The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Having a good expectation (positive opinion) is part of excellent worship."

Reference: Sunan Abu Dawud 4993

If we reflect deeply on this Hadith, we realize that it teaches us about having positive intentions and positive thinking. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described this attitude as a part of worship.

Why is this so important? Let us reflect on it.

You have heard the story of Iblis and Prophet Adam (A.S.) many times. The Qur'an tells us that Iblis lied by saying that Allah had only forbidden Adam (A.S.) from eating from the tree because otherwise he and his wife would become angels or live forever. Through this deception, Iblis caused Prophet Adam (A.S.) to leave Paradise.

Allah says:

Surah Al-A'raf (7:20)

فَوَسۡوَسَ لَهُمَا الشَّيۡطٰنُ لِيُبۡدِىَ لَهُمَا مَا وٗرِىَ عَنۡهُمَا مِنۡ سَوۡاٰتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَهٰٮكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنۡ هٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةِ اِلَّاۤ اَنۡ تَكُوۡنَا مَلَكَيۡنِ اَوۡ تَكُوۡنَا مِنَ الۡخٰلِدِيۡنَ‏ 

"Then Satan whispered to them to reveal to them what had been hidden of their private parts. He said, 'Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree lest you become angels or become among the immortals.'"

If we reflect on the psychology of this event, what exactly did Iblis do?

• He spoke falsely about Allah.
• He put conflict into the mind of Adam (A.S.).
• He planted a negative thought.

He made Prophet Adam (A.S.) believe that Allah was deceiving him. Influenced by these words, Adam (A.S.) eventually ate from the tree.

This is exactly what the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addressed when he taught us to maintain good expectations. We should always believe that Allah intends good for us and that He is always dealing with us in the best way.

Otherwise, negative thoughts can gradually lead a person toward mistakes and wrong decisions.

Now think about it yourself. Adam (A.S.) was in Paradise, yet he could have turned to Allah and prayed for guidance.

Likewise, whenever we face difficulties, we should call upon Allah.

We should consider every situation as a part of life's tests and sincerely ask Allah to grant us correct knowledge, remove the confusion within our hearts, and guide us to the right path.

Allah always helps the one who remembers Him.

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The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“No one who has even a mustard seed’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.”

Sahih Muslim 91

And in the Qur’an, Allah says:

Surah An-Nahl 16:23

اِنَّهٗ لَا يُحِبُّ الۡمُسۡتَكۡبِرِيۡنَ‏ 

“Indeed, He does not like those who are arrogant.”

So, why is Takabbur (arrogance) such a serious sin?

What does arrogance actually do to a human being that Allah gives such a severe warning against it?

The answer can be understood through the psychology of the Hadith—and even more deeply through one of the Names of Allah:

Al-Mutakabbir — ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرُ

Al-Mutakabbir (ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرُ) is commonly understood as The Supremely Great, The Majestic, or The Dominant One.

But there is a deeper meaning here that is extremely important to understand.

Let us search for the answer to one question:

Why is Allah Al-Mutakabbir?

Why does true dominance and absolute greatness belong to Allah alone?

Because Allah possesses total knowledge.

He possesses total mercy.

He possesses total kingdom and authority.

Human beings, however, do not possess complete knowledge. A person does not know what the future holds. How, then, can a human being know with certainty what another person will do in the future?

If a person does not even possess complete knowledge of his own future, how can he become arrogant toward another human being?

How can a human being claim superiority when absolute dominance is not a human attribute?

Whatever position, status, ability, knowledge, beauty, wealth, or honor a person has received is ultimately a favor and blessing from Allah.

Therefore, instead of arrogance, a human being should respond to Allah’s blessings with gratitude and thankfulness.

To understand this more deeply, we need to read the next part of the Hadith.

What Is Takabbur According to the Prophet ﷺ?

A man asked the Prophet ﷺ about a person who likes his clothes and shoes to be beautiful. The Prophet ﷺ replied:

“Indeed, Allah is Beautiful and He loves beauty. Arrogance is rejecting the truth and looking down on people.”

Sahih Muslim 91a 

This Hadith gives us a profound definition of Takabbur.

Takabbur is not simply wearing beautiful clothes, having good shoes, looking attractive, or appreciating beauty.

The Prophet ﷺ clearly explained that arrogance is something much deeper:

Rejecting the truth and considering other people inferior.

