Life Coaching Career As A Muslim

A job that is recently gaining more and more recognition. But what is exactly life coaching? Are we being life coaches without even noticing it? The answer is... YES!

You probably didn't know but you've been coaching people without certification for years. I had a great opportunity to interview brother sunshine for the plants. The same way sun provides nourishment and light for them it helps the plants grow and the same way life coaches help people with their growth and personal struggles. I'm about dig into aspects some were waiting to hear about. This isn't strictly business content, I'd like to center my articles and interviews around the Muslim spiritual side in a business environment. Have you been wondering how does a career as a life coach look? What does it take to get into this field? Then without further ado let's get right into it and the story of my guest.

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I had a great opportunity to interview brother Olumide Abdul-Rahman Lawal who's happily divorced life, business and relationship coach. He has been coaching on and off three years professionally. Single father of two with British and Nigerian heritage based in UK. He has helped save marriages from divorce, empowered business owners on how to make more revenue, taught parents how to break their children's phobias, and many more people Alhamdulillah.

As he said 'People get stuck in some part of their life like a stick flowing down a river. I just give them a gentle nudge to keep them going.'

Q: How do you feel your field is connected with the teachings of Islam?

Abdul-Rahman: Alhamdulillah, we see the prophets aided people in all aspects of life. Sometimes giving direct advice, or through examples. I feel that I have a share in supporting people in all aspects of their life as well. To the progress of course Muslims should consider their faith in the career they do, we know that our ultimate objective is to make Allah pleased and a job that allows us to achieve that is paramount. Also to avoid jobs that go against the principles of Islam is crucial.

Q: Your job provides a lot of empathy and patience, do you find yourself feeling burned out or stuck sometimes? How can you cope with a crisis?

Abdul-Rahman: I never feel burned out with coaching Alhamdulilah. I did when I was a teacher and an adult trainer. Now I can, set my own schedule. The admin is minimalistic and my clients are people who are eager to transform themselves. I am just assisting them on their journey by keeping them accountable.

Q: If coaching isn’t for everyone, for who is it then?

Abdul-Rahman: Coaching is for anyone who wants to see humans better themselves and is committed to their own personal development.

Q: Being a life coach is different than being a psychologist, what’s the difference?

Abdul-Rahman: The difference between and a coach and a psychologist is that a psychologist will work with treating people for mental health diseases specifically depression, being bipolar, etc. A coach is someone who helps individuals reach specific goals and keeps them accountable.

Q: Do you agree with a statement: 'Life coaching is an expensive field to get yourself into but totally worth it.'?

Abdul-Rahman: I totally disagree with that statement, life coaching you can start with no investment at all.

Q: What about certain accreditation? For example ICF? (International Coach Federation) To my knowledge the more respected accreditation you get, the better. Although there are some free of charge courses online.

Abdul-Rahman: Currently the coaching industry is unlicensed. Yes, there are now more people wanting accredited coaches however to start and become a coach no one can stop you it is unregulated. However, I doubt that it will be the case with more and more accredited courses. I know coaches who have more clients than me who have not done the training I have. Although you can only coach to the level of your own personal development and awareness. So you need to constantly learn to expand your ability to draw out answers and offer solutions as coaching is based on the premise that

the client has all the solutions which from my experience they have a huge proportion, In some cases you are being a consultant and telling the client directly the actions and steps to take. People generally want a mix of both. My qualification gave me great skills certainly.

Abdul-Rahman continues: Once you've had a transformational coaching session with a coach you will see the difference. Degrees have their place but it depends on what the degree is for. Impacting someone and transforming their life doesn't require a degree

but to treat psychosis, chronic depression, etc. does.

Q: What's the most satisfying thing about your job?

Abdul-Rahman: The most satisfying part of my job is that it isn't a job, it's part of my life mission, I get to watch people evolve. I am extremely passionate about what I do and it's my contribution to the world. As it also allows me to teach, I impact one life that impacts millions after generations.

Q: Are you satisfied with the flexibility of your job and how it aligns with offering daily prayers?

Abdul-Rahman: YES.

Q: Would you consider life coaching as a male-dominated field?

Abdul-Rahman: Men and women have their own inclinations some industries are saturated with women for example teaching and some are saturated with men, for example, being a firefighter. The more important matter is everyone has the opportunity to pursue the profession, they wish. For example in UK we have 33.46 million women and 32.58 men, there are too many factors that are involved which contribute to a profession being dominated by one gender.

Q: Is there any of your services advertised online that I could mention in the article?

Abdul-Rahman: Sure, I have 3 programs:

1st program:

Master stress in your life. A 12-week program that empowers how to reduce and manage stress to make you more productive. I have a group life coaching program, for six months come together with like-minded individuals to grow and develop emotionally, financially and step into your role as a coach.

2nd program:

FREE 30 minute coronavirus game plan session.

In thirty minutes learn how to;

1. Counter stress and see the positive in your situation

2. Re-design your life and create a home-based schedule

3. Create avenues of income for you in these financially difficult times

3rd program:

Last but least my FREE 45 minute conversation showing you how to bring 100,000 of revenue into your coaching/consultancy based business.

Q: In the times of epidemic caused by COVID-19 like now, how does it affect your job as a coach? Can it be done remotely?

Abdul-Rahman: Alhamdulillah my job can be done remotely, face to face contact can not be replaced however in this modern era we have the use of telephones and video calls.

Q: Do you think the job of a life coach can be at risk of automation?

Abdul-Rahman: I think some elements of the profession can be automated. However human interaction can never be replaced and having that space to be intimate and not judged.

Q: Which aspect of your job helps you become a better Muslim? Are there any cons (disadvantages) regarding the coaching field?

Abdul-Rahman: The aspects of my field that make me a better Muslim is that it is a purely In Shaa Allah halal income, you can control your own schedule. We hope that Allah is pleased as you are in constant service of his creation. Absolutely no cons whatsoever.

Q: Your kids must have been your inspiration in what you are doing. How do you apply skill and knowledge from your

job to family life?

Abdul-Rahman: Yes my two children are my inspiration to work and to be able to spend more time with them so that I can be there to support and nurture them. Additionally, as a coach always learning I try to empower my children on how to manage their emotions and to come up with solutions for their problems.

From the author: Jazakallah Khayran for the interview and for your attention! Lastly, I would like to say that every field has its pros and cons. Surely without permanent clients and only waiting for people to find your coaching services or even knowing your target audience can be frustrating. With the help of Allah may we all achieve greatness in worldy affairs and in the hereafter. Walaykum Salam!