Emotional Intelligence, often referred to as Emotional Quotient, is the ability, skill or a self-perceived ability to identify, assess and control the emotions of oneself, of others, and of groups. EI is our ability to acquire and apply knowledge from our emotions and the emotions of others in order to solve problems, and live a more successful and peaceful life. In short, Emotional Intelligence is all about controlling one’s emotions and applying it in the right degree at the right time.
Steve Hein defines EI as “the combination of innate emotional sensitivity with learned emotional management skills which together lead to long term happiness and survival.” EI comprises Self Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness and Relationship Management.
A study shows that, for all levels of jobs, Emotional Intelligence competencies are twice as effective as IQ in determining an individual’s success rate. A research also shows that the higher the level of a position in an organisation, the more Emotional Intelligence seems to matter; Executive Leaders show an 85% correlation between Emotional Intelligence competency and success. According to a research 20% of IQ and 80% of EQ is required for the success of a person at a job.
Emotions are given their due place of importance in all Islamic teachings as fundamental elements of the human soul. Islam teaches moderation in everything, aiming to create equilibrium so that one is always at peace with one’s self, the universe and Allah the Exalted. It is advised to avoid extremes in negative or positive emotions, as any extreme is destructive if left uncontrolled. For example, extreme happiness leads to indulgence in excesses to give a false sense of celebration. While extreme sadness leads to being destructive to one’s self and others as his stress and tension might lead him to commit suicide and perform an unwanted act.
Allah says in the Qur’ān, “In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult (in pride) over what He has given you…” (Qur’ān 57:23). In this verse Allah states that, we have been made aware of the fact about the calamities so that it could have been avoided and so that you may also not be proud over gaining a benefit, imagining that it is the fruit of your own capabilities. Rather you should be patient over loss and thankful over gains because everything is from Allah. This trust in One God only creates courage in man and prepares him to fulfil his responsibility.
It is natural for a man to be sorrowful when a calamity befalls him. But if he does not weep and waits for long and also does not complain against Allah and takes shelter in patience, he will not be punished just for being sorrowful. Likewise, it is also natural for him to feel happy when he gets some bounty. But it is condemnable if he becomes proud and boasts of his achievements.
The concept of emotional intelligence can be understood with the following factors:
i. Self Discovery: It is the ability to know one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, drives, values and goals and recognise their impact on others while using gut feelings to guide decisions. The Qur’ān holistically speaks about man so that he can discover himself and know himself much better. It basically speaks about the creation, nature, responsibility, trials and his return in detail.
Regarding the creation of man, man was created from one soul (Qur’ān 4:1, 6:98, 7:189, 15:29, 32:9, 38:72 and 39:6). Man was created from clay (Qur’ān 6:2, 7:12, 15:26, 15:33, 23:12, 38:76, 32:7, 38:71 and 55:14). Man was created with a drop of sperm (Qur’ān 16:4, 18:37, 22:6, 23:13, 25:54, 35:11, 36:77, 40:67, 76:2, 80:19 and 86:6-7). Man was created from dust (Qur’ān 18:37, 22:6, 30:20, 35:11 and 40:67). Man was created from nothing (Qur’ān 19:9). Man was created from man and female (Qur’ān 49:13 and 75:39). Man was created from the earth (Qur’ān 53:32). Man was created from a clinging substance (Qur’ān 96:2).
Regarding the nature of man, man will love women, sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, branded horses, cattle and tilted land (Qur’ān 3:14 and 89:20). Man is created weak (Qur’ān 4:28). When problem touches man, he calls Allah and when Allah removes the problem, he continues to disobey Allah (Qur’ān 10:12, 39:49, 41:49-51 and 89:15-16). Man wrongs himself (Qur’ān 10:44). Man is despairing and ungrateful (Qur’ān 11:9). Man is exultant and boastful (Qur’ān 11:10). Man is ungrateful (Qur’ān 12:38, 17:67, 40:61, 42:48 and 100:6). Man does not believe (Qur’ān 13:1).
Man is impatient (Qur’ān 17:11, 21:37 and 70:20). Man is stingy (Qur’ān 17:100). Man is prone to dispute (Qur’ān 18:54). Man is unjust and ignorant (Qur’ān 33: 72). Man is not exhausted of supplicating for good things (Qur’ān 41:49). Man is anxious (Qur’ān 70:19). Man is in the best of stature (Qur’ān 95:4). Man is a transgressor (Qur’ān 96:6). Most of the characteristics mentioned above are negative by this we can understand that man has many negative qualities and he should strive to overcome them so that he can becomes a better person.
Regarding the responsibilities of man in the Qur’ān, man has to worship Allah (Qur’ān 2:21 and 51:56). Man is responsible for himself (Qur’ān 5:105). Man should not let Satan to tempt him (Qur’ān 7:27). Man should believe in Allah and His Messenger (Qur’ān 7:158). Man should change what is within himself (Qur’ān 8:43 and 13:11). Man should be just, display good conduct, generous towards relatives, forbid immorality, bad conduct and oppression (Qur’ān 16:90). Man should not worship anyone except Allah and to be kind to his parents (Qur’ān 17:23). Man should not approach the property of the orphan and fulfil his commitment (Qur’ān 17:34). Man should be honest in measuring and weighing (Qur’ān 17: 35). Man should not follow about which he has no knowledge (Qur’ān 17:36). Man should fear Allah (Qur’ān 22:1 and 31:33).
Regarding the trials of man, the Qur’ān says man will be tested with fear of hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits (Qur’ān 2:155). Man will be tested through what he is given (Qur’ān 6:165). Man will be tested by his properties and his children (Qur’ān 8:28). Man will be tested to see which of them is best in deeds (Qur’ān 11:7 and 18:7). Man will be tested with evil and good (Qur’ān 21:35, 39:49 and 89:15-16). Man will be tested by people (Qur’ān 25:20). Man will be tested with death and life (Qur’ān 67:2). Man was created to be tested (Qur’ān 76:2).
After speaking about the creation, nature, responsibility, trials and the return of man, Allah gives a designation to man. He says in the Qur’ān, “And (mention, O Muhammad), when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a vicegerent”…” (Qur’ān 2:30). Thus, Allah has appointed man as his vicegerent to fulfil the commands given by him.
(to be continued)