This shows us that when a person looks down upon others and considers himself better than them, he is displaying the psychological reality of Takabbur.

Why Does Takabbur Belong to Allah Alone?

Allah is Al-Mutakabbir (ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرُ) because He is the absolute Owner and Master of everything.

He possesses complete knowledge.

He possesses absolute authority.

He possesses the entire kingdom.

He possesses perfect greatness and majesty.

A human being possesses none of these attributes absolutely.

Whatever a person has is something Allah has granted him.

Your knowledge is granted by Allah.

Your wealth is granted by Allah.

Your strength is granted by Allah.

Your beauty is granted by Allah.

Your position is granted by Allah.

Even the ability to achieve anything is ultimately a blessing from Allah.

So when a person becomes arrogant because of something Allah Himself gave him, he forgets the true source of that blessing.

This is why gratitude is a better path than arrogance.

The Greatest Example of Takabbur: Iblis

The Qur’an gives us the most powerful example of arrogance in the story of Iblis.

When Allah commanded Iblis to prostrate before Adam عليه السلام, Iblis refused and said:

Surah Sad 38:76

 اَنَا خَيۡرٌ مِّنۡهُ‌ؕ خَلَقۡتَنِىۡ مِنۡ نَّارٍ وَّخَلَقۡتَهٗ مِنۡ طِيۡنٍ‏

“I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.”

Look carefully at the psychology behind these words:

“I am better than him.”

This was the attitude of Iblis.

He compared himself with Adam عليه السلام and considered himself superior.

And this arrogance became the cause of his downfall.

The lesson is profound:

Takabbur does not merely make a person proud; it can make him blind to the truth of his own position before Allah.

No Creation Has the Right to Be Arrogant

Therefore, arrogance is not something Allah has permitted for any of His creation—whether human or jinn.

A human being should understand his own condition.

He should remember that whatever he possesses has been given to him by Allah.

If Allah has given him knowledge, he should be grateful.

If Allah has given him wealth, he should be grateful.

If Allah has given him status, beauty, strength, or any other blessing, he should recognize it as a favor from Allah.

The better path is therefore Shukr (gratitude), not Takabbur (arrogance).

Because when a person forgets that everything he possesses is ultimately from Allah and begins to think, “I am better than others,” he begins walking toward the same psychological attitude that caused Iblis to fall.

And that is why the warning against Takabbur is so serious.

The real question is not:

“What do I possess that makes me better than others?”

The real question is:

“What do I possess that Allah Himself has not given me?”

When a person truly understands this, arrogance begins to disappear—and gratitude begins to take its place.

If you want to understand why Satan asked Allah for respite?

 Read this article.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

"A person follows the religion and way of his close friend, so let each of you look carefully at whom he takes as a friend."

— Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2378

Why did the Prophet ﷺ place such great importance on companionship and company?

The Qur'an tells us that Allah created human beings from clay:

— Surah Ar-Rahman (55:14)

خَلَقَ الۡاِنۡسَانَ مِنۡ صَلۡصَالٍ كَالۡفَخَّارِۙ‏ 

 "He created man from dry clay like pottery."

If we reflect on pottery and clay, we may find a beautiful lesson. Clay vessels absorb what is repeatedly placed inside them. Over time, those substances become part of the vessel itself, and removing their traces becomes difficult.

Imagine a clay pot in which salt is heated every day. Eventually, the pores of the vessel absorb the salt, and even after cleaning, it may continue to affect the taste of whatever is placed inside it.

Human beings are similar in many ways. The people around us, the words we hear, the habits we observe, and the environments we live in slowly leave their marks on our hearts and minds.

This is why the Prophet ﷺ also said:

 "The example of a good companion and a bad companion is that of a perfume seller and a blacksmith's furnace. The perfume seller may give you some perfume, you may buy some from him, or at least you will enjoy his pleasant fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he may burn your clothes, or at least you will be affected by his unpleasant smell."

— Sahih Muslim 2628

This shows a simple but powerful reality: human beings are deeply influenced by their environment.

When a person realizes how much influence has already entered his heart, he should continue the process of purification. This cleansing is not easy. It can be painful, because removing impurities often feels like removing a layer from within ourselves.

Just as washing the skin repeatedly may remove dead layers before revealing healthier skin beneath, purification of the soul also requires patience and persistence.

In Islam, this struggle is known as Jihad al-Nafs — the struggle against one's own lower desires and ego.

