shifting our mental paradigm from a mono-perspective to a more dynamic lens, among others.

If we are not too lazy and care to be more curious and inquisitive about what's happening, especially the big trends;  if we care to take advantage of the available AI to help us understand the megatrends and learn how to scan for weak signals, we would be able to dive deeper into the mysterious abyss.  Why not wait for my second book, where I will discuss the various tools you could use,  such as the Futures Triangle and Scenario Planning. You will learn that the latter will broaden your p.o.v so you would stop talking and, more importantly, stop believing in one future outcome, because you would see that there are at least four plausible scenarios to any inquiry you choose to make about its future. Having said that, it is not asking you to believe in any one of them. It is about shaking up your mental faculties so that you would begin to entertain several possible scenarios, not just five years down the road, but over a farther horizon. By now, you will have trained yourself to think about multiple futures and hopefully start building a muscle for Futures Thinking. Consequently, you would start questioning your rigid assumptions and become inspired to actively shape your desired future. My book will help you learn and practise innovating with foresight tools and techniques such as learning from wild cards and Causal Layered Analysis. You will learn all the known tools to master Futures Literacy, hence, become Futures literate so that you will have the capability to narrate your preferred future now, rather than later.

Mustaqbilun comes from the Arabic root word s, q, b, l, which means future-facing direction. It refers to those who embrace the future.

Let us all become a Futurist for the future belongs to all. As a matter of fact, becoming a futurist is a sunnah. In the Quran (59:18), the Almighty says: "O you who believe, fear Allah and let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow..."

We are asked to anticipate future consequences of our current actions. Anticipation or anticipatory decision-making is a core tenet of foresight in the science of Futures Studies.

Mustaqbilun operationalizes the Quranic imperative to read "the signs" within ourselves and on the horizons. Thus, foresight, in my understanding as one who reads both tasawwuf (sufism) and futures literacy, is more than just a tool. It is taqwa in action. 

...

Stay tuned for more snippets from my upcoming publication - Mustaqbilun: Mastering the Art of Futures Thinking.

Bi-iznillah.

May Allah increase us in knowledge and understanding.

May Allah grant us useful knowledge and enable us to put them into action. 

Aamiiin.

Ezatulhada Ismail

Founder & CEO Alhada Publishing | Author | Baker

BSc Economics - USA,  MLitt with Distinction in Publishing - UK and MBA with Distinction - UK

...

Alhamdulillah.

Allah Al Aleem Ar Rashid

***

On a lighter note...

Today, I made this gorgeous Pumpkin Loaf Cake.

Alhamdulillah praise be to the ultimate Al Bari'

- The Maker.

Futures Literacy within Sufism

Bismillah.

My MBA project in 2021 became the catalyst for my newfound interest in Futures Literacy. First, let me clarify: Yes, it is future with an “s” because it’s plural. There are many futures, or rather, plausible futures. There is more than one plausible future for everyone and everything.

Futures Literacy is about understanding the future better. Before understanding it, one must anticipate what it might look like, say, 10 years from now. Anticipation here means more than just guessing. It involves active participation by the seer or anticipator. In other words, one must explore the probable multiple futures using specific foresighting methods to become literate about the scenes beyond the horizons. Becoming literate means having the capacity to imagine and navigate towards it. The other terms that are often used in a similar context are Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight.

On many occasions while drafting my MBA dissertation, I kept thinking about what we already know from Islam regarding some aspects of Futures Literacy. For a start, let’s consider these angles: unity, timelessness, agency and ethical responsibility.

In Sufism, Tawhid transcends monotheism, beyond the “Ahad” in Surah Al-Ikhlas, which alludes to the One and Only. There is also the Oneness of Being, where all creation is a manifestation of divine unity. Futures Literacy similarly asks us to see interconnected possibilities beyond linear time. Certainly, Allah the Almighty is limitless, and so are His actions.

