Self-Respect in Modern Preaching vs. Islam

Zeeshan Arshad
2 min readJan 4, 2025

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Modern self-help culture often emphasizes self-respect in a way that can border on egoism. It is framed as protecting one’s ego, demanding external validation, and not tolerating perceived “disrespect” from others. While some aspects — such as valuing yourself and setting boundaries — are reasonable, this approach can conflict with the Islamic virtue of humility.

In Islam, self-respect is deeply tied to maintaining one’s dignity as a servant of Allah. It does not mean demanding respect or being overly sensitive to personal slights. Instead, it focuses on fulfilling your rights and responsibilities before Allah and not degrading yourself by committing sins or seeking approval from others.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Example

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) faced humiliation, ridicule, and even physical harm from disbelievers, enemies, and his own relatives. Yet, he remained humble, forgiving, and patient. This is because his sense of honor and dignity (true self-respect) came from his unwavering submission to Allah, not from the opinions of others.

He demonstrated:

  • Humility (aajizi): He never responded with arrogance or ego, even when wronged. His humility was not weakness; it was strength in submission to Allah’s will.
  • Dignity: He upheld his principles and never stooped to the level of his oppressors. He did not allow humiliation to shake his resolve or mission.
  • Forgiveness: Even when he had the power to retaliate (e.g., at the conquest of Makkah), he forgave his enemies.

Aajizi vs. Self-Respect

  • Aajizi (Humility): It is the acknowledgment that all greatness belongs to Allah. It is a state of lowering oneself before Allah while maintaining dignity with people. Humility does not mean tolerating oppression or injustice — it means responding to adversity with patience and wisdom.
  • Self-Respect in Islam: It is about living in a manner pleasing to Allah, avoiding sin, and not degrading yourself by seeking validation from creation. It also involves knowing your worth as a believer, not as an arrogant individual but as someone who fulfills their duties to Allah and others.

The Modern Misinterpretation

The self-help notion of “self-respect” often conflicts with Islamic teachings because it centers on the self rather than Allah. It promotes pride, entitlement, and a hypersensitivity to criticism. Islam, on the other hand, calls for:

  • Humility before Allah.
  • Kindness, patience, and forgiveness toward others.
  • Strength in character without arrogance.

Conclusion

The concept of “self-respect” as popularly preached today can lead to pride and ego, which are against Islamic teachings. True dignity comes from living according to Islam and embodying the traits of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His humility, patience, and dignity in the face of adversity serve as a timeless example for all Muslims. Islam teaches us to focus on pleasing Allah rather than obsessing over how others treat us, ensuring that our self-worth is rooted in our faith, not in the opinions of people.

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Zeeshan Arshad
Zeeshan Arshad

Written by Zeeshan Arshad

Skype for business inquiries @realisticzee

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