بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Table of contents:
Nowadays, these two words, Growth Mindset and Static/Fixed Mindset, are typically heard on internet through mouth of professors, scientists, etc. But what are these? And how does it concern us? All these questions will be answered on this blog, Inshallah.
1.What is Growth mindset & Static mindset?
As coined by Dr. Carol Dawek, Growth mindset, as the name suggests, is a belief that intellect, skills, wisdom, abilities, etc. are not fixed, but can be developed through hard work, learning, and perseverance.
Its opposite is Static mindset, the stubborn belief that your growth is limited and fixed to these terms and no amount of work can change it.
This is something seen in our society and school.
People beforehand give a tag or identity to kids or even adults, which sets a virtual boundary around that individual, giving him a sense of confinement that he has to abide by that identity.
In school, (some) teachers say that "you can't develop in life, you are stupid, weak, etc."
In society, people give tags, "You are stupid, you won't be able to handle responsibilities in future, you won't be able to achieve something good in life etc."
Although saying such harsh statements, speakers have their own reasons which they give,
but looking at a bigger picture, they do more harm than good, and instead of appearing wise in the eyes of men, their short-sighted words / actions only make them appear ignorant.Cause in reality humans are constantly evolving and aren't confined to a specific identity or personality.
As said by Alan Watts:
You are under no obligation to be the same person you were 5 minutes ago.
2. Islamic & scientist perspective
With a general view in your mind, let's look at what Islam and science has to say about it.
As per research by Draganoskii 2004, changes in brain matter included by training ,in nature:
Brain can grow and adapt through learning and practices, a concept known as neuroplasticity.
Another study by Moser JS ,2011 published in Psychological Science revealed that
People who seek failure as a learning opportunity demonstrate improved problem-solving and creativity.
So, cutting in short,
the more the failure, the more the growth.
In Islam, this concept is further highlighted indirectly as a part of higher spiritual growth.
Imam Ibn Qayyum said,"Trials are like fire that purifies gold. It separates the impurities and enhances its qualities."Al fawaid, pg 157
Just like gold has impurities in it, so does a human.
Without appropriate separation techniques. These impurities can't be separated.People without knowledge are too afraid of these trials and tends to run away from them hence remain as it is, (impure). But the ones with knowledge and wisdom knows the importance of these trials.
Though they also feel fear, despite that they stand firm, unfazed in the face of trials and ask Allah for strength and courage to face them bravely, which ultimately leads them to refinement from their impure self and catalyzes character development.
They have in their mind that they are born to endure and work like the ox, not to amuse themselves like the sheep.
3. How to achieve Growth mindset?
A Muslim work contains two things primarily.
1. Intention.
2. Efforts.
Before starting anything, we need to understand these two things and to embody them as well.
First, We need the right intention that why are we doing this. Is it to please the Duniya or to please Allah? Your intentions won't be 100% sincere most of the time in pleasing Allah, so you need to recalibrate your mind constantly to align it with the right direction(To please Allah).
The next thing obviously are efforts. You need to do justice with yourself and provide the adequate efforts, which most of us fail to do due to our own laziness.
The similitude of intentions and actions is like a man who is entrapped in a room surrounded by flames. In order to get out, he needs to have the right intention, but at the same time need to input adequate efforts to get out safely.
Here is a plan in short to set up on the path of achieving growth mindset:
1. Acquire righteous knowledge:
Knowledge which is beneficial to your life as well as afterlife and does not promote haram. Avoid rushing in your pursuit of knowledge. Be patient.
It doesn't matter how many books you go through but what truly matters is how many books go through you.
2. Implementation:
Imam Abu Hanifa saidKnowledge without action is like a tree without fruit.Akbar Al-Fiqh.
Make a habit of applying to your life whatever you read, directly or indirectly.
3. Dawa:(inviting others towards it)
After you start the above with 100% effort then call others too towards it. The way of dawa should be such that others should not get irritated nor annoyed / bored from the call. That is, the frequency should be appropriate , call with love and gentleness.
4. Being steadfast:
All good is met with forces of strong opposition from evil, and so will you and your actions when you are on the right track. That is the true test of proving to Allah whether you are worthy for growth or not.
You have to patiently preserve ,make a lot of sacrifices, face hardships, etc. But at the end of the day, it's all gonna be worth it, Inshallah.
Keeping all this in mind, just start challenging your mindset today. The aim is to achieve growth in order to earn pleasures of Allah.
The Messenger ﷺ said:A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah.Reference::Sahih Muslim
With consistent iterations, you will, Inshallah, achieve your desired goals.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving a growth mindset is not just about developing skills but aligning your efforts and intentions with a higher purpose—to please Allah. Both science and Islam emphasize that growth comes through trials, learning, and perseverance. By acquiring righteous knowledge, implementing it, inviting others with wisdom, and remaining steadfast in the face of hardships, we can overcome a static mindset and unlock our potential. The key lies in consistency, sincerity, and reliance on Allah’s help.
اللهم مُصَرِّفَ الْقُلُوْبِ صَرِّفْ قُلُوْبَنَا عَلَى طَاعتِكَ
O Allah! Controller of the hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience
Ameen.
Comment down any question or dought you have regarding islam and its doctrines. Future blogs will inshallah include the solution to them ☺️
Fiqh & hadith related doughts will be explained by ulema of the specific fields inshallah
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