The Barakah Effect: More With Less

by Mohammed Faris, Sharif H. Banna (editor)

In a world that teaches us that if we have more, we’ll be more, why do we still feel insufficient? What is missing?

We are plagued by Hustle Culture, working longer hours, buying advanced gadgets, and wearing the latest fashion, yet we remain unfulfilled. Mohammed Faris’ groundbreaking book powerfully reintroduces the ancient wisdom of Barakah and masterfully juxtaposes it with modern-day realities.

The Barakah Effect fuses traditional Islamic knowledge, pioneering research, and compelling stories to take you on a deep dive into the expansive implications of Barakah on your personal and professional life.

This book illuminates the vital role of good intentions, the importance of seeking Allah’s help, the power of gratitude, and the virtue of patience. Learn how to liv e a life centered on serving your Lord, cultivate a gardener's mindset that combines ambition with contentment, navigate challenging family dynamics with grace, and leave a legacy that outlives your earthly existence.

Learn how to be more with less with Baraka Effect.

Genres: Islam, Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion, Faith

451 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Mohammed Faris is an executive coach, author, and speaker who helps professionals and teams connect spirituality to productivity.

He's the founder of The Productive Muslim Company and the author of the best-selling book, "The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity."

He has delivered seminars and workshops in over 15 countries and has been featured on international media and the TEDx stage.

He regularly speaks at Fortune 500 companies & major Islamic Organizations, including Google, American Airlines, Salesforce, Texas Instruments, Accenture, PWC, and the Islamic Development Bank Group.

Mohammed holds an MSc degree from the University of Texas at Dallas (USA) in "Leadership and Organizational Development" as well as an MSc degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Bristol (UK).

In 2014, the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre added him to the list of the World's 500 Most Influential Muslims. In 2016, the Dubai Government awarded him the 2016 Islamic Economy Award in the Media category for his valuable contribution to the development of the global Islamic Economy.

His latest book, "The Barakah Effect," encapsulates years of research, training, and coaching on living a life of Barakah and offers readers a renewed perspective on living more with less.

Reviews

[Puty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever felt like you have worked so hard, hustling with no limits, but never got satisfied with what you achieved? Or have you ever questioned the meaning of 'hustling' or 'being super productive' in life? If so, maybe you are interested in reading the latest book by Mohammed Faris, author of the book 'The Productive Muslim', 'The Barakah Effect'.

This book discusses 'Barakah' or 'blessing', which can be defined as 'the attachment of Divine Goodness to a thing'. The presence of Barakah in our sustenance brings a feeling of gratitude and abundance, instead of the feeling of exhaustion caused by 'hustle culture'. This is also reflected in the book's subtitle, 'More with Less.'

In 450 pages, Mohammed Faris explains the concept of barakah itself, the disappearance of barakah from our lives both at the individual and collective level, 'Barakah culture' as an alternative to 'hustle culture', the framework for implementing barakah culture in life, and examples of its application in everyday life:
🧡 Start everything with good intentions
🧡 Being humble as a servant of the Almighty
🧡 Focus on the process rather than the results
🧡 Be consistent in working and praying
🧡 Planting goodness that sustains the next generation
🧡 Letting death be the best reminder for us to focus on things that matter the most

This book is complete with references to the Koran and hadith as guidance, and stories of the Prophet and Apostles which can be examples for us. One sub-chapter also explains how the Prophet carried out his routine productively. This book proves that maintaining spiritual well-being can be aligned with productivity which is often considered a purely 'worldly' thing.

Very inspiring!

[Abeer Arain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alhamdulillah, I was blessed to have an opportunity to read this masterpiece! Though I wish I had written this book! ;) but it was Allah's decision to choose brother Faris to write it, and SubhanAllah, the author has done a great job !!

This book should be taught in schools. It is definitely a must read for everyone out there, especially Muslims. It looks huge, with 370+ pages, but it written so beautifully that you barely feel its length, and actually feel kinda sad when it ends.

