1. THE
PSYCHOLOGY
OF SELF
AL MA’ROOF LECTURE SERIES
SESSION – 1
DATE: 06.06.2009
- Yasir Ahmed
TIME: 7.00 PM

2. The story of Osama ibn Zayeed
The self perception of the Muslim Ummah

3. What is self psychology ?
Its not just about feeling good about yourself
Its not a quick fix
The sky is the limit
The rewards of a positive self image

4. “I cannot think of a single psychological problem from
anxiety and depression, to fear of intimacy or of
success, to alcohol or drug abuse to
underachievement at school or at work, to spouse
battering or child molestation to sexual dysfunction
or emotional immaturity to suicide and crimes of
violence, that is not traceable to the problem of poor
self esteem”
- Dr. Nathaniel Branden, Psychotherapist

5. References :
The psychology of high self esteem by Dr. Nathaniel
Branden
Self Image Psychology by Br. Yasir Fazaaqa

6. Self Concept
What is self concept ?
Self concept is destiny
Some questions to ask..
Self concept reflects ambitions
Passive resignation

7. Living consciously
Consciousness is not automatic
A commitment to awareness
John and Jim at work
Why people choose to live unconsciously

8. Living consciously (cont..)
Living consciously is to pay attention to what brings you
joy and sorrow
Living consciously means to take responsibility for the
choices of your actions and results
Consciousness is not equal in all areas of life
The tragedy of living unconsciously
Some questions to ask..

9. Self acceptance
This is the challenge of living consciously
Lets start with the physical aspect
In a party..
Accepting reality – You cannot leave a place you
haven’t been in

10. Self acceptance (cont..)
Acceptance of faults is not the final say on things
Denying assets
Self acceptance leads to change in behaviour

11. Guilt
Why we suffer from guilt – By whose value systems do
you judge your behaviour ?
Pseudo guilt – undealt resentment
Dealing with legitimate guilt
Getting rid of it

12. Guilt (cont..)
Generalising our faults
Guilty of assets ?
Allah wants you to be progressive – suffering is easy

13. The self at relationships
The pain and challenge of leaving home
The more we work on ourselves, the more appropriate
our relationships
Good friends are compassionate but not self
sacrificing
Choosing the right friend – The blacksmith and the
perfume seller

14. Allah honours the human being !

15. Thank you