From Inferiority Complex to Gratitude
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
When the light spreads on the horizon on the morning of Eid, and a gentle wave of happiness runs through the hearts, this joy is not just the name of new clothes, sweet gifts, or outward splendor, but it is a declaration of the feeling that the servant, bowing before his Lord, recognizing the blessings bestowed upon him, is making a new beginning in life with a sense of gratitude. This is the moment when a person can look inside himself to see if he is wandering in the darkness of inferiority complex or has illuminated his heart with the light of gratitude.
Inferiority complex is like a silent poison, which slowly seeps into a person's heart and mind, hollowing out his personality. It is a state in which a person begins to consider himself inferior, worthless, and unsuccessful compared to others. He ignores his own qualities and considers the lives of others as a complete picture, belittling his own situation. Thus, he unconsciously begins to question the distribution of Allah Almighty, although the reality is that every human being is a complete creation in his own place, whom Allah Almighty has created in the best way:
“لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ”
This feeling usually arises from comparison. When a person weighs his life in the balance of the apparent happiness of others, his world seems colorless to him.
While Allah Almighty says:
ولا تتمنوا ما فضل الله به بعضكم على بعض
(Al-Nisa:32)
But despite this, the glitter of social media, the harshness of domestic attitudes, the deprivations of childhood, or repeated failures further deepen this feeling. Especially women, who are naturally sensitive, are more likely to fall victim to this condition due to social pressure, artificial standards of beauty, and the ups and downs of relationships. As a result, their self-confidence is hurt, jealousy and envy are born in their hearts, and even in worship, they do not find the pleasure that a contented heart enjoys.
Islam has given a very beautiful principle to man to get out of this darkness, and that is piety and gratitude. The Holy Quran clearly declares:
“إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ”
That is, the standard of honor and excellence in the sight of Allah is neither wealth, nor beauty, nor lineage; but piety. When this reality is established in the heart, man stops comparing himself with others and connects with his Lord, and this connection gives him peace.
The real cure for inferiority complex is for a person to light the lamp of gratitude within himself.
God's command is:
لئن شکرتم لازیدنکم
(Ibrahim:7)
If you are grateful, I will give you more.
Gratitude is not just a few words spoken by the tongue, but it is a state of heart and a behavior of action. When a person begins to recognize even the smallest blessings in his life, the feeling of deprivation automatically disappears from his heart.
“لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ”
This promise is a bright ray of hope for man that gratitude not only preserves blessings but also increases them.
The Holy Prophet ﷺ also gave a very wise principle that a person should look at those who are inferior to him, not at those who are superior to him, so that he does not underestimate the blessings of Allah. This teaching is actually a practical way to awaken the sense of gratitude. When a person sees those who are in less fortunate circumstances than himself, a feeling of gratitude arises in his heart and he begins to consider his life a blessing.
Gratitude is a state that gives peace to the heart, light to the face, and blessing to life. It gives a person self-confidence, makes him a well-wisher for others, and brings him closer to Allah. A grateful person never suffers from inferiority complex, because he knows that whatever he has is the result of Allah's wisdom and love.
The occasion of Eid is actually a practical picture of this sense of gratitude. After a month of worship, patience, and sacrifice, when a person celebrates Eid, he is actually declaring that, O Allah! You gave me the ability, I fasted, I sought Your pleasure, and now I am grateful for Your gifts. In such a situation, if any kind of inferiority complex remains in the heart, it is tantamount to deprivation from the true spirit of Eid.
There is a need that we should not limit this Eid to mere outward joys but examine our hearts. Recognize the inferiority complex hidden within us, entrust it to Allah, and adopt the path of gratitude. Acknowledge your qualities, be happy for the blessings of others, and thank Allah for your blessings. This is the way of thinking that can lead us to inner peace, true happiness, and the pleasure of Allah.
In the end, it can be said that every human being, especially every woman, is a beautiful creation of Allah, who has been blessed with some quality. When she recognizes her worth and learns to thank her Lord for His blessings, the shadows of inferiority complex disappear from her heart and she moves towards a peaceful, dignified, and happy life. This is the real success that the message of Eid gives us every year.
So, O dignified readers of the women's corner! On this Eid, turn the direction of your heart, stop comparing, adopt gratitude, and write *Alhamdulillah* on every page of your life.
Believe me, in the heart in which gratitude descends, there is no feeling of deprivation or inferiority left, when the spark of gratitude rises from the ashes of inferiority complex, the human existence becomes light, and this light illuminates the future of societies.
The journey of inferiority complex ends where the servant says: *O Lord, whatever You have given is better for me*