It is one of the most difficult struggles because it requires a person to fight against his own impulses, surrender himself before Allah, and resist his desires whenever they become overwhelming.

Over time, when the soul becomes purified, Allah grants protection to the believer's heart, much like a protective glaze shields a clay vessel from absorbing harmful substances.

The remembrance of Allah strengthens this protection, guards the heart, and helps preserve the purity that has been achieved through struggle and perseverance.

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       👉  WHAT IS THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RIZQ IN ISLAM? HADITH LESSONS ON ABUNDANCE

Anas ibn Malik narrated that The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

 لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لِأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

Reference 

Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 13) 

Sahih Muslim (Hadith 45).

The Common Understanding VS

 The Deeper Reality

This is one of the most famous hadiths in Islam. It is often understood as: if you desire something good for yourself, you should also wish it for others so that love, sincerity, and fairness remain between people.

This understanding is correct.

It teaches that wishing well for others is a core part of faith. If we want respect, honesty, and kindness from others, we must first hold the same intention for them.

But beneath this simple message lies deep human psychology.

The Inner Foundation: 

Self-Love and Emotional State

Psychologically, a person cannot pour from an empty cup. Someone filled with insecurity, self-hate, or inner chaos struggles to sincerely wish good for others. Such emotions often lead to projection—where inner pain is reflected outward.

So this hadith also points to an inner requirement: true brotherhood needs a heart that is stable, sincere, and content with Allah’s decree. Only then can a person genuinely wish good for others without jealousy or comparison.

Faith Is Tested in Difficulty

These values are easy during comfort. People appear kind, calm, and sincere when life is smooth.

But the real test begins in hardship.

When jealousy, anger, or insecurity arises, many forget this hadith. Backbiting starts, harsh words appear, or a person may even feel silent satisfaction at someone else’s failure.

Then if roles reverse and they experience the same harm, they ask:

 “Why did you do that to me?”

But the deeper question should be:

Why did I do it first?

Why am I jealous?

What triggered my anger?

What insecurity is inside me?

Is my reaction truly justified?

The Psychology of Reaction and Accountability

Sometimes we are hurt first, but Islam still teaches pause and reflection before reaction.

Not every emotional response is justified simply because we feel hurt. Faith demands self-awareness, emotional control, and responsibility before blaming others. That is why this hadith is not only about kindness, but also about controlling the ego (nafs).

The Real Test of Iman

The test of iman is not in ease, but in emotional struggle.

Loving good for others when life is easy is simple. But loving good for others while dealing with anger, jealousy, ego, or personal pain is the real challenge.

And this struggle always begins within. A believer constantly examines their heart, questions their emotions, and corrects their intentions before judging others. 

If you to know the psychology of  Rizq in Islam

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       👉  WHAT IS THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RIZQ IN ISLAM? HADITH LESSONS ON ABUNDANCE

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Allah dislikes for you useless talk, asking too many unnecessary questions, and wasting wealth.”

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 2408

Why is Loose Talk disliked?

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or remain silent.”

References: Sahih al-Bukhari 6136 Sahih Muslim 47

These teachings are not only about manners and etiquette; they also protect the human mind, heart, relationships, and society.

The Psychological Effect of Words

According to psychology and neuroscience, a person’s words are often an outward reflection of their thoughts, emotions, habits, and subconscious patterns. Repeated speech gradually shapes mindset, behavior, emotional reactions, and even decision-making.

Negative, useless, and careless speech can slowly normalize negativity within the mind and spread it to others. Similarly, good words can calm hearts, strengthen relationships, and positively influence both the speaker and the listener.

This is why Islam places such importance on speech.

Lessons From the Life of the Prophet ﷺ

One of the greatest examples of controlling speech and emotions can be seen in the incident of Ta’if.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ traveled to Ta’if to invite its people toward Islam. Instead of listening, they  turned children and crowds against him. They threw stones at him until he was severely injured and his blessed shoes were filled with blood.

At that painful moment, Jibreel عليه السلام came to the Prophet ﷺ along with the Angel of the Mountains. Jibreel عليه السلام informed him that the Angel was waiting for his command.

The Angel said:

“If you wish, I will crush them between the two mountains.”

But the Prophet ﷺ chose mercy instead of revenge and replied:

“No, I hope that Allah will bring from their descendants people who will worship Allah alone and not associate anything with Him.”

