Title: The Limit of our Dependence on God Question: In the last few decades, there has been great interest in a way of thinking called "Positive Thinking." Psychologists, social scientists and professional motivators have developed this concept into something of a science. You have undoubtedly heard of these "self-help" sciences designed to help people "take control of their lives," They have become very popular, having millions of adherents throughout the world. While it is impossible to condense the ideas of this field in a few sentences, I am, nevertheless presenting the main gist of it. The two major points are: Never give up trying to achieve your goals in the face of hardships. Prime yourself when facing a difficult situation by telling yourself positive things like, "I can do it," "I am worthy of the task," "I am the best there is," "I am really great" etc. This will set a positive frame of mind that will dispel defeatist inclinations and increase chances of success. While the first point is admirable, I tend to have a problem with the second. It indicates an undue attitude of independence and self-reliance. Further, it can also encourage false confidence and arrogance. Do you agree that following the second point can lead to this kind of thinking? Shouldn't we be more dependent on Allah for success in different aspects of ours lives (eg success in academics, success in our careers etc.)? I suppose the real heart of this question is, to what extent can we depend on our own talents, hard work, and time put into our endeavors to achieve worldly success? To what extent are we dependent on Allah for worldly success? Atif Rehman Pakistan Answer: I tend to agree with you that there is a thin line separating self-confidence and false or over confidence. Over confidence not only has the potential of leading to arrogance - in the case of success in one's endeavors - but, on the other extreme, also has the potential of leading to hopelessness, despair and depression - in the case of continued failure. A true believer places all his hopes in God and ascribes all his abilities to God's grace, mercy and special favors. Such a person, after having fully recognized the control that God has over his circumstances as well as over the hearts and minds of individuals affecting his life, is always confident about his future and the outcome of his efforts. There is no limit on the confidence of such an individual, yet failure never despairs or disheartens him, for such an individual accepts all of God's decisions as based on His all encompassing knowledge, absolute wisdom and overwhelming mercy. For a true believer, statements of confidence would indeed be modified to reflect his ever-active and living belief in God. Thus, a confident believer would be more inclined towards saying to himself: "I can do it, with the help of my Merciful and Loving Creator ", " God has made me worthy of the task," " God has given me incomparable qualities and all successes and failures in life shall help me recognize these qualities". You ask: To what extent are we dependent on Allah for worldly success? The next breath of fresh air that I think I will breathe in my lungs would only be possible if God will allow me to take it in. Our dependence on God is beyond all limits. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad December 8, 2002