“ Whoever purifies themselves, they only do so for their own good. And to Allah is the final return.”
(Qur’an 35:18)
In part one, we explored the significance of the motivations that propel our journey toward self-improvement in Islam. (the Why)
Now, let’s unwrap the HOW.
Self-improvement in Islam is a duty, a holistic process involving the heart, mind, and body. It aims to improve one’s relationship with Allah, refine character, and contribute positively to society. Muslims can achieve both worldly success and eternal happiness by following this practical guide based on spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and a balanced life:
Now, let’s unwrap the HOW.
Self-improvement in Islam is a duty, a holistic process involving the heart, mind, and body. It aims to improve one’s relationship with Allah, refine character, and contribute positively to society. Muslims can achieve both worldly success and eternal happiness by following this practical guide based on spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and a balanced life:
Phase-1: Introspection
Engaging in self-reflection is vital for personal growth. Muslims are encouraged to regularly assess their actions, intentions, and adherence to Islamic principles. This introspection helps identify areas for improvement and promotes accountability by:
. Having frequent private moments when you perform the prayer, read the Quran, and make supplications fosters spiritual growth and inner peace. These practices remind Muslims of their purpose and guide their self-improvement journey.
. Self-accountability is crucial for evaluating one’s actions and pinpointing areas for improvement.
. Having frequent private moments when you perform the prayer, read the Quran, and make supplications fosters spiritual growth and inner peace. These practices remind Muslims of their purpose and guide their self-improvement journey.
. Self-accountability is crucial for evaluating one’s actions and pinpointing areas for improvement.
“We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this ˹Quran˺ is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a Witness over all things?”
Quran 41:53
Phase-2: Emotional Intelligence
Managing emotions is crucial for personal development. The Quran and Hadith emphasize essential qualities for maintaining healthy relationships and emotional well-being, such as:
Patience
Patience is a key characteristic of self-improvement. Life is filled with challenges and hardships, and Islam teaches that patience during trials brings one closer to Allah and his goal. Practicing patience helps control anger, frustration, and impulsiveness, fostering emotional resilience and self-control.
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Quran 2:153)
Tazkiyah (Purification of the Soul)
Tazkiyah refers to purifying the heart and soul from negative qualities such as arrogance, greed, jealousy, and hatred… This purification process leads to personal spiritual growth and better relationships.
“And by the soul and ˹the One˺ Who fashioned it, then with ˹the knowledge of˺ right and wrong inspired it!, He has succeeded who purifies it (the soul).”
(Quran 91:7-9)
Gratitude
Outside religion, gratitude is essential for individual well-being. Recognizing the blessings of Allah and being thankful for them brings contentment and peace. It also improves mental health by focusing on the positives rather than dwelling on what’s lacking.
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]”
(Quran 14:7)
Ihsan (Excellence in Conduct)
Ihsan refers to doing good deeds with the consciousness of Allah’s presence. It’s the highest level of faith where every action, whether small or significant, is performed with sincerity and excellence.
The Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) said:
“Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot, then be aware that He sees you.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Repentance
Self-improvement in Islam involves acknowledging one’s mistakes and turning to Allah for forgiveness and justice for the rights holders. Repentance cleanses the soul and allows a person to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and sincerity.
“And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
(Quran 4:110)
Phase-3: Continuous Engagement
Improving oneself also involves being out there and contributing positively to society. Acts of charity, community service, and fostering good relationships with others reflect a commitment to self-improvement that benefits all. And it requests:
Seeking Knowledge
Islam encourages the pursuit of both religious and worldly knowledge. Knowledge leads to a better understanding of one’s responsibilities toward Allah and society. Learning and applying beneficial knowledge helps improve one’s personal career and community contributions and helps fight dark and deviant ideas and doubts.
“ The virtue of the scholar over the worshiper is like my virtue over the least of you. Verily, Allah, his angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the ant in his hole and the fish, send blessings upon the one who teaches people what is good.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī)
Seeking good company
Surrounding oneself with good company is a significant aspect of Islamic teachings, emphasizing the profound impact that friends can have on one’s faith and character.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used analogies for Good Companions, describing them as perfume sellers as they bring joy and positivity into your life. They may share their blessings or leave you with a pleasant scent. And Bad Companions to a blacksmith, if he doesn’t injure your body, he will damage your clothes.
So, if bad company doesn’t alter your character, it will at least harm your social appearance.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used analogies for Good Companions, describing them as perfume sellers as they bring joy and positivity into your life. They may share their blessings or leave you with a pleasant scent. And Bad Companions to a blacksmith, if he doesn’t injure your body, he will damage your clothes.
So, if bad company doesn’t alter your character, it will at least harm your social appearance.
Balance between seeking worldly life and the Hereafter
Islam advocates for a balanced life, where a person excels in worldly affairs and relationships without neglecting their spiritual responsibilities. This balance is a direct order from Allah that prioritizes family, health, work, and faith, ensuring holistic self-improvement.
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.”
(Quran 28:77)
Service to Others
Helping others is a means of personal growth. Being in the service of others not only benefits the community but also enriches the individual spiritually and emotionally.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to the rest of mankind.” (Tabarani)
Phase-4: Goal Setting
Enhanced Self-Awareness: Understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, and purpose leads to a more fulfilling life.
Stronger Spiritual Connection: Continuous self-improvement fosters a deeper relationship with Allah and enhances one’s spiritual journey.
Positive Influence on Others: As individuals improve themselves, they naturally have a positive influence on those around them, contributing to societal betterment.
Stronger Spiritual Connection: Continuous self-improvement fosters a deeper relationship with Allah and enhances one’s spiritual journey.
Positive Influence on Others: As individuals improve themselves, they naturally have a positive influence on those around them, contributing to societal betterment.
Don’t Be Hard On Yourself, Be Hard On Your Sins And Bad Habits
God Almighty created the human soul to be prone to disobedience, error, forgetfulness, sin, regret, and repentance, but relying on God’s mercy and guidance makes elevating it easy and achievable.
Every human spends his life walking toward God, goodly or poorly, and that’s where self-improvement comes in.
Just keep in mind that success is guaranteed with a pure heart, good intentions, and positive actions.
Just keep in mind that success is guaranteed with a pure heart, good intentions, and positive actions.
The Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace,
said:
“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, if you did not sin, God would replace you with a people who would sin and seek forgiveness from God Almighty, and He would forgive them”
Self-improvement in Islam is a journey and a destination simultaneously, an ongoing journey that is rewarding in itself regardless of the results. By focusing on intention, reflection, emotional regulation, and community involvement, Muslims can strive towards becoming better individuals while fulfilling their spiritual obligations, which is the goal. This holistic approach benefits the individual and enhances the wider community, aligning with the core Islamic principle that emphasizes collective well-being through personal development.
“He said, “O my people! Consider if I stand on a clear proof from my Lord and He has blessed me with a good provision from Him. I do not want to do what I am forbidding you from. I only intend reform to the best of my ability. My success comes only through Allah. In Him I trust and to Him I turn.”
Quran 11:88
