Efforts & Reliance vs Perfect & Imperfection

Have you ever asked yourself, how do we measure effort and tawakkal?

How do we know the amount of effort we put in is sufficient, and how do we gauge the amount of tawakkal to ensure a good result?

You will understand what I mean if you ever encounter these situations:

1. You studied so hard for exam, you answered your papers with confident, knowing that the answers to all questions. Yet, the results came out merely average. Disappointed for sure.
   

2. You juggled your studies with some other responsibilities. You hardly had time to sit, read and focus on that subject. You prayed hard and rely on Allah. Acknowledging your flaws and admitting that, if this paper turn well. It must be God's help. You passed. Nearing distinction.
   

How did that happen? How do we measure them to avoid getting into similar situation of not being too confident with our efforts. And how do we ensure we put the right amount of efforts to avoid being too comfortable?

This reminds me of the famous story in the Quran of the Mr Perfectionist, Iblis. We knew that he concentrated and devoted his life to Allah. He was seeking for perfection in his prayers and obedience. The perfection he sought for, was to portray how glamorous he was. He wanted to be known as the leader, and the fame he was in control was always in his favor. Until he was tested. Tested on his sincerity.

Prophet Adam was created. The imperfection in prophet Adam was obvious, he was made of Mud. Soil filled with dirt. When Iblis was commanded to bow as a form of respect towards Prophet Adam, he refrained and proudly believe that he was a better kind. Allah demanded him to leave Jannah(Paradise) and he was to dwell in hellfire. Denying his imperfection, he begged for some time. Allah gave him time until the day of Judgement.

Prophet Adam was not perfect, and he too made a mistake, Instead of pushing the matter aside, and defending his rights. He courageously admitted it and faced the consequences with tawakkal. His form of tawakkal was to seek forgiveness. Relying on Allah to forgive him for his imperfections.

This is the life that was thought to us.

1. Be courageous to admit our mistakes

2. Accountability to face the consequences

3. Shape us our authentic character

Courage.

How many of us fear speaking the truth? We are so afraid of not being loved by telling the truth. We would rather keep it a secret, to avoid being shame or noticed of not being the better person. It is brave to be able to admit our mistakes. Especially to the ones we hold dear in our heart. Admitting and acknowledging our flaws feels like ripping off a part of our good image. It is taking a risk. To either be liked or not. Showing others the vulnerable part of you without knowing what to expect from the other party. Hoping that the result will turn out in our favor, but we know it won't. That fear we feel deep inside us, is in fact legit.

Accountability.

It is easier to run away from the mess we have made. It is faster to just not be present to clean up the chaos we have caused, and move on to the next chapter of our lives. But, it also labelled us, as not worthy of being hold accountable for in future delegations. How do we expect others to give us opportunity when we have stained ourselves with no accountability? How do we even start persuading others that we can be trusted? How do we even start a new beginning?

Authenticity

It is through our weaknesses that make us different from others. It is in the flaws we hide, the flaws we struggle to change, that make us authentic. The authenticity of our character depends on our willingness to open up the wounds we hide, and 'tawakkal' on the Lord of all Mankind. Full dependency on Him, not shaken about what others' might think. Finally, let Allah choose the best path for our future.

May we continue to seek our life goals with the steps above.

Love,

Fardanie