Futures Literacy encourages seeing the future as a continuum of divine creation, where all scenarios are interconnected under God’s sovereignty. In Futuhat al-Makkiya, Shaykh Ibn Arabi described time as a “moving image of eternity” where past, present, and future coexist in divine knowledge. Of course, there are no words better than the Quran that describe God’s qualities as being the First, the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden. God knows all, even on matters as minute as a falling leaf.

For Muslims, life is far from laissez-faire. While upholding the 6th tenet of the Pillars of Faith on believing in Divine Decree (Qadar), Muslims are active actors through free will or ikhtiyar. Human agency is a salient component, but not above God’s ultimate orchestra. Similarly, Futures Literacy emphasises shaping the future while acknowledging uncertainty.

In the Alchemy of Happiness, Imam Al-Ghazali argued that humans act as co-creators within God’s grand design. In Futures Literacy, there is a term called “preferred futures”, and although a man may have his preferred outcome, a Muslim man would seek divine guidance in his decision-making by making istikharah. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the foremost guide on this matter. He said, one should tie his camel, then trust in God.

Thirdly, Sufism teaches us about self-annihilation or fana. We are encouraged to detach from the ego, which tends to be selfish and tarnished with self-conceit. Give up on one’s lower self to submit to the powers that be. In the same manner, Futures Literacy requires shedding personal (human) biases to explore plural futures. It is undoubtedly plural because God’s actions have no bounds. This, by right, should be a fun thing to do, to let go and say: let’s see what it might be? Didn’t Rumi say: Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment?

Futurists are supposed to let their guards down and be open to the unknown. This is a prerequisite of Strategic Foresight. Futurists should unlearn and rid themselves of any existing mental clutter so that the windows to the future are clearer.

Sufis might be a better bunch of Futurists, for they are trained through zikir (the practice of invocations or remembrance) whereby the mental noises die down in place of illumination. Moreover, the Quran teaches Muslims not to be too fixated on one’s chosen ideas or inclinations, for “It may be you dislike a thing which is good for you.” (Quran 2:216)

Futures Literacy, just like every science, comes with responsibility. It emphasises ethical foresight to avoid harm. The end in mind must be morally right for humanity. This is a given, but is clearly spelt out in Islam. Humans are “khalifah” or stewards on this planet.

Furthermore, in Sufism, there is a principle called “ihsan”, meaning excellence, beauty or perfection in action. One is encouraged to do one’s best towards achieving the best possible outcome for the good of all mankind. The Quran reminds us not to corrupt the Earth after it has been set in order.

In Futures Literacy, we are to drop rigid predictions and embrace ambiguity. Likewise, Sufism teaches tawakkul, trust in God, especially amid uncertainty. In the famous Kitab Hikam by Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari, the scholar asked, ‘How can the heart be illumined while the forms of creatures are mirrored in it?’ In other words, we, the Futurists, should erase any fixed outcomes, be more adaptive, truly surrender, and embrace the unknown horizons. During scenario planning, one must have faith in preparing for multiple paths without attachment. Of course, the mind and the heart want a perfect scenario, but a futurist knows there should be and there will be other less perfect scenarios too. A Muslim Futurist should have a better reliance on Allah, knowing He is sufficient for them (Quran 65:3).

Futures Literacy challenges linear time by exploring alternative temporalities, either cyclical or spiral. Sufism views time as a veil hiding the true reality of the eternal “now” of divine presence. In The Meccan Revelations, Shaykh Ibn Arabi described time as a “breath of the Merciful” where all moments exist simultaneously.

So, looking at the probable ends, where do we begin now? To systematically begin exploring the future, one needs to have Futures Literacy, by learning the how and the what. However, knowing the tools is not enough. One should keep thinking about it. One should be continually curious about future possibilities, thinking what if this happens, what if that were to unfold? So, Futures Thinking is a necessary acumen if one wants to be more prepared for the future. There will be disruptors, no doubt, such as a pandemic. Futures Thinking encourages one to be an active anticipator of the future so that one can better navigate towards the preferred future while overcoming any potential obstacles along the way.