I received the collector's edition copy (pre-ordered) and now that I have read it, it looks dated and shabby, already :) with almost 70% red-lined, annotated, page-marked. I love this book very much.
Special congrats to the author for the last chapter, I read it last night and it is still echoing in my mind.
I hope and pray that The Barakah Effect continues to benefit people for the next 1000 years and so on.

[Abu Kamdar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barakah Effect is the best book written in the field of Islamic Personal Development. I say this as the author of multiple books in this field that this book by Mohammed Faris is the definitive read in this field. I highly recommend this book for every Muslim who is looking for a way to live a more blessed God-centric lifestyle.

[Mlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

only self help book i will ever tolerate because its not actually about the self its all about decentering the self!!!! felt like a slap to the face but hey guess what guys its not healthy for us to think about ourselves so so much!!! yes the media shoves that way of operating down our throats but we can oppose it!!!! also sad ramadan is almost over ??? time is not real

[Nazeera☕︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We need to firmly believe that Islam has more to offer the world than to take.” A beautiful and eye opening book on how important barakah is all through life. May Allah grant the author barakah and us during our life.

[Najihah · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Perasaan selepas membaca buku ini, serasa ingin mendoakan semua orang beroleh keberkatan dalam hidupnya.

2. Pentingnya keberkatan dalam hidup. Menurut Sh. Mutawalli Al-Sha’rawi, “Barakah is a divine soldier of the soldiers of Allah. He sends it to support whomever He wills. When it enters wealth, it increases it. When it enters children, it nurtures them. When it enters the body, it strengthens it. When it enters time, it fills it with what is beneficial. When it enters the heart, it makes it happy.” p.20

3. Pada bahagian pertama buku ini, penulis menerangkan konsep keberkatan dalam Islam. Beliau turut membincangkan sbb2 hilangnya keberkatan kerana hanyut dibawa arus hustle culture/workism yg berpaksikan kpd materialisme, konsumerisme, kapitalisme dan individualisme.

4. Pada bahagian kedua buku pula diisi dgn langkah-langkah berserta kerangka, manifesto dan contoh-contoh yg praktikal bagaimana menggapai keberkatan di dunia dan akhirat. 
1. Bismillah.
2. Start every action with sincere intention, and ask Allah for help.
3. Life is not about you, it’s about serving your Lord with excellence.
4. Thank Allah for what you have, and seek his sustenance beautifully.
5. Be like a gardener: focused, hardworking, gentle, and trust Allah with the results.
6. Cherish your parents, and treat them with mercy and compassion.
7. Plant seeds whose harvest will benefit generations to come.
8. Pray and persist for your goals, until you achieve them or are guided to what’s better.
9. Remember death often to stay focused on what matters.
10. Send abundant salawat upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

5. Bertambah berkat buku ini apabila penulis merujuk Islam and Secularism oleh Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas sbg antara rujukannya. 

6. Bismillah 2025. Bismillah ala Barakatillah. 

[Heba Labib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light, yet inspiring.

The contemplation of the prophet’s routine was such a beautiful experience listening to the audiobook.

[Aneesah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple book with a simple message that needs to be read by today's Muslims. May it bring us closer to our faith and restore our role as leaders in these challenging times.

[Niena Aniesza]

"Begin with the end in mind" adalah salah satu prinsip di dalam buku bestseller Stephen Covey iaitu 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Prinsip ini juga banyak ditekankan dalam buku self-help Barat yang berfokus kepada pencapaian dalam hidup dan produktiviti. Kaedah goal-setting banyak diperkenalkan dalam Hustle Culture melalui ideologi American Dream. Cara ini sangat lemah kerana berfokus kepada angka dan menjaga kepentingan diri sendiri, membuatkan seseorang akan sentiasa bertanya, 'what's next?' dalam mengejar aspek keduniaan yang tiada kesudahan.

Dalam buku ini, penulis memperkenalkan Barakah Culture, yang lebih realistik dan berpusat kepada Tuhan. Banyak perkara di luar kawalan kita, dan dunia ini hanya sementara. Meletakkan niat lebih penting berbanding matlamat. Matlamat mungkin tidak tercapai, tetapi niat kita tetap sama, iaitu mendapat redha-Nya.