In some narrations and books of Seerah, the following supplication is also mentioned:

“O Allah, guide my people, for they do not know.”

 

Authentic References: Sahih al-Bukhari 7389 Sahih Muslim 1795

The Prophet ﷺ did not respond with abusive words, hatred, or revenge. Instead, he responded with patience, mercy, wisdom, and sincere concern for humanity.

An Important Warning 

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“When Allah intends good for His servant, He hastens punishment for him in this world. And when Allah intends evil for His servant, He withholds punishment for his sins until he comes with them on the Day of Judgment.”

Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2396

This is why a believer should remain careful about words, intentions, and actions.

Allah says:

Surah Qaf (50:18)

مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ 

“Not a word does a person utter except that there is with him an observer ready to record it.”

 

And Allah says:

Surah Al-Isra (17:36)

وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ 

“And do not follow that of which you have no knowledge.”

And:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83)

وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا

 

“And speak to people good words.”

 

Because good words are never meaningless.

Allah says:

Surah Ibrahim (14:24–25)

 

Final Reflection 

Speaking less does not mean suppressing your emotions or remaining silent about your pain. Islam does not teach emotional emptiness. Rather, it teaches believers to avoid useless, harmful, false, and destructive speech.

Speak good when you can. Remain silent when speech brings harm. And when your heart feels heavy, speak to Allah sincerely with patience, humility, and proper etiquette.

No word is lost before Allah, and no sincere call goes unheard.

The Psychology of Rizq in Islam

Humans already work hard for rizq. We all know that.

But hunger can also push a person toward actions they never wanted to do. There are many difficult and painful things people do simply to fulfill their needs.

Now let us see what Islam says about this.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

Surah Hud (11:6)

Arabic

 وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا

 “There is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah…”

So now we know that every living creature’s rizq is under Allah’s responsibility.

But in life we see something else:

Some people die from hunger.

Some get just enough to survive.

Others possess so much wealth that it seems endless.

So where is the blockage?

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad ﷺ said:

 “If you relied upon Allah with true reliance, He would provide for you just as He provides for the birds: they leave in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.”

References

Jami` at-Tirmidhi — Hadith 2344

Sunan Ibn Majah

When we reflect on this hadith, a major issue becomes visible: perhaps humans suffer from a lack of true tawakkul.

But why?

Before answering that, let us observe birds.

Birds leave in the morning and return in the evening fed.

They fly with hope and trust.

The "Woodpecker" Trap

Yet we also see birds like woodpeckers storing food inside tree trunks, while squirrels try to steal it later. 

At first glance, this seems different from the hadith. Why?

There is a lesson here for humans as well.

We often think this hadith only addresses people who work hard but lack inner trust in Allah. But it also speaks to those who endlessly store wealth out of fear — fear that what they have may one day finish.

The result?

Like a woodpecker, a person spends life building storage after storage, then spends more energy protecting it. And naturally, thieves go where wealth exists.

Allah also says that He created everything with precise measure.

 The Quran

Surah Al-Qamar (54:49)

Arabic

إِنَّا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ

“Indeed, We created everything with precise measure.”

Look at the precision in creation:

Earth is perfectly positioned in the solar system.

The human body is proportioned with incredible accuracy.

Day and night follow exact timing.

Rain falls in measured amounts.

So how can a system created with such precision be meant for people to die from lack of provision?

This is where human greed and hoarding become part of the problem.

When people store far beyond their needs while others remain deprived, imbalance appears in society.

 The Quran

كَيْ لَا يَكُونَ دُولَةًۢ بَيْنَ ٱلْأَغْنِيَآءِ مِنكُمْ 

“…so that wealth does not remain circulating only among the rich among you.”

Perhaps this is one of the wisdoms behind zakat in Islam: wealth is not meant to remain locked in fear, but to circulate with responsibility and compassion.

“And when a person gains control over all resources, people begin to look like mere insects to him, and he starts playing with their lives like a show — that is what The  Hunger Games tells us.”

The Concept of Barakah

To truly understand Rizq, we must look at Barakah (Divine Blessing). Rizq is not just about the quantity of wealth, but the quality of its impact. A hoard of wealth without Barakah leaves a person perpetually anxious, whereas a small provision with Barakah brings complete contentment. This is why the birds return "full"—it is a state of the heart, not just a full stomach.

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