Remember I mentioned at the outset how the three terms Futures Literacy, Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight are sometimes used interchangeably? Now, the third aspect of this science of probing the future is Strategic Foresight. It is about deciding strategically how to move towards the preferred future. What actions should I take today so that I might end up in the ideal scenario that I envision?

I hope this short article has sparked your curiosity and interest in Futures Literacy. Just like me, as you dive deeper into this science of futuring, you will start asking or noticing how it sits in Islam, particularly Sufism.

Allahu a'lam.

***

On a lighter note, today I baked this heavenly Coffee Crumble Cake : )

Ah, yes, in the background is my book: Boost Your Faith.

Available on Amazon, at Kinokuniya KLCC or purchase directly from the publisher at

https://alhadapublishing.com/

Thanks!

Here's an update on this blogger

Bismillah.

For two decades I crafted winning proposals in Kuala Lumpur's corporate world, mastering the art of persuasion, strategy and deadlines. But my heart always whispered of home - Penang. The island where spice markets hum with ancient wisdom, and sunsets over the strait feel like a call to prayer. 

After 20 years I answered that call. I traded skyscrapers for my kitchen by the Penang bridge and discovered that faith like a good cake should be rich, intricately textured and unapologetically generous.

This homecoming baked Boost Your Faith into existence - my book for seekers craving spiritual clarity in a world of half-baked truths.  It is also why I founded Alhada Publishing, a platform for voices kneading truth into every chapter.  Because spirituality, like baking the perfect cake, demands patience, precision and a love letter to the Divine.

Today, my Penang kitchen is a symphony of strategic sweetness. Guests savour Cranberry Butter Cake and Teh Tarik so smooth it could broker peace between deadlines and daydreams.

Our conversations (if you care to participate in my podcast party) - you will find a blend of MBA-grade logic and Sufi poetry, because even spirituality benefits from a business plan and even the best of plans need a sip of grace.

Think of me as your Penang strategist of soulful layers. A publisher who stacks stories like cake tiers. A hostess who knows that Teh Tarik isn't just tea. It is the rythm of connection pulled to perfection. And of course I am the blogger, author and baker who will always save you a seat where the glorious morning rays remind us every layer of life deserves celebration!

Stay tuned for announcements on private podcast party at my humble abode in Penang.

It's for those who crave meaningful conversations over small talk. Those who believe food tastes better when shared with intention.  Those who want to be part of Penang's most thoughtful and spiritual book cafe.

Limited to party of 10. Exclusive.

InSyaAllah.

Rejab 1446 H | New Year 2025

Bismillah.

It's a wonderful opportunity to gear up our efforts in this blessed month of Rejab which coincides with the new year.

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS6SCUcpa/

May Allah increase His tawfiq hence enable us to reap our Rejab resolutions and eventually permit us to meet with Ramadan, bi-iznillah.

We are a year older. It's humbling to have come this far. I wonder if Allah would let me live into my 80s like my mother. It is timely that people my age make it a habit to memorize and recite this du'a:

Allahummaj 'al 

au sa'aa riz qika

'alaiya 'inda kibari

sinni wan qitho'i 

'umri wa qurbi ajali

O Allah. expand Your provision for me

when I am old, when my life is about to end

and when I am nearing death 

Aamiin.

Readers' Reviews & Commendations for 'Boost Your Faith' by Ezatulhada Ismail

Bismillah.

"Boost Your Faith' by Ezatulhada ably captures the essence of being a Muslim: to be the vicegerent of God on Earth, grounded in the Oneness of God, or Tawheed. The book is informed by her lifelong experience of gathering knowledge from mingling, listening, and interacting with many contemporary, highly regarded scholars, as well as her extensive readings of classical works. Thus, the work culminates in her personal spiritual experiences gained over the years and is shared to benefit others interested in enhancing their own spirituality. Developing one's character, or akhlaq, is fundamental to the vicegerency of mankind, and Eza beautifully elucidates its relevant components, such as the importance of sincere intentions in actions, mannerisms, and humility. Additionally, the book covers the sayings and actions of the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) along with words of wisdom from the saints of the past; this book indeed boosts one's faith. Kudos to Eza."

