The Power of Effort and Attitude
- Post by: thorrodinson
- 30 October 2024
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In life, we often encounter moments that remind us how little control we truly have. We face joys and sorrows, achievements and setbacks, and countless situations that are simply beyond our influence. This brings to mind the wisdom in the words of Steven McNutt, “In life, the only two things you can control are your effort and your attitude. Everything else is not up to you.” From an Islamic perspective, this message resonates deeply with the concepts of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and personal accountability.
Trust in Allah and Human Responsibility
Islam teaches that Allah is the ultimate planner of all things, and while we make choices within our lives, our circumstances and outcomes are ultimately in His hands. This does not mean we sit idle. Instead, we are encouraged to take action—putting in our best effort and maintaining a positive attitude—while trusting that Allah will handle the rest.
The Qur’an states: “…And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly, Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.” (Quran 65:2-3). Here, we see the balance between human effort and divine trust: our responsibility is to exert effort, but our reliance is on Allah.
Effort as a Form of Worship
In Islam, effort is not merely a worldly pursuit; it is a form of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of hard work, reminding us that even small, sincere efforts are valued by Allah. By putting in effort, we fulfill our duty as Allah’s stewards on Earth, as noted in the verse: “Tell ˹them, O Prophet˺, ‘Do as you will. Your deeds will be observed by Allah, His Messenger, and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the seen and unseen, then He will inform you of what you used to do.'” (Quran 9:105).
This mindset encourages Muslims to view their endeavors as opportunities to grow closer to Allah, regardless of the outcome. Whether we achieve success or face setbacks, our efforts are recognized and rewarded by Allah.
Attitude and Sabr (Patience)
In addition to effort, Islam emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. This is best exemplified through sabr, or patience. Life often brings unexpected challenges, and while we cannot control these events, we can choose to respond with patience and gratitude.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” (Sahih Muslim 2999). This attitude—embracing both good and bad with faith—is an essential part of the Muslim character.
Surrendering Control
Ultimately, Islam teaches that while we have agency over our actions and attitudes, we do not have control over every aspect of life. Accepting this reality allows us to release our worries and anxieties, placing our trust in Allah’s wisdom. As humans, we plan and strive, but we accept that our ultimate success and well-being are in Allah’s hands.
This surrender to Allah’s plan is not a passive resignation but a purposeful choice to focus on what we can do: approach life with humility and a positive outlook, believing that all events are part of Allah’s perfect plan.
Final Thoughts
Steven McNutt’s words offer a reminder that aligns closely with Islamic teachings: our focus should be on our effort and our attitude, trusting that everything else is in Allah’s control. In doing so, we live a balanced life of action and trust, knowing that we have done our best and leaving the rest to Allah. This perspective brings both peace and a sense of purpose in everything we do, knowing that Allah’s wisdom encompasses all that we cannot see or understand.
For Muslims, incorporating effort and a positive attitude means regularly renewing intentions, persevering with faith through both challenges and successes, and ultimately drawing closer to Allah through each of life’s experiences.