Self Reflection is one of the vital component to motivate change in life. The ability to reflect oneself of any detrimental gap in living life thus motivate the willingness to embrace change to a better Muslim.
A verse from the Holy Qur’an says:
“Truly God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves”
(Qur’an 13:11).
When a Muslim lives in dedicated pursuit of self-improvement in every aspect of his or her life, their good character will radiate to others and, therefore, serve to improve society as a whole. This dynamic change begins at the individual level by a defining and cleansing of one’s intention, or niyyah, as Rasulullah SAW said:
“All actions are judged by their intentions, and each person will be rewarded according to his or her intention.”
In the journey of self-purification, it is essential to have the correct intention and goal of seeking God’s pleasure. A Muslim may also be motivated by paradise and an eternal life of comfort and success in the Hereafter granted to those with whom Allah is pleased. On the other hand, having impure intentions such as seeking the admiration of other people is counterproductive to the pursuit of self-improvement.
As Sheikh Hamza Yusuf has pointed out, having egotistic intentions increases the presence of several diseases of the heart such as envy, arrogance, and love of this material world.
"When a Muslim lives in dedicated pursuit of self-improvement in every aspect of his or her life, their good character will radiate to others and therefore, serve to improve society as a whole."