- Prof. Dato' Dr Ahamed Kameel Mydin Meera, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic & Research, Sultan Azlan Shah University

***

'Buku "Boost Your Faith" ini sangat baik untuk seseorang yang mencari hikmah di sebalik kehidupan. Melalui kalam para ulama, kita fahami perkara yang tersirat di sebalik yang tersurat.'

- Dr. Shamsul bin Mohd Nor, Pengerusi Yayasan ITMAM, Penulis dan Pendakwah

 ***

'This book blends timeless wisdom from Sufi classics with contemporary insights, offering concise lessons from figures like Imam al-Ghazali, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani, and Rumi. Whether you seek spiritual growth or practical guidance, Boost Your Faith provides a clear path for nurturing the soul, making it an essential read for every seeker of truth. It is rare to find a writer in Malaysia who explores this theme especially, Sufism. This is a profound and insightful contribution that is sure to impact readers. Congratulations!'

- Mohd Syazreen Abdullah, Writer and Founder, Centre for Advanced Irfan Studies

 ***

'Congratulations! It is an attractive book filled with excellent quotations and guidance from past masters and contemporary guides. Jazakillahukhair for the hard work.'

- Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zainiy Uthman, Author & Professor at Raja Zarith Sofiah Centre for Advanced Studies on Islam, Science, and Civilization, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

***

'I have known the writer for almost three decades and have had the privilege of witnessing the growth of her spiritual journey. Her perseverance in understanding Islamic teachings through readings, attending Majlis Ta’alim, and then sharing the wisdom she has collected via her blog, Lisan al-Din, amidst the struggles of the corporate world is inspiring. ‘Boost Your Faith’ is indeed a good book. May it benefit readers looking for a practical understanding of Islamic teachings. My heartfelt congratulations, Eza, for your effort in disseminating ‘ilm, as per the hadith: “Ballighu ‘anni walau ayah.”  “Convey my teachings to the people even if it were a single sentence.” [Sahih Bukhari: 3461].’

- Hajjah Hairunnisa Nasir, Ex-Telecoms Specialist

***

'Boost Your Faith’: suatu kumpulan catatan oleh Saudari Ezatulhada Ismail, adalah bingkisan ilmu yang mendalam, disusun untuk semua lapis pembaca. Dalam menjelaskan rukun Ihsan sesuai bagi khalayak Muslim moden, ia mengutip dan menggaris hikmah kebijaksanaan daripada ucapan para ulama kontemporari di majlis-majlis ilmu; di samping menjejak keilmuan masa lalu dengan mengumpulkan untaian mutiara kearifan teks-teks klasik Islam. Buku ini sarat makna namun digarap dalam Bahasa Inggeris yang mudah bagi pembaca untuk memahami dan menerapkan intisari agama dalam kehidupan harian.

Koleksi catatan rutin daripada blog penulis yang kini dikemas dalam bentuk buku tampak berhasil menyederhanakan kedalaman ilmu untuk diterjemah kepada amal, menjadikannya relevan direnung sehari-hari: sumber penting bagi mereka yang ingin memperkuat dan memperdalam keimanannya, justeru menjadikan buku ini salah satu referensi yang sangat berharga untuk semua.’

- F. Fansuri, Pembaca blog Lisan al-Din seawal 2009

***

'Buku ‘Boost Your Faith’ dapat dikatakan sebagai karya yang menyegarkan dan relevan untuk mereka yang mencari inspirasi dalam memperkukuh keimanan. Setiap bab memberikan panduan praktikal dan kisah-kisah motivasi yang memberi kesan mendalam, seolah-olah penulis ingin menyampaikan bahawa perubahan kecil dalam amalan seharian mampu membawa perubahan besar kepada kehidupan rohani kita. Tahniah buat penulis, Puan Ezatulhada. Teruskan memberi inspirasi.’  

