If one wants to know whether one is climbing the staircase of success or not certain signs are observable in one's attitude in spite of the changes that occur to us:
Knowledge
As one becomes more knowledgeable, one becomes more humble and merciful to others. Think of an expensive pearl: the more heavy and valuable it is, the more deep it is in the ocean. A wise person knows that though knowledge is a gift, Allaah tests the one whom He gives it to. When one is thankful for the gift of knowledge, one will be raised in ranking. (Q58: 11)
Righteous Deeds
The more one performs good deeds, the more one becomes cautious and fearful, in the sense that he does not feel secure from error, such as a slip of the tongue or a change of heart. He is always in a state of watching over himself and of being wary. He is like a careful bird: each time it lands on a tree, it soon leaves it for another, afraid of the skilled hunter and his bullet.
Old Age
The older one gets, the less covetous one should be for this world, because he knows with certainty that his time on the earth will soon end.
Wealth
The wealthier one becomes the more generous should one be towards others. The wealthy Muslim must understand that his wealth is a trust given to him, and that Allaah is testing him in that wealth.
Status
The higher one's status becomes in society, the closer should he be to the ordinary people, showing humility and fulfilling their needs.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited