Three Levels of Development

the highest level is that of God-realization. There is a tradition which says: “To God, the young believer is better than the old one, and that everyone is good, that is, there is good in everyone. Take those things which are beneficial for you, seek help from God and be humble. And if anything thwarts you, don’t say: ‘I wish I had done such a thing differently’. Say rather: ‘It was according to God’s plan.’” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2664). If a person himself feels inferior, he should not lose heart because he may possess hitherto unsuspected qualities. An individual should discover his own potential and live his life accordingly. During any struggle, if he faces problems he should understand that there may also be positive advantages in negative experiences. A person should learn positive lessons from his negative experiences. He should not lose hope in any situation to the point of feeling victimized. He must rather learn to think positively. In this way, he will continue to develop his personality. By introspection, he can reverse wrong conditioning. By awakening his consciousness, he will develop his personality in such a way that he has the capacity to accept the truth. He must follow this prayer said by the Prophet Muhammad: “O God! Show me the truth as it is and give me the strength to follow it. And Show me falsity as it is, and protect me from it.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 1, p. 427) And “O God! Show me things as they are.’ (Tafsir al-Razi, vol. 1, p. 119)