Dalam Barakah Culture, mindset pekebun lebih sesuai digunakan berbanding mindset tukang kayu. Seorang tukang kayu sangat fokus kepada hasil akhir, iaitu bagaimana bentuk produknya nanti apabila siap. Ini boleh membawa kepada kebergantungan yang besar kepada hasil, overthinking dan anxiety. Sedangkan, sebagai manusia kita sedar hasil bukanlah dalam kawalan kita. Melalui mindset pekebun pula, kita letakkan benih dalam persekitaran yang baik, dibaja dan disiram setiap hari, manakala hasil buahnya diserahkan kepada Tuhan dalam rangka tawakkal. Inilah mindset sebenar seorang Muslim.

Berkat sudah hampir hilang dalam dunia moden akibat dimasuki dengan pelbagai ideologi yang bertentangan dengan ajaran Islam. Apabila seseorang itu faham pentingnya menjaga keberkatan, pasti tiada lagi kerunsingan, ketamakan, kekosongan dalam hati tatkala sudah ada segalanya, dan juga ketiadaan tujuan hidup.

Buku seperti ini sangat penting untuk dibaca oleh orang Islam.

[Sarah Abe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent excellent book. Can I give it more than 5 stars? The author weaves in stories and lessons from Islamic history with practical tips, advice, and a healthy dose of spirituality to help us live a life full of goodness and blessings. I was a little worried that this book would take Barakah and turn it into a business idea, but it’s a beautifully done guide to mindsets and actions that will help us grow on our paths. Very glad this was my first read to start the new year - I just might have to start every year with a reread of this one!

[Muhammad Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly well worth a read and reflection if you’re looking for a different perspective of life, especially if you’re questioning the rat race, hedonic treadmill, hustle success culture and other person / productivity improvements. Whilst this book speaks directly to Muslims, anyone curious to learn about Islamic value system, or maybe your colleagues are Muslim and you’re curious about their practices especially if they appear “religious” and you’re seeking to understand more with an open mind, then yeah, read this book.

[Sana Soomro · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely incredible read. Changed my perspective on life and helped me steer my intentions and habits.

[Marium Azeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow SubhanAllah!! May Allah reward this author for his impactful and moving work!
I've dived into many Islamic "self-help" books and this has by far been my favorite. The author does such an amazing job at balancing knowledge, inspiration, and a plan of execution. Usually, the aspects are disproportionate in a lot of Islamic "self-help" books. Some of these books can leave you feeling inspired and full of love for Allah, but inspiration burns quickly. Some Islamic books can be filled with knowledge but have no guide to relate or tie it back to the reader. Throughout the entirety of this novel, the author makes you connect and tie back every point he's trying to endorse back into your life. This connection makes you want to implement small changes, such as reflecting on your intention before you begin something or even just saying Bismillah. I love that a lot of the research he ties back to is the Qur'an or authentic hadiths that make you so invested because what he's saying is credible. This completely changed my perspective on Barakah and how significant its weight can be in the presence or absence of your life.

[Nausheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I took time to read this book and savor every page. It's one of those books you should read once a year.

[Shaad Zaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Shraboni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slightly backdated review. It’s been a couple of months since I finished reading The Barakah Effect, but its impact has stayed with me so I felt it was only right that I share my reflections.

I’m not reviewing this from an academic or critical standpoint. I am not qualified to assess what it might lack. But, I do want to share what it has given me and the reminders it prompted.

One of the most notable topics that stayed with me was the discussion between hustle culture and what the book describes as barakah culture.

I actually ended up discussing this while on holiday with a Silicon Valley tech bro from LA. It felt like a moment of da’wah dropped into my lap. He embodied the extreme end of hustle culture: relentless productivity whilst he was working on his second company, nihilism, and empty philosophical outlook on life!

I spoke to him about how hustle culture promotes hyper-individualism. I touched on our need for spiritual alignment as hustle culture assumes the position that outcomes are entirely in our control, when in truth, we can only tie our camel: the results belong to Allah.
The carpenter vs. gardener analogy captured this best.

