A Reform of self

This saying establishes the fact that in order for one to spread “good” in terms of his or her character, manners, words, or actions, he or she must first strive to possess it. One should not neglect to improve one’s own faults even as they attempt to assist others. Of course, this does not mean that one has to be perfect in order to be of benefit to others; for instance, some people think that they cannot spread knowledge because they are not scholars. Instead, this adage goes hand in hand with the English saying, “Practice before you preach.” As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Who are the learned? Those who practice what they know.”

In Islam, it is of utmost importance for Muslims to seek self-improvement in regards to every aspect of their lives. As a result, one’s good character will impact others and therefore improve society as a whole. This dynamic change all begins at the individual level. In this regard, God says in the Quran:

“Truly God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (13:11)

Before an individual consciously embarks on the journey of reform, he or she must define and cleanse their intention. A pivotal teaching of Islam is derived from the prophetic statement, “All actions are judged by their intentions, and each person will be rewarded according to his or her intention.”

Introspection

The first step in planning for a reform of self is introspection: looking deep inside yourself, with love and honesty, and deciding how you would like to be transformed. You know your weaknesses, your strengths, where you need to make changes, where you need to push harder. So, this is the time to look within, fearlessly, and dare to consider change.

Some of our worst habits are established over a long period of time. In that time, they could have become a part of us, a part of our personality, our character, and our trademarks. These are often the hardest to shift because, first, you need to acknowledge that this particular character trait isn’t one you should be proud of.

Maybe you’re always late. Maybe you smoke and drink. Maybe you’re always tuned in to the latest celebrity scandal. Maybe you love your food or sleep or social media just a little too much. Maybe you steal and pile up other people’s wealth with yours. It doesn’t matter whether the people around you love it or accept it or merely tolerate it. The question you need to ask yourself is this: is this a habit you want to go before Allah with? Is this something you are proud to present to Allah? If not, it’s time to get to work.

Vision

Who is this ‘transformed’ you? What does s/he look like? What does s/he do differently? You need to see it to believe it. You have to create this image of yourself in your mind’s eye so that you know what you are working towards. Make it real. Find out what makes it tick.

Organisation & Determination

There are plenty of resources available to help us plan for a productive and transformational life: use them. Do a search and get yourself organised. Make a list of what you want to achieve, your goals, and make notes on how you will achieve those goals.

If it’s about reading the entire Qur’an, how are you going to go about it? Four pages after each salah? Or if it is about smoking and drinking, have you thought about walking with friends who would help you in this path? You think about it and work it out.

The importance of a reform of self cannot be overemphasized in Islam although it may seem like a selfish endeavor on the surface. However, such “selfishness” may actually be considered a virtue rather than a vice. When one is constantly struggling for self improvement, he or she becomes more willing to help others and disperse the good that he or she has gained to society at large. As a result, one person’s efforts contribute towards collective development. Such commitment is not possible in the individual who is self-absorbed for the sake of self-gratification. Therefore, “selfishness” for the purpose of self improvement and the greater good is the first step to selflessness.

Don’t give up, don’t cheat, and don’t put it off. Keep pushing, keep striving, and keep training yourself for the challenge that is yet to come:living a transformed life, and embarking on a total reform of self.

May Almighty Allah make it easy. Ameen.