In a world driven by constant comparison, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Social media, peer pressure, and societal expectations often lead us to measure our success against others. But here’s the truth: Your journey is yours alone, and your competition isn’t other people, it’s much deeper than that.
Your real competition is your own procrastination, your ego, your nafs (self), the fitnah (temptations) you expose yourself to, your lack of modesty, the unhealthy food you consume, the knowledge (ilm) you neglect, the negative behaviors you nurture, and your lack of action. Compete against that. The race is not against the person next to you; it’s against the weaknesses within you.
Break Your Own Limits, Not Someone Else’s
While you’re busy comparing yourself to others, you’re missing the point. Your life isn’t about outdoing someone else’s achievements; it’s about breaking your own limits. Every step forward should be measured against where you were yesterday, not where someone else is today. True success lies in outgrowing your past self, in refining your character, in aligning your life with the teachings of Allah.
Remember, Allah has a unique plan for each of us. What someone else is doing is part of their journey, not yours. The Quran reminds us, “And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing” (An Nisa:32). This verse calls us to focus on our blessings and challenges, not to covet what others have.
Compete in What Truly Matters
If you must compete, let it be in righteousness and good deeds. Compete in being the best version of yourself that pleases Allah. Your goal should be to exceed your own past actions in piety, kindness, and generosity.
Focus on the quiet battles within: overcoming laziness, silencing the ego, and resisting temptations. These are the true tests. While the world is obsessed with superficial victories, your focus should be on spiritual growth, on mastering your desires, and on fulfilling the purpose for which you were created.
Plan to Outdo Your Past, Not Other People
When you look back on your life, it won’t be about how you compared to others, but how you improved yourself. Did you conquer your inner battles? Did you replace bad habits with good ones? Did you live a life that reflected the teachings of Islam?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Envy is only permissible in two cases: a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom, and he acts according to it and teaches it to others” (Sahih al-Bukhari 73). If you find yourself envious, let it be for someone’s piety or their good deeds—not their worldly success.
Neglecting Your Responsibility to Yourself
While you’re busy focusing on what others are doing, you’re neglecting what Allah has asked you to do. You’re losing sight of your responsibility to yourself—your spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. This life is a test, and your focus should be on passing it with excellence.
The distractions of this world are endless, but your mission is clear: To strive for a life that pleases Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) reminded us, “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death”. Your time is limited; don’t waste it on comparisons.
Your journey is yours alone, and your competition is with no one but yourself. Keep your eyes on your path, your heart on your goals, and your mind on what truly matters. Let your life be a testimony to your growth, your faith, and your dedication to becoming the best version of yourself in the eyes of Allah.
