A Comparative Study of Self-Confidence from the Perspectives of Quran, Ahadith and Psychology

• Main Authors: Sayyed Ali Mostajaboldavati, Fatemeh khansanami, shabanali khansanami
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Qom University of Medical Sciences 2017-03-01
• Series: Health, Spirituality and Medical Ethics
• Subjects: Mental Health; Mental Hygiene; Psychology and Religion; Self- confidence; Self-esteem.
• Online Access: http://jhsme.muq.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-36-6&slc_lang=en&sid=1

Background and Objectives: Self-confidence, referring to relying on and exploiting individual abilities and talents for realizing spiritual and material prosperity, not only contradicts but is in agreement with and a prerequisite for faith in God. Practically, the greater faith in God one has, the more potent self-confidence he /she possess. Investigating the subject of self-confidence from the perspectives of Quran, Ahadith and psychology, this study explores the meaning of self (soul) in self-confidence and its levels, the prerequisites for development and enhancement of self-confidence, the association of self-concept and self-esteem with self-confidence, and the approaches to develop and enhance positive self-concept as well as to boost self-confidence. Methods: The data of this descriptive review article were gathered from library and digital references. Results: Although it appears that self-confidence contradicts Islamic teachings, it can be clearly understood that this teaching subject is confirmed and emphasized in Islamic teachings by discovery of its true meaning. Conclusion: If having self-confidence is meant to rely on and exploiting individual abilities and talents to reach material and spiritual prosperity, it not only does not contradict but is in agreement with and a prerequisite for faith in God. Self in self- confidence indeed means human as a combination of the body and the spirit which is fully consistent with indices of self-confidence. According to psychologists, improving self-esteem and positive self-concept affects self-confidence directly. From perspective of religion, paying attention to venerability and God-given dignity of human, recognizing the superb purpose in life, etc. are approaches to develop and enhance positive self-concept and self-esteem, and to boost self-confidence.