- Barisal Bivi Shaik Dawood, Guru Besar SK Perempuan Island

***

'Bukan sekadar buku tetapi menerangkan beberapa persoalan dalam jiwa, dikupas dalam sudut agama, memahami kasih sayang Allah, teladan yang patut dicontohi daripada Rasulullah ‎ﷺ dan juga nasihat-nasihat berguna dalam membentuk karakter serta sahsiah yang lebih baik.'

- Dr. Naimah Musa, Pensyarah, Universiti Sains Malaysia

***

'It is a beautifully written book on how to increase and strengthen our faith as Muslims towards Allah and to love Prophet Muhammad ‎ﷺ. This book serves as a very useful guide on how one can live one's life as a good Muslim and it also helps when one is feeling low and spiritually down. Overall, it enhances one's faith as a Muslim as it contains various pieces of advice from renowned scholars. Furthermore, I believe the author has chosen a very suitable title for her book ‘Boost Your Faith’. The title suits its contents perfectly. Jayyid Jiddan, ahsanti Eza!’ 

- Noorzarinah binti K A Walimohamed, Legal Practitioner

***

'I chanced upon the blog Lisan al-Dīn in my early days of seeking, in 2012, and I found myself continually returning to it over the years. The written words on her blog, which are now this book, are words from the heart that truly touched mine. It would not be an exaggeration for me to say that her writings became a guiding light and companion for my own journey of learning, helping me sift through the noise of the world to reach clarity in seeking a true spiritual connection that is genuinely grounded. Her reflections and sharing not only boost my himma, but also spearhead my actual practice. Truly inspirational and full of barakah. I am overjoyed by the news of this published book, which includes gems from so many mashayikh and scholars dear to me, presented in beautiful language full of love. I pray that, just as the blog has affected me, Boost Your Faith continues to reach souls across the world and through time, reminding and connecting each one of us to the One Who Created us and to the Muḥammadan Light ‎ﷺ. This is a dire need in our time and serves as a reminder that good intentions open doors to more blessed goodness; indeed, reminders truly benefit the believers.’

- Atiqah Anas, Knowledge Seeker  

***

'Boost Your Faith encourages you to strengthen your faith through the compilation of spiritual discourses which have been purposefully organised by the author from her own valuable experience. It offers several practical advice on how to incorporate faith into one's daily life.

- Dr. Shamsul Bahrain Rawi, Educator, Universiti Utara Malaysia

***

'I have been following her blog, Lisan al-Din, since 2009. I find her writing not only boosts my faith but also brings me to tears especially when I realize how much I had missed when living in Germany and the UK. The road to true iman is straightforward, but oftentimes we take it for granted. I'm glad she decided to compile her blog postings into a book so that more people, especially readers outside Malaysia, can benefit from them.'

- Hajjah Nor Aini Omar, Retiree & Traveller

***

'An amazing book, Masha Allah. It manages to collect words of wisdom and nasihah from the living sages of our time,  such as Habib Umar bin Hafiz, as well as timeless knowledge from previous masters. It is a great companion for anyone who is a seeker of knowledge and a traveller on this path.

- Hussain Jamalullail, CEO  قهوة

***

'Rare gems are meticulously recorded in this wonderful book to assist readers in becoming aware of His presence. A culmination of fruitful lessons from well-known scholars is presented beautifully. Congratulations, Eza, for leaving your heartprints.'

- Dr. Puteh Saad, Agropreneur & Ex - Lecturer

***

'Boost Your Faith is a motivational book that guides readers on a spiritual journey, focusing on strengthening one’s faith through practical steps and personal reflection. The book is structured to inspire readers to build a closer relationship with Allah by exploring various aspects of faith, such as prayer, resilience, and trust. It combines teachings from religious texts with real-life applications, making it a practical resource for those looking to grow spiritually. With engaging stories and insightful lessons, the book makes the idea of faith accessible and actionable, encouraging readers to implement these principles in their daily lives.

