WANT TO WIN AT LIFE? FORGET ABOUT WINNING.
Imagine being trapped in a never-ending cycle of competition, constantly striving to be better than others, only to find that the more you win, the more you lose. You’re left feeling empty, hollow, and unfulfilled. But what if I told you that this cycle is not only a product of our society’s obsession with success but also a reflection of our own inner struggles?
The Dark Side of Competition
Competition is often seen as a driving force for human progress and innovation. But what about the costs? The stress, the anxiety, the burnout? We’re so focused on winning that we forget what we’re fighting for. We’re so busy comparing ourselves to others that we forget to look inward. We’re so consumed by the desire to be better than others that we forget to be better versions of ourselves.
The Quest for Authenticity
In Islam, the concept of “ruh” or soul is often overlooked. We focus on the external aspects of faith, neglecting the inner struggle. But it’s precisely this inner struggle that holds the key to true spiritual growth. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The strongest among you is he who has control over his soul.” (Bukhari)
As Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson, a renowned Islamic scholar and teacher, reminds us: “The problem is not with winning or losing, but with our own selves. We are caught up in a web of ego and selfishness, and we think that if we can just win or achieve something, it will give us happiness. But true happiness comes from within.”
The Power of Competition
Competition can be a powerful tool for personal growth, but only when approached with intentionality and mindfulness. When we view competition as a means to improve ourselves, rather than compare ourselves to others, we can unlock its true potential.
The Quran says, “O you who have believed, let not your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah” (Quran 63:9).
In the same way, let not our competitive nature divert us from our inner quest for authenticity.
The Unholy Alliance
Competition can be an unholy alliance between our ego and our desire for validation. We compete to prove ourselves worthy of love and acceptance, but in doing so, we lose sight of our true worth. We forget that our value lies not in our achievements, but in our essence.
The Quran reminds us, “Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him” (Quran 16:128).
It’s not about what we achieve; it’s about who we become.
Breaking Free
So how do we break free from this cycle of competition? By recognizing that true victory lies not in winning or losing, but in being authentic. By acknowledging that our worth is not defined by our accomplishments, but by our character. By embracing the struggle within and seeking guidance from above.
The Final Reflection
As you reflect on your own competitive nature, ask yourself: Are you competing to prove yourself worthy of love and acceptance? Or are you competing to become a better version of yourself? Are you driven by your ego or your heart? The choice is yours.
— -
Mohamed, Ph.D