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Every time I browse the self-help section in a bookstore, my heart sinks.
I see glossy books making promises to help you “unlock your potential,” “become your best self,” and “design your dream life”.
Most of these books are based on Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy, which suggests that once we’ve satisfied our basic needs—food, shelter, safety, love—our ultimate goal should be self-actualization: becoming our fullest expression of ourselves.
On the surface, self-actualization sounds amazing. Who doesn’t want to reach their full potential?
But dig deeper, and you’ll discover that self-actualization can become a distraction from our ultimate purpose in life and that is to worship Allah SWT and become His Khalifah.
Think of these mantras:
You are the author of your own story.
Create the life you deserve.
Believe in yourself.
You are your own destiny.
Each of these statements sounds empowering, but they require two abilities that no human possesses:
- Complete Knowledge of Your Future
To self-actualize, you need to know what your “best self” looks like. This is where vision boards, 10-year plans, and detailed life blueprints come in. You’re claiming to know what’s good for you in the future. - Complete Control Over All Variables
Self-actualization demands precise orchestration of your life. You must manage time to the minute. Outcomes must be engineered. Nothing can be left to chance.
Do you see the problem? In pursuit of self-actualization, we’re not just trying to better ourselves, we’re trying to become mini-gods.
Allah SWT says in the Quran:
أَرَءَيْتَ مَنِ ٱتَّخَذَ إِلَـٰهَهُۥ هَوَىٰهُ أَفَأَنتَ تَكُونُ عَلَيْهِ وَكِيلًا
Have you seen ˹O Prophet˺ the one who has taken their own desires as their god? Will you then be a keeper over them?
(Quran 25:43)
Self-actualization teaches that the universe should bend to our desires. It makes you believe you’re the center of the universe. It neglects the responsibilities you have towards others and forces you to “pursue your dreams/passions” at all costs.
Islam offers a healthy alternative. Instead of self-actualization, we’re called to become the best version of ourselves not for our own sake, but as devoted slaves (‘Abd) of Allah SWT.
Our purpose isn’t to fulfill our personal dreams and desires. Our purpose is twofold:
- To be Allah’s devoted slaves (‘Abd Allah)
This means we dedicate our lives to improving ourselves for the sake of Allah SWT. - To be Allah’s vicegerent (Khalifah) on earth
This means using our talents and resources not just for personal gain, but to fulfill our responsibilities, improve our communities, establish justice, and make the world better for all of Allah’s creation.
What does this mean in practice?
Imagine your desire to become a doctor or write a book or become a politician. You don’t set these goals for your own sake, you set these goals in the spirit of how it helps you become a better ‘Abd of Allah and better Khalifah.
How do we pursue self-improvement without falling into the trap of self-actualization? Here are three practical shifts:
When you stop trying to pursue your own desires and align your goals/intentions to be the best ‘Abd of Allah, you’ll find peace and Barakah in your life.
I’m not suggesting you abandon all goals or stop improving. I’m suggesting you change the why behind your efforts.
The irony? When you stop trying to self-actualize, you often achieve more than you imagined. This happens because you’re aligned with Allah’s plan instead of fighting against it.
Remember—your life’s purpose isn’t self-actualization. Your life’s purpose is to worship Allah. Don’t let any self-help book or guru convince you otherwise.
