"Some say 'Our Lord, give us all the good things here in this world.' Such people shall have no share in the hereafter. Then there are others who say, 'Our Lord, give us what is good in this world and also what is good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the Fire.' Such people shall have their due share (in both the worlds) according to what they earn. And Allah is swift at settling accounts." (Al Baqara [2]:202)

Thus the Qur'anic view is two-fold: We should plan our actions with specific goals in mind. Our reward is dependent on our implementing that plan. Making a plan and implementing it are thus two sides of the same coin.

The Prophet (PBUH) urges us to be always oriented to the future.

"If the last hour strikes and finds you carrying a nursling tree to the grove for planting, go ahead and plant it." (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

2. Mechanics of Planning
2.1 Learn From the Past
In planning for the future, Muslims must build on what has been done before, without being limited by the shortcomings of the past. The Qur'an urges us to learn from the experience of others.

"...Did they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them?..." (Yusuf[12]:109)

2.2 Use Resources
The art of good planning is the art of identifying potential resources and optimizing their use to produce the desired results. The Muslim recognizes that Allah has provided all that he needs, if he would only strive to deserve it and to acquire it.

"Do you not see that Allah has subjected to your [use] all things in the heaven and on earth, and has made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, [both] seen and unseen?..." (Luqman[31]:20)

2.3 Consult Before Deciding
The Islamic view of planning is based on study, advice and consultation. It is not an authoritarian, totally centralized process of giving orders. In fact, the Muslim planner seeks knowledge to replace his ignorance on the subject at hand, solicits advice to test his assumptions, and engages in consultation to overcome his own limitations.

"Then ask the learned, if you don't know." (Nahl[16]:43)

and

"Consult them in affairs (of the moment)."

The Qur'an further describes the believers as

"...and who conduct their affairs by consultation..." (Al-Shura[42]:38)

The Prophet (PBUH) tells us that

"Religion is sincere advice." (Sahih Muslim)

2.4 Be Fair to Others
Good planning demands a balanced approach in assigning responsibilities to carry out tasks, in giving authority to discharge responsibilities, in allocating resources to accomplish objectives, and in prioritizing goals to achieve the best interests of all involved. The Qur'an calls for justice and fairness in all dealings.

"Allah does command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between man and man, that you judge with justice..." (Al-Nisa[4]:58)

and

"...Give just measure and weight, and do not withhold from the people the things that are their due ..." (al-A'araf[7]:85)

3. Action-Orientation in Planning
3.1 Act on Commitments
Planning is not an academic exercise but a commitment to take a series of actions to get from where one is to where one wants to be. Without taking actions, one cannot move from where one is and thus cannot achieve anything. The Qur'an clarifies that results can come only from our actions.

"That man can have nothing but what he strives for" (An-Najm[53]:39)

3.2 Implement Decisions
Good planning is realistic, consisting of actions that are commensurate with resources, ability and willingness, not unrealistic promises that cannot be kept. The Qur'an admonishes believers against not doing what they say they will.

"O You who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?" (Al-Saff[61]:2)

A plan is only as good as the decisions that it calls for. The decisions are only as good as their implementation. The Muslim planner directs the needed human and financial resources to implementation and seeks Allah's help in bringing his efforts to fruition.

"... Then, when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. ..." (Aale 'Imran[3]:159)

3.3 Delegate to Others
Depending on how comprehensive a plan is, it calls for the individual and collective efforts of a number of people. It is important to recognize the need to involve others and delegate work to them in order to translate the plan into accomplishments. The Qur'an clarifies the need for delegation.

"...And We raise some of them above others in ranks so that some may command work from others. ...(Al-Zukhruf [3]:32)

4. Quality of Planning
4.1 Build Excellence into Plans
The Muslim planner builds excellence into his plans by always seeking to find ways in which his resources can generate the most desirable results. The Prophet has referred to this by saying:

"Allah has decreed that for everything there is a better way...." (Sahih Muslim and others)

4.2 Build a Team
Planning is a collective activity in the sense that it touches on the life and achievements of all affected, be they the family, community or nation. Success in good planning call for benefiting from the effort of all, exercised not through disoriented individual action but through concerted team effort. The Prophet (PBUH) advises us that

"The Hand of Allah is with the Jama'ah. Then whoever singles himself out (from the jama'ah), will be singled out for the hell-fire." (Sunan al Tirmidhi)

4.3 Acknowledge Other's Contribution
Good planning recognizes the value of people and encourages their continued commitment through acknowledgment of their contribution. The Prophet (PBUH) stated:

"He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah." (Sunan al Tirmidhi)

4.4 Integrate Accountability into Planning
Responsibility must be accompanied by accountability. Those who assume leadership roles in carrying out a plan must be more accountable than others because their success or failure affects everyone involved. The Qur'an stressed accountability in this way:

"O women of the Prophet, if any of you were guilty of evident unseemly conduct, the punishment would be doubled to her, and that is easy for Allah." ([Al-Ahzab[33]:30)