Many of us pass months, weeks, even years without a clear direction. We work halfheartedly, live life as it is, and then wonder why nothing changes. Yet, as Ustaz Suhendi Alkhathab once said, life needs a roadmap. Written goals are not merely a list of hopes, but efforts that open the door for destiny.
The turn of the year always comes with the same rhythm: the calendar changes, new resolutions begin to be whispered. But honestly, how many of us truly prepare a roadmap for life? Or perhaps previous years simply passed by without meaningful achievements, without evaluation, and without traces that could truly be called progress?
This concern was raised by Ustaz Suhendi Alkhathab, a preacher who also serves as the Central Secretary of the Association of Indonesian Da’i and Da’iyah (ADDAI).
“We live our lives in a kind of illusion—moving but going nowhere, busy but producing nothing, neither in worldly matters nor in the hereafter,” he said.
He began with a direct question: “In this life, do we already have a roadmap?”
Because without one, the change of year becomes nothing more than a routine ceremony with no meaning. In fact, Allah reminds us in the Qur’an to reflect on what we have prepared for tomorrow. Muhasabah (self-reflection) is not merely a formal ritual, but a necessity so that life does not run automatically without direction.
A life roadmap is not simply a note saying “I want this” or “I want that.” It is a reminder that life needs direction, goals, and awareness of our role in this world. As servants of Allah (‘abd), we work, marry, raise children, and take care of our parents—all of which are acts of worship. And as khalifah fil-ardh (stewards on earth), we are required to provide benefit. Therefore, improving competence, continuing to learn, obtaining certifications, or even returning to university are all part of fulfilling the mandate of being a khalifah.
“Why was Prophet Adam honored? Because of knowledge. Therefore, anyone who feels satisfied with their current condition, who feels that life is already ‘just like this,’ needs to ask themselves: have we truly fulfilled that role?” Ustaz Suhendi emphasized.
This is where the importance of a roadmap lies: it must be written, not merely thought about. The ustaz shared that he once had a special notebook to record his life goals. Everything was written down: plans for international da’wah, competence development, and other major aspirations. Interestingly, he stressed:
“There is nothing that I wrote except that Allah made it easier.”
There is a clear pattern: goals that are written, pursued with effort, and prayed for tend to become easier to achieve. This is because they create focus and clarity of purpose. And Allah facilitates the steps toward them.
Within the family context, a life roadmap is also essential. The ustaz reminded the audience of the supplication from Surah Al-Furqan verse 74 as a blueprint for a sakinah (harmonious) family:
“Rabbana hablana min azwajina wa dzurriyatina qurrata a’yun…”
Family is the reason many of us work. The ustaz asked humorously yet honestly,
“Who do you work for?”
The answer is certainly: family.
“Therefore, our roadmap must also touch on that aspect—improving relationships, children’s education, financial readiness, and even mental health,” he explained.
Interestingly, Ustaz Suhendi also connected life roadmaps with mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy mind has five indicators: well-being, productivity, the ability to manage stress, social connectedness, and the ability to make decisions.
Many people experience stress not because their problems are too big, but because they do not have a roadmap. As a result, important decisions remain unresolved and life feels burdensome. The inability to make decisions causes life to stagnate.
Therefore, a roadmap helps organize life. It provides guidance so we do not panic easily or lose direction. It enables us to choose, evaluate, and ultimately act. A planned life does not mean being rigid, but being aware of where we want our steps to go.
The ustaz also reminded the audience about guarding one’s words. Sometimes life feels heavy not because destiny is complicated, but because we express too many complaints. Yet Allah has affirmed:
“I am as My servant thinks of Me.”
Therefore, a simple answer when asked “How are you?” should begin to be practiced:
“Alhamdulillah, I’m well, healthy, and happy.”
This helps condition the soul to remain positive, optimistic, and calm. Words are prayers, and prayers influence the direction of life.
In the end, a life roadmap is not merely a list of targets. It is a form of muhasabah, intention, and commitment to change. It guides us to become more obedient servants of Allah and more beneficial stewards on earth. It ensures that our days are no longer wasted, but directed, meaningful, and impactful.
A new day always gives the same opportunity to everyone. The difference lies in who prepares a roadmap and who allows their life to drift without direction.
Therefore, as Ustaz Suhendi advised, let us write down our goals—what has not yet been achieved, what we want to attain, and what must be improved. Create a roadmap for life.
Because goals that are written will be pursued with effort, and destiny that is pursued with effort, InsyaAllah, will be made easier.
Source:
Jurnal Halal 177 https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/177/
