Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

31 March 2026

5-minute read

When learning to drive, we’ve all been taught to check our blind spot.  But in relation to personal development, blind spots are character traits or behaviours in ourselves that others can clearly see but that we ourselves fail to notice. For example, you may believe that you are a kind person, but others could feel hurt by what you say. Or you may think yourself to be humble, but your tone carries pride.

“The danger of bind spots is that they silently shape our lives while we remain unaware,” states Mufti Yusuf Moosagie in his discussion on the topic. These are hidden realities: where deep down we are aware of our own faults, but we refuse to acknowledge them. True growth, however, can only begin when “we stop defending ourselves and start discovering ourselves.” In uncovering and not denying our blind spots, we will be able to progress and grow.

Blind spots form gradually through repeated behaviour and unchecked personal assumptions, and as time passes, they harden into identity, defining who we are, and preventing change. “The more we justify our habits, the less we question them.” To recognise your blind spots and challenge the version of yourself that you have become comfortable with requires courage.

People struggle to see their own faults because “the nafs loves comfort and hates exposure,” says Muti Saheb. The ego justifies itself by conjecting excuses and blaming others. An imbalance comes about when we accept our own intentions but judge others for their actions. Nabi SAW warned us: “The intelligent one is the one who takes account of himself.” {Tirmidhi} Self accountability is tough because it requires honesty without excuses. Those who confront their faults earns clarity that is the beginning of transformation.

Another reason is emotional attachment to one’s self-image, an internal narrative of constantly justifying oneself. When evidence challenges this narrative, the mind rejects it. To overcome this, one must separate identity from behaviour – by acknowledging your faults, you are not destroying but refining yourself.

Blinds spots are often hidden in habits. Common daily blind spots include:

• Speaking the truth harshly
• Interrupting others but thinking of oneself as engaging
• Constantly advising others and dismissing their opinions, but refusing to take advice
• Laziness masquerading as rest
• Pride that one thinks is self-respect
• Sacrificing while silently building resentment
• Dismissing others
• Always needing to be right
• Avoiding difficult conversations and giving the silent treatment
• Subtle communication patterns like tone and body language
• Arrogance, envy and insincerity that does not show on the outside but shapes everything within.

To uncover blind spots, one should:

1. Practice intentional reflection – pause and step back
2. Accept sincere feedback from people who care about you
3. Observe recurring outcomes like conflict and misunderstanding
4. Journal daily interactions and emotions – notice triggers and habits to build honest awareness.

“Feedback is a mirror you cannot create for yourself,” says Mufti, because others see an angle of you that you will never see yourself. Accept constructive criticism with sincerity and humility – take what is beneficial and leave what is harmful. Instead of feeling attacked, reflect without resisting and listen without reacting, use feedback as a tool for self-mastery.

Mufti pointed out that “Arrogance places a veil over the heart.” You cannot grow and improve if you believe there is no one better than yourself. We are warned by Nabi SAW not to walk with haughtiness on the earth. Arrogance is sometimes hidden in subtle ways and can isolate a person from honest relationships as well as distance him or her from Allah. People with arrogance in their hearts constantly require an “echo chamber” – a space where they only like to hear what confirms their beliefs and focuses on their own selves. It is here that spiritual growth becomes stagnant; when pride that your way is the only way becomes prevalent in your life. So while the outward may look good, the inner is fragile.

Mufti Yusuf shared some practical ways to reduce blind spots:

• Self-accountability and introspection – daily; ask yourself where you’ve gone wrong and who you’ve hurt, and what you can do better.
• Pause to observe and reflect instead of choosing to react.
• Surround yourself with the good company of sincere people.
• Make dua to recognise and rectify your faults.
• Be consistent in trying to pinpoint your blind spots and working on them.

“The goal is not perfection, it is progress.” The mindset to grow beyond our blind spots is to implement the 3H’s – humility, honesty and a hunger for improvement. Growth begins when you accept: “there are things about me that I do not see.” Discovering a blind spot in yourself can hurt and challenge your self-image, but that discomfort is a sign of growth. The journey to refinement of character is a lifelong one. Change does not happen overnight – when desires lead, clarity disappears. A heart affected by pride and envy loses the ability for clarity. Mufti Moosagie concluded with the pertinent advice: “Instead of protecting your ego, protect your Aakhirah; instead of proving your right, focus on becoming better!”

Listen to the full discussion with Ml Ibrahim Daya and Mufti Yusuf Moosagie here.