الجواب :

Answer

 

Generally speaking, we do not give general pieces of advice or reminders on this platform that has been dedicated to Fatawa. However, what caught my attention with this specific question is the lack of self-esteem and self-confidence which you say you are having trouble with. For this reason, I see it fit to respond to this very important topic and so I say the following:

 

These thoughts that have affected Muslims stem from ideologies grounded in atheism and materialism that have become widespread among many people. They will always be discussing topics such as self-confidence, personal development, personal growth, and the concept of fulfilling your full potential. They will go on to say, you have the power to be the best version of yourself, to excel and to succeed, and similar things to this effect. These thoughts and ideologies that are rooted in materialism and atheism have influenced the masses and many Muslims too, unfortunately.

 

The first thing I will say is that this way of thinking is in reality not Islamic, and thus, it is important for a Muslim to be aware of this. These ideas and ways of thinking have not resulted in an increase in one's self-esteem or personal development, but have rather overburdened and exhausted many, whilst at the same time making them feel as though they are always falling short and not capable of reaching their goals and targets. So my advice to any Muslim is that their understanding of these issues should stem from their firm belief in Allah, whilst at the same time adhering to that which has been legislated by the Shariah.

 

Firstly, attaining confidence is not through oneself, and your true ability is not determined by bringing out what is within you. This is not the way someone achieves success and develops themselves. Rather, confidence is attained through Allah, so place your confidence in Allah and fulfill the true meaning of the verse, "It is You Alone whom we worship and You Alone we seek aid and assistance from" [1:5] by truly seeking Allah's assistance and placing your complete trust in Him. What we mean by seeking Allah's assistance and placing your complete trust in Him, is to have complete confidence in Allah, to solely depend on Him, and to leave the matter entirely to Him. These are the qualities of the believers. They are those who say "Our Lord! In You we trust. And to You we always turn. And to you is the final return." [60:4] Allah has commanded us to have the qualities mentioned above for He has said "Worship Him and have complete trust in Him." [11:123] It is necessary for you to have complete confidence that if you have complete trust in Allah, seek assistance in Allah and you flee to Him, that Allah will suffice you. Allah says "And whosoever place his trust in Allah, He will suffice him." [65:3] This concludes the first point.

 

The second point regarding this issue is that one should take the legislative means in the Shariah. Because the people differ in terms of their mental capabilities and the different experiences they have gone through in their lives through the permission of Allah. There is no doubt that people differ in these regards. The people differ in their physical health, and their mental well-being, but also in terms of their means to seeking knowledge and provision, their wealth, their striving, and the free time that is available to them. All of these things mentioned, Allah has made easy for his slaves as He wills. The Prophet said, "It has been made easy for each person to do that which he has been created for." So here we learn that we should not make things difficult on ourselves. What is required from us is to adhere to the legislative means of the shariah, without putting ourselves through hardship, without worrying too much and to not beat ourselves over the possible outcomes. Allah, Who is the One that has placed obligations upon us to follow and made that the main goal of our creation, is the One who says "Allah does not overburden a person beyond their scope." [2:286] This is from Allah's mercy, His gentleness and His goodness. Allah has said in Surah al Araf "And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, Allah does not overburden a person beyond their scope." [7:42] Note that Allah said in this verse that the people of Jannah are those who simply believed and did righteous deeds. 

 

As a simple exercise, assume that what is required from us according to this verse is the statements of those who advocate heavily for personal development, attaining self-confidence, fulfilling the true potential that is hidden within you by tiring yourself out with the hopes of doing righteous deeds in the most complete manner possible, whilst at the same time leaving you feeling helpless and disappointed all the time by virtue of the fact that being perfect is not possible. Where does this understanding stand in relation to the part of the verse which mentions "Allah does not overburden a person beyond their scope"? This is because those who do good deeds and actions differ in terms of their capabilities and strengths with which Allah has created them. But despite this, they will all be from amongst the people of Jannah because Allah will only hold them accountable for that which is within their capabilities. In other words, they are those who adhere to the legislative means set out by the Shariah without overburdening themselves and putting themselves through immense hardships. 

 

This is the correct Islamic understanding that we should have in mind, whilst being cautious of these dangerous ways of thinking, which result in a person constantly struggling with themselves and beating themselves up. There is no need for a Muslim to engage in such a struggle. The Muslim has complete trust in Allah, strives to fulfill the rights he owes to Allah and the creation, and then sleeps with peace and tranquility. The Muslim does this without needing to put himself through immense struggles all the time because he knows that everything is in the hands of Allah and that Allah has made it easy for every individual that which they have been created. The Muslim also has in mind, that he does not expect to reap the rewards of the worldly life but instead, he seeks to reap the rewards of the hereafter.

 

This is a quick summary on an important topic and I ask Allah to make it beneficial to all.

Allah knows best. 

 

And all praise is due to Allah Lord of the Ālamīn. 

 

Transcript of Sheikh Abd al-Haqq Turkmāni's answer

27 May 2024 | 19 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445