What the Quran Teaches Us About Having the Right Attitude
Quran Verses About Attitude, Qiratul Quran will guide you about the Quran is filled with wisdom about cultivating the right mindset and behavior as a Muslim. While God’s revelations focus on lofty matters like faith and righteousness, there are also plenty of down-to-earth lessons on having a good attitude in day-to-day life.
As someone who grew up Muslim, I’ve come to appreciate that the Quran doesn’t just call us to ritual acts of worship. It also transforms us from the inside out, molding our character so that we carry ourselves with honor and humility.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
One of my favorite passages is when the Quran tells us not to get caught up complaining about what we don’t have. I mean, sure, it would be nice to have a bigger house or a faster car. But as long as I have the basics – food, shelter, family, and health – I should be thankful to the Almighty.
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌۭ
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.” (Quran 14:7)
Being content with God’s provisions prevents us from falling into envy, greed, or self-pity. It really helps me stop sweating the small stuff when I reflect on this verse.
Think the Best of People
The Quran warns believers not to negatively judge others without proof – great advice in today’s polarized world! Assuming the ill someone just breeds negativity in our own hearts. We’re encouraged to maintain purity of thought by thinking positively of people as much as we can.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ كَثِيرًۭا مِّنَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِثْمٌۭ ۖ
“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin…” (Quran 49:12)
Turn the Other Cheek
As a kid, I’d get really upset when someone wronged me. The Quran however tells us to repay harm with good – to essentially “turn the other cheek.” This takes serious self-restraint! But responding to ugliness with moral beauty makes me a better person overall.
وَلَا تَسْتَوِى ٱلْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا ٱلسَّيِّئَةُ ۚ ٱدْفَعْ بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُۥ عَدَٰوَةٌۭ كَأَنَّهُۥ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيمٌۭ
“Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” (Quran 41:34)
Patience is a Virtue
Being patient in adversity has been one of the toughest parts of growing my faith. But it grows reliance on God when I can’t handle a situation myself. The Quran praises those who persevere through challenges.
وَٱصْبِرْ وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ ۚ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا تَكُ فِى ضَيْقٍۢ مِّمَّا يَمْكُرُونَ
“And be patient, [O Muhammad], and your patience is not but through Allah…” (Quran 16:127)
Stay Humble, Don’t Get Cocky
Arrogance and pride are huge no-nos in Islam. When I start feeling boastful or self-important, I’m reminded that being humble keeps me centered and down-to-earth. Success is a gift from above, not something to get cocky about.
وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍۢ فَخُورٍۢ
“…And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.” (Quran 31:18)
Be Slow to Anger
One verse describes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as being “kind” and “lenient” when dealing with people. This has inspired me to speak gently and react calmly rather than flying off the handle when I’m upset.
فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَ ۖ
“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.” (Quran 3:159)
Seek Consensus
The Quran advocates mutual consultation when making decisions. As a teen, I thought my parents were crazy strict. Later I realized they often consulted us kids when making household rules. It made us feel valued, even when we disagreed.
فَٱعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
“…And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (Quran 3:159)
Make Amends for Mistakes
I’ve had to swallow my pride many times and apologize for hurting someone, even inadvertently. The Quran encourages sincerely repenting to God and making things right with others when we slip up.
وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُوا۟ فَـٰحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسْتَغْفَرُوا۟ لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَن يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُوا۟ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ
“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.” (Quran 3:135)
To me, the Quran’s guidance on attitude comes down to mastering self-control – controlling anger, ego, jealousy, assumptions about others, and other inner demons. Developing character, humility, and virtue is a lifelong endeavor. I’m grateful the Quran gives us the roadmap.
