Islam means submission. Islamic faith is the submission to the sovereignty of Allah سبحانه وتعالى as our creator and our sustainer and to submit the priorities of our lives to the commandments of Allah سبحانه وتعالى conveyed to us through His messengers and the divine revelations. The true submission to Allah سبحانه وتعالى means that the direction of our lives should completely change towards seeking the pleasure of Allah سبحانه وتعالى in all matters and in His pleasure should we consider our ultimate and true success. No pleasure or displeasure, security or fear, material gain or loss, family customs or peer pressure should take priority over a clear order from Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
Being human beings, we are surrounded by circumstances and material world as a test. If our struggle in life is fully directed towards the material gains, our faith in this world will strengthen and we will try to grab everything through fair or unfair means. On the other hand, if we will talk about the greatness of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, ponder about His creations and pay attention to His revelations, our faith in Allah سبحانه وتعالى will increase and we will be ever more willing to change our lives in accordance to His commandments. Allah سبحانه وتعالى gives strength to follow Islam if one repents on the past life and turns towards Him in belief and in efforts. Islam is the true path to follow to ensure a successful life in this world and in the hereafter.