Through easy-to-understand language and relatable examples, Boost Your Faith reaches out to readers of all backgrounds, whether they are new to spirituality or already practising. The author aims to empower readers by highlighting the benefits of a strong faith foundation, such as inner peace, gratitude, and a positive outlook on life. Each chapter provides reflections and exercises, guiding readers to internalize the concepts discussed. Overall, Boost Your Faith serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone eager to deepen their spiritual awareness and live a more meaningful, faith-centered life.'

- Ustazah Nazatul Atillah binti Mohd Suod, Islamic Education Teacher, Island Girls' School

***

'Boost Your Faith is an excellent piece of antidote for the human psychological malady. And a vitamin cum comforting remedy for the modern man's spiritual tragedy. An excellent summative essay! Well done!'

- Dato' Dr. Ali, Cardiologist 

***

"I really enjoyed reading "Boost Your Faith" by Ms. Ezatulhada Ismail. Have been reading her blog for a long time and am glad she has finally compiled some of her postings into printed form. The book is inspirational as it motivates us readers to strengthen our belief and faith and our connection to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. It certainly helps people like me who are on a continuous spiritual journey, to reflect and nurture our faith during these challenging times. Hope that she will continue to write more books."

- Lisan al-Din follower since 2013

*****************************************************

Alhamdulillah.

All praises are due to Allah.

We are His servants who only long for His mercy and a good ending.

Ya Allahu biha Ya Allahu biha Ya Allahubihusnil khatimah.

Take a closer look at 'Boost Your Faith' @ USM Book Fair 4 - 7 Nov 2024 @ USM Hamzah Sendut Library | A special review on Boost Your Faith

Bismillah.

Alhamdulillah for this wonderful opportunity to showcase my book at a university where I used to wander about when I was a kid. It is located about 10 minutes walk from my grandparents' home in Gelugor.

The event is organized by USM Press (Penerbit USM)
and Hamzah Sendut Library of Universiti Sains Malaysia 

Here is one special review of the book from: 

Prof. Dato' Dr. Ahamed Kameel

Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Academic & Research

Sultan Azlan Shah University

"Boost Your Faith' by Ezatulhada ably captures the essence of being a Muslim: to be the vicegerent of God on Earth, grounded in the Oneness of God, or Tawheed. The book is informed by her lifelong experience of gathering knowledge from mingling, listening, and interacting with many contemporary, highly regarded scholars, as well as her extensive readings of classical works. Thus, the work culminates in her personal spiritual experiences gained over the years and is shared to benefit others interested in enhancing their own spirituality. Developing one's character, or akhlaq, is fundamental to the vicegerency of mankind, and Eza beautifully elucidates its relevant components, such as the importance of sincere intentions in actions, mannerisms, and humility. Additionally, the book covers the sayings and actions of the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) along with words of wisdom from the saints of the past; this book indeed boosts one's faith. Kudos to Eza."

***

 

I met Prof. Dato' Dr. Kameel for the first time 17 years ago, at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Gombak. He was very kind to let me interview him on his works and books. I was then working as a journalist for an Islamic magazine.

Alhamdulillah indeed.

 

Thanks for buying 'Boost Your Faith' and for your wonderful review!

Bismillah.

I knew it since way back that many of this blog readers are not only highly educated and well trained in their respective fields, but they are also knowledgable in Islamic teachings, particularly on tasawwuf/Sufism.

I am honoured that you have been following this blog for years and that you have bought my book "Boost Your Faith".

If you haven't already left a comment or review on Amazon, please kindly do so. Or you could also leave a comment here. Tell me which chapter or para is your favourite and why.

 : )

This TikTok Video (in Malay though) is a shout out to some of the high-achievers I know.

May Allah continue to bless you (and all of us) with useful knowledge, exemplary practices and excellent manners. Aamiiin.

Hope you have all had a wonderful Eidul Adha.

As ever,

-E-

21st June 2024

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSYP3SV1U/

[my fave part is the Afterword]

About the Author:

https://lisanaldin.blogspot.com/2024/05/boost-your-faith-by-ezatulhada-about.html

Table of Contents:

https://lisanaldin.blogspot.com/2024/05/boost-your-faith-by-ezatulhada-contents.html