Developing Self Confidence

It is indeed an inevitable fact that world is progressing faster than ever, showing huge progress on the facilities and the technology dominating every corner of human lives. These have immensely focused on improving the standard of living of humankind but not been able to fill the void in the person’s personality. These technology-driven society has detached humans from owning our own soul, drifting apart from the decision-making process and letting us live with the ‘flow’. When the life hits with a rough patch, it is when we realize we are lacking the ability to navigate through it and we are shackled with self-doubts. Or when we see we are incapable of raising our voice for the trespassing events happening in front of us because we are not the one with self-confidence.

So what is this Self Confidence? And why it is so important? Especially for a Muslim?

Self-confidence in very brief is when we have a considerable amount of faith in the ability lie in thyself. It is a very important characteristic to acquire because believing and having confidence in our own self can make a better change for us, for our family, for the world we live and the hereafter awaiting to embrace us.

And Allah, the Almighty says,

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose) and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (Al Qur’an - 23:115)

When thy Lord has created us to do something bigger and better, how could we neglect His call? How could we navigate through our hard phase of life and bring purpose for it? How can we draw the courage to ourselves to march out to the world and make it a better place for our loved ones?

Embrace the Truth and Believe in the story you own

“O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak (always) the truth, He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.” (Al Qur’an - 33:70-71)

It is one of the truest law of nature is that ‘The Truth Wins’. And the Most Exalted Lord, Allah the Almighty, confirms the same and assures us to be with the one who is truthful. The number one characteristics to develop in order to gain self-confidence is to be truthful. When you own the truth, when you believe in your story, no matter how the world mock at you, speak up. Act upon the truth you possess.

Remember – When Maryam AS was given birth to our beloved Prophet Isa (Peace Be Upon Him) without a father, she had the confidence to come in front of her community, to tell the truth. Even though she knew she will be blamed as unchaste, she had the courage because the truth was at her side. She believed in the miracle happened to her. And she believed The most Merciful Lord Allah Almighty was with the truth.

Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: “O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariyy (a mighty thing). ”Then she pointed to him. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?” He [Isa (Jesus)] said: “Verily I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; (Al Qur’an – 19:27-30)

Remember - When the entire nation stood against Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) and the preaching of Islam, when his own tribe neglected him and attempted to end his life, He still stood up every single day to spread the religion of truth. Imagine the self-confidence this great man could have possessed to stand against the most powerful men at that time and challenge the centuries-old of religious beliefs?

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. (Al Qur’an – 2:256)

When we speak the words of truth, it, of course, will give the immense power of courage and the confidence to stand still.

Have an Unconditional Love in what you do or Believe

Isn’t it the love and attachment we have for one another making us hope for a better tomorrow? It is very important as Muslims to channel this powerful emotion in the right way for the right purpose.

It was Hazarath Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib stayed as a shield in front of Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) in the most difficult times in Makkah. Gave Him the required protection and raised the voiced against the rulers of the nation in favor of his nephew. He had the courage to stand still because his love for his nephew and his creator was unconditional. Many hundreds of Companions of Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) sacrificed their lives just for the love they had for their Prophet and the religion they follow.

“God is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him.  He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever." (Al Qur’an - 9:100)

It was out of unconditional love Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) had for his Lord, he was ready to leave his most beloved wife and son in the deserted area in Makkah. And it was the same love which gave him the courage to raise the sword to sacrifice his own son.

"Ibrahim was indeed a model. Devoutly obedient to Allah, and true in faith, and he joined not gods with Allah" (Al Qur’an - 16:20).

When your heart is full of love for any task you do, then you will gain unstoppable courage and confidence to march forward. Start loving your own self. Have an unconditional love for self-development. Love your parents, spouse, children, friends, community enough to do something better for them. Have an obsession to make your hereafter a wonderful one. When your heart is full of love for the right purpose, it gives the confidence to face anything comes in your way.

Do the Best and Leave the Rest to thy Lord

Remember – not a single leaf fall down without the knowledge of our Creator Allah, the Almighty. As true believers, we should place our utmost trust in Allah in all our affairs. The more trust we put in Allah, the Almighty, the greater the self-confidence will grow and reach the highest level. Once we have done our best according to our knowledge in any task, the rest will be assured by thy Lord.

Remember – Prophet Musa (Peace Be Upon Him) has gathered his companions, utilized all the safety methods at his disposal and fled to a safer land from the tortures of Pharos. But the situation was such the righteous people were in between a murderous army and a sea. It was then Prophet Musa (Peace Be Upon Him) uttered the words,

[Moosa (Moses)] said: ‘Nay, verily, with me is my Lord. He will guide me’” (Al Qur’an - 26:61, 62). And the sea split in and made a way for the believers.

It takes enamors amount of confidence to have faith in the unseen. As Muslims, believing in the unseen is the basic element of faith. Then why not believing that unseen help will come at the right time when you take the right step?

There are many ways, exercises, and methods to build self-confidence. But above characteristics are inbuilt in any human being. Especially in a Muslim. Self-realization of those traits and harnessing on these elements would help to gain self-confidence and submission to thy Lord.

But Remember – Self-confidence should not turn into a self-arrogance which would lead to self-destruction.

“Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster.” (Al Qur’an - 31:18)

When we are aware of our own self-worth, eventually it will lead us into finding our passion and purpose of life in this world and the next. It will give the confidence to make ours and our loved ones live a living heaven.