Hustle culture has no room for that trust/tawaakul in Allah and so it leads to burnout and self-isolation. Feeding the ego when we are successful rather than our souls. We glorify being “false busy” - skipping salah at work, filling every moment with noise or mindless scrolling, mistaking distraction for purpose.

What this book really helped me reframe is the intention behind everything we do. Are we God-centric? Are we striving for the sake of Allah, or for our own validation? Are we learning?!

The intentions triangle has helped me recentre. Intentions can slip quietly, which is why we must renew them constantly.

It also made me reflect on the rights our parents hold over us. We can serve others endlessly, but if our foundational relationships, the ones with power over us and we will be held to account for are problematic then our good deeds are limited in their barakah. Reformation and change starts at home, in the relationships that shape us.

This review is a little all over the place, but these were my main takeaways! I do think young Muslim teenagers would really benefit from reading a book like this.

[Zara Chauvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Spiritual-ethical response to modern ‘hustle culture’ and late stage capitalism. Not the most spectacular of life changing book (unless somehow you’ve never heard a critique of capitalism or the modern western work culture in your life) but it is a good reminder.

Warns against prioritising economic/career ‘ambition’ and consumerism over spiritual, religious, family, and health priorities. Encourages reflection on what you’re really working towards, and what really makes you fulfilled/happy.

Warns against reducing your relationship with Allah to a materialistic ‘exchange’ (like, I perform prayers = You grant me money and things that I want). Also beware the pervasion of consumerism into spiritual-religious parts of life like Eid, Hajj, etc.

As for solutions to this global mindset, the author cautions against ‘quick fixes’ like downsizing, minimalism, etc — but directs the reader to consider deeper ontological shifts. How we need to be less self-centred and materially-focused, and more god-centric (and community-centric), more generous and appreciative, and more focused on the immaterial.

I had written off the authors previous book ‘the productive Muslim’ because I assumed it was a toxic perfectionist hustle-culture kind of self-help book, but now I want to give it a go!

[Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book with high expectations. While I appreciate the author’s effort, I ended up feeling disappointed.

As I read, I noticed too many things that felt illogical. To get through it, you almost have to suspend critical thinking—otherwise the reading turns into a constant fight. Some of the parts even feel unacceptable, especially in a book that aims to guide readers in faith and life.

For example, there are stories with weak sourcing, such as the claim that Imam Malik threw his book into water and it came out dry. To me, this reflects a bigger problem: Islam often faces criticism because of unbelievable stories that are presented as unquestionable. People are made to feel that doubting them is a sign of weak faith, even though these stories are not part of the core message of the religion. I believe only prophets came with miracles; when legends are treated as facts, it weakens the intellectual foundation of faith rather than strengthening it. Personally, I want to be the kind of Muslim who is strong both intellectually and spiritually.

I’m currently at page 137. There are many good things—honestly, more positives than negatives—but I’m not sure if I want to continue, because the weak points are hard to overlook.

[Khajol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! My favourite part would have to be the ending where the Prophet Muhammeds pbuh daily routine is shared. It goes into the importance of barakah culture as apposed to hustle culture and why one out weighs the other. The reason I omit a star from the rating is because there is a part in the book where I hold a different opinion to. It goes into the benefits of families living together in a multigenerational home and the barakah that comes from it. As much as there is truth to this, there is also a downside as there is more likely to be conflicts in the home with so many different personalities living under one roof. Of course if everyone adopted an islamic personality it would be much easier to live together however, the woman has the right to her own accommodation and this right was not given without good reason. Sometimes theres more barakah living separately from in laws or extended family because it reduces the likelihood of conflicts over trivial things. This is my only complaint, overall it was an insightful read and had plenty of references from the Quran throughout the book.

