Subject : Islamic Sharia Calls for Moderation in Self-Confidence

Fatwa Number : 2035

Date : 07-05-2012

Classified : Things that rescue, good relations with relatives

Fatwa Type : Search Fatawaa

Question :

Are self-satisfaction, self-confidence and ambition in contradiction with Islamic Sharia?

The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Self-satisfaction and self-confidence are feelings that don`t contradict religion because Islam discourages surrendering to weakness and hesitation to the extent of becoming unproductive. Rather, it enjoins strength, steadiness and optimism. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one, and both are good. Adhere to that which is beneficial for you. Keep asking Allah for help and do not refrain from it. If you are afflicted in any way, do not say: 'If I had taken this or that step, it would have resulted into such and such,' but say only: 'Allah so determined and did as He willed.' The word 'if' opens the gates of satanic thoughts".{Related by Muslim}.
In addition, Islam reinforces feelings of confidence as well as psychological and mental independence. This is reflected in the narration of Hudhaifah who narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: "Do not let yourselves be 'yes-men', saying: 'If the people are good then we will be good, and if they are wrong then we will be wrong.' Rather, make up your own minds, if the people are good then you are good, and if they are evil, then do not behave unjustly."{At-Tirmidhi}.
However, self-confidence shouldn`t turn into a sort of arrogance or recklessness, and that feelings of satisfaction don`t stop a Muslim from fearing Allah. Rather, he should make balance between fearing Allah and hoping for His reward, as is reflected in the Prophet`s(PBHU) everyday life.

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