Today we’d like to introduce you to Youssef Kromah.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
My story is one that is still continuing to unfold. Even within this very moment, I am growing and expanding, deepening my understanding of God, self and the created world in which I exist. I am not the same man I was yesterday and tomorrow I will be other than I am today. And that is essentially my story and my secret. I got to where I am today (though I am still in the middle of the journey) like most people, one step at a time. Putting my best foot forward, while walking in my purpose, on purpose. And yes, I slip and fall often, but I wake up every morning with a yearning inside my soul to learn, explore and grow in some way, shape or form. I practice kindness myself and forgive myself easily, the way I rush to do with everyone else. I laugh wholeheartedly. I celebrate the seemingly small wins in life. I love hard. I travel often, meet strange people, learn foreign languages, try interesting cuisines and digest new cultures. I am almost never without a pen and pad, waiting at any moment for inspiration to visit and gift me with inspiration. I listen more than I speak and learn more than I teach. All of these experiences lend themselves to who I was, who I am, who I will be and the various ways in which I express that, through poetry, fashion, entrepreneurship, activism, authoring books and teaching Islamic studies.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Anyone who says the journey to success is easy has not yet arrived. On the path to greatness you will inevitably face challenges and difficulties that may even seem insurmountable to the untrained eye and heart, but the secret is to never tell your God how big the mountain is, rather you tell the mountain how big your God is. I thank Allah I don’t look like the things that I’ve been through because I have not lived a necessarily easy life but I have always been blessed. To answer your question more directly, the obstacles I’ve had to overcome have been both internal and external. Internally I’ve had to overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, heartbreak, loneliness, low frequency desires and trauma. Externally I’ve had to overcome my physical environment, a city riddled with gun violence, drug addiction, alcoholism, police brutality, systematic racism, poverty and the many faces of oppression. But through God’s infinite grace and mercy, here I am. Alhamdulillah.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I certainly consider myself to be a man of many talents and aspirations but at my core I am a teacher and my favorite subject is love; love of God, love of His beloved messenger Muhammad ﷺ, love of self, love of others. My work is to help foster love firstly myself and then within everyone I come into contact with, that we may take love as a doctrine, practice love, become love and free ourselves of anything that wishes to inhibit us from that beautiful symbiosis. In this way, I don’t have any competition only company and companions along the path. My specialization lies within the how. I am a masterful story teller and I believe that is perhaps my greatest gift. Stories have been used to hand down learning and knowledge for thousands of years. A good story engages our curiosity, emotions and imagination. As you hear a story unfold, your brain waves actually start to synchronize with those of the storyteller. There is no major company or brand that has mastered the craft and industry, except that they have mastered the art of story telling. When someone tells us their own personal story, we catch a glimpse of a view of the world that may be slightly or radically different from our own. When we see the world as they see it, or walk in their shoes, this experience inspires understanding, empathy and ultimately love.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
My advice for anyone who desires to be successful is a fairly simple formula: Remember God. Be Grateful. Forgive Yourself/Others. Practice Love & Kindness. Drink Water. Mind Your Business. And Get Money.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success could be defined as the continued expansion of happiness and the perpetual realization of dreams, goals and aspirations. For me that means living in accordance with my divine purpose and mission.
What’s next for you?
Only God knows. But I can say with certainty that my next move is going to be my best move, insha’Allah. I am working on a few new books and online courses. I encourage everyone to join my online community and partake in goodness.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
You can connect with me through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and email. My handles are as follows:
Facebook: Youssef Kromah
Instagram: @Youssef.Kromah
Twitter: @YoussefKromah
TikTok: @YoussefKromah
Email: YoussefKromah@gmail.com