[Sajjad Paracha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an essential read, one you'll find yourself returning to time and time again. It offers profound insights that can transform your approach to every aspect of life, guiding you toward becoming a true servant of Allah. I'm currently reading it for the second time, and I find myself sharing its stories with my children, who are captivated by them. This book is a powerful reminder of our purpose and how to live a life filled with Baraka, moving away from the hustle culture mindset. May Allah bless the author with abundant Baraka in this life and the hereafter for creating such a masterpiece.

[Nur Sabrina Shafiq · Rating 5 out of 5]

May Allah bless the writer and the book with the Barakah it meant to propagate—

I love how this book serves as an overview—spreading around many starting points for readers to go down the rabbit holes (for example, I delve a little deeper into the concept of Waqf and left very much inspired by it - not that I didn’t know what the phrase refers to, but I’ve never considered the potential of a more widespread cultural/societal adaption of it).

It also has a lot of applicable frameworks - and it felt important that I go through the pages again and again, to try to put the gems into practice.

[luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - amazing book on the concept of barakah, learnt a lot! At times it did feel like the book was talking about worship as if it’s a transactional relationship with Allah - if you do xyz, then Allah will do xyz for you - whilst it’s nice and motivating to know about the rewards of certain acts of worship I think it would be beneficial if there was a section on how overall the goal is to reach a state where all acts of worship should be done to please Allah, rather than you doing them because you want xyz in this life.

[norah haque · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the only self help books i was able to read from cover to cover and really benefit from. truly a must read professional development book for working muslims to really reframe how you view everything about hustling and being successful! may Allah (SWT) reward the author for his efforts in writing this. my one comment is that the book definitely could have been reduced quite a bit as some ideas were repetitive and rehashed throughout but still, this was a delightful and deeply profound read.

[Sumaiya Tabassum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alhamdulliah, I finally be able to finish a book with 300+ Pages after a decade ( I feel decade as I am not reading books for months now). The Barakah Effect, I think brought barakah in my heart like heavy rain does in the droughts. I am grateful to Allah knowing more about the Istikhara and struggling time Dua and supplications through this books. I love this book as it unfolds the easy going interpretations and dua and story's that hooked me for a long time.

[Ente Rente · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/10
Definitely worth a read! A refreshing view on "hustle culture" and on how we define "success". It was a fairly easy read, though engaging.
I wish there were some more references from time to time. Sometimes I felt like I have to believe the authors wisdom.
Reading this book slowly was helpful: I could remind myself of keeping a healthy mindset + lifestyle on a daily basis 🦆
I wish for more barakah in our lifes :)

[Nawfal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, honestly caused me to pause and reflect on multiple fronts. In the hustle, bustle culture society we live in you can easily find yourself just going through the motions and not planting the correct intention seeds. The book is full of Barakah no pun intended. May Allah bless the author!

[Aisha Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this. It felt so gentle and nurturing like it wanted to help me live a fulfilling life that is pleasing to my Rabb.

I am grateful for the gift of this book and the kind soul who sent it to me. I am grateful that Allah inspired me to just dive in and read it amidst the ‘imperfect’ circumstances, Alhamdulillah. Truly the Barakah effect - Harakah Barakah

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was the book easy to apprehend, it is truly life-changing, the author deconstructs the society’s modern paradigm of hustle culture and instead offers timeless principles from the Quran to bring Barakah into one’s life by instilling an akhira- driven mindset. Such a wonderful read, I will definitely be revisiting this book multiple times.

[Liyana Yamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the book was slightly expensive, it is worth the price paid. A great comparison between the hustle culture and the book guided readers on the path towards a life of God consciousness. Presentation-wise, the book is filled with a sufficient amount of pictures and graphs to help readers understand the topic.

[Ifadhilaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wuaa, this book is mindblowing. Buku ini banyak kasih aku perspektif tentang what barakah really is. Pertama, mindsetnya bener-bener dibenturin. Ngebalikin lagi ke pertanyaan paling dasar dalam kehidupan: apa sih yang dicari?
Lalu buku ini ngejelasin dengan gamblang dan jelas, tentang definisi dan cara meraih barakah itu. Huee, best read of the year utk saat ini hehee.
Alhamdulillah ~