What is Imposter Syndrome and How Can Muslims Overcome It?

What is the meaning of Imposter Syndrome? 

Imposter experience, fraud syndrome, and perceived fraudulence: these terms are closely related to Imposter Syndrome and essentially carry the same meaning—the feeling of self-doubt in high-achieving individuals.

It is important to note that there is no official diagnosis for Imposter Syndrome. However, it is a real phenomenon prevalent in both men and women and can affect people across various age groups, from adolescents to late-stage professionals. An individual with an imposter syndrome may:

1. Avoid high-demand tasks
2. Experience psychological distress
3. Experience burnout
4. Undermine own success or dismiss positive feedback
5. Experience constant fear about not living up to others’ expectations
6. Setting unrealistic expectations

How does imposter syndrome affect our lives as Muslims? 

While feelings of self-doubt normally occur in academic or work settings, their negative effects—like fear of mistakes, anxiety, inability to be grateful for achievements, failure to see the value in oneself, and avoidance of demanding tasks—reflect badly on us as individuals and as Muslims.

If you know you have imposter syndrome but do not actively seek ways to manage it, you may suffer in different areas of your life. 

You may avoid a great job offer that matches your skills and experience because you are afraid of the responsibilities that may come with it. You may be afraid of pursuing what you love because you feel like you are not good enough. You may avoid leading a prayer just because you only know short surahs. You may avoid putting on a hijab just because you feel like you are not a good Muslim yet or are afraid of what others may think of you—the list goes on.

As Muslims, we believe in the concept of ‘Ihsan,’ which means excellence in whatever we do—not just in matters of worship but also in worldly matters such as work, school, and hobbies, as these are also meant to attain Allah’s pleasure.

So, let’s beat imposter syndrome to ensure that we don’t end up losing faith in Allah s.w.t and ourselves.

How to beat Imposter Syndrome?

I find Islamic values and teachings to be both empowering and comforting. Here are five values that I find super helpful when I notice the imposter syndrome is creeping up:

1. Being aware of our thoughts and feelings

Self-awareness is crucial when it comes to tackling imposter syndrome. One tip that I have learned to increase self-awareness is to check in with ourselves by asking questions like, ‘What negative thoughts keep playing in my head?’ ‘Where do these negative thoughts come from—do they stem from a lack of knowledge and experience in an area? Or do they come from a desire to please others?’

In Islam, we believe that doubts are also caused by the whispers of Shaytan. Reciting the 3 Quls (Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas) with conviction helps us stay calm and feel empowered, as these surahs highlight values such as acknowledging Allah’s Oneness and that He is the only One in control.

2. Understand the concept of Ihsan

I like the concept of Ihsan in Islam, a key aspect of worshipping Allah s.w.t that means ‘worshipping Allah as if you can see Him, and if you can’t see Him, knowing that He sees you.’ But how does internalizing this concept help us beat imposter syndrome? When we have done our best and given our best effort, with or without others’ supervision, it helps us beat imposter syndrome, especially when it makes us question our abilities. In my opinion, it helps us stay accountable to ourselves, keeping track of areas where we have done well and where we can improve.

3. Perfection is only for Allah s.w.t

As we discussed Ihsan, or excellence, earlier, it is important to note that perfection is not what we are striving for. When our goal is to achieve perfection, we will never get anything done or complete a task. Worse, when we set such unrealistic expectations, we delay our responsibilities and tasks, which can jeopardize our future because we can never get things done. What we want to strive for is putting in our best effort and leaving perfection only for Allah. And remember Allah says in Surah Ar-Rahman 55 verse 60: 

هَلْ جَزَآءُ ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ إِلَّا ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنُ 

“Is there any reward for goodness except goodness?” 

Trust that Allah s.w.t will reward you as long as you do good – in this case – putting your best effort in any tasks assigned to you.

4. We are all work in progress

In reality, we are all seekers of knowledge. While we may excel in one area, there will always be something new to learn. This mindset helps us grow and appreciate new knowledge, no matter how trivial it may seem. One of the things I like to remind myself of as I continue to upskill and learn new knowledge is an essential etiquette in knowledge-seeking: patience. It is easy to feel disheartened because learning something new and mastering it takes time, so patience is key.

More importantly, be open to learning from others and those with credibility in the area that you would like to delve into.

If you are looking to deepen your understanding of Islam, check out alfalah.sg for valuable and reliable Islamic content. Alternatively, you may also reach out to any ARS-certified asatizah and asatizah from the Asatizah Youth Network.

5. Do it even if it scares you

It is perfectly healthy to be scared when undertaking a huge responsibility, and it is even scarier when it is completely novel to you. One thing that has helped me to overcome that fear is a constant self-reminder that Allah s.w.t is with me. I like to remind myself of Prophet Musa a.s. Allah s.w.t tasked him with a series of challenging tasks as stated in the Quran.

Allah s.w.t asked Prophet Musa a.s to take the snake that was initially a stick held by Prophet Musa a.s but was by Allah’s will transformed into a snake. Prophet Musa a.s was scared but Allah s.w.t assured him that it would return to its former state.

Allah s.w.t says in the Qur’an: 

قَالَ خُذْهَا وَلَا تَخَفْ ۖ سَنُعِيدُهَا سِيرَتَهَا ٱلْأُولَىٰ 

“Take it, and have no fear. We will return it to its former state.” (Surah Taha 20:21)

Allah s.w.t also tasked Prophet Musa and Prophet Harun to meet Pharoah, an arrogant tyrant. Allah says in Surah Taha 20 verses 43-45:

ٱذْهَبَآ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُۥ طَغَىٰ 

“Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has truly transgressed ˹all bounds˺.”

فَقُولَا لَهُۥ قَوْلًۭا لَّيِّنًۭا لَّعَلَّهُۥ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ 

“Speak to him gently, so perhaps he may be mindful ˹of Me˺ or fearful ˹of My punishment˺.”

قَالَا رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَن يَفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَآ أَوْ أَن يَطْغَىٰ 

They both pleaded, “Our Lord! We fear that he may be quick to harm us or act tyrannically.”

Naturally, they expressed fear of possible harm that Pharaoh would afflict them. But Allah reassured them and says: 

قَالَ لَا تَخَافَآ ۖ إِنَّنِى مَعَكُمَآ أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ 

“