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<\/p>\nRabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za<\/p>\n
31 March 2026<\/p>\n
5-minute read<\/p>\n
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When learning to drive, we\u2019ve all been taught to check our blind spot.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe danger of bind spots is that they silently shape our lives while we remain unaware,\u201d 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 \u201cwe stop defending ourselves and start discovering ourselves.\u201d In uncovering and not denying our blind spots, we will be able to progress and grow.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cThe more we justify our habits, the less we question them.\u201d To recognise your blind spots and challenge the version of yourself that you have become comfortable with requires courage.<\/p>\n
People struggle to see their own faults because \u201cthe nafs loves comfort and hates exposure,\u201d 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: \u201cThe intelligent one is the one who takes account of himself.\u201d {Tirmidhi} Self accountability is tough because it requires honesty without excuses. Those who confront their faults earns clarity that is the beginning of transformation.<\/p>\n
Another reason is emotional attachment to one\u2019s 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 \u2013 by acknowledging your faults, you are not destroying but refining yourself.<\/p>\n
Blinds spots are often hidden in habits. Common daily blind spots include:<\/p>\n
To uncover blind spots, one should:<\/p>\n
\u201cFeedback is a mirror you cannot create for yourself,\u201d says Mufti, because others see an angle of you that you will never see yourself. Accept constructive criticism with sincerity and humility \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
Mufti pointed out that \u201cArrogance places a veil over the heart.\u201d 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 \u201cecho chamber\u201d \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
Mufti Yusuf shared some practical ways to reduce blind spots:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal is not perfection, it is progress.\u201d The mindset to grow beyond our blind spots is to implement the 3H\u2019s – humility, honesty and a hunger for improvement. Growth begins when you accept: \u201cthere are things about me that I do not see.\u201d 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: \u201cInstead of protecting your ego, protect your Aakhirah; instead of proving your right, focus on becoming better!\u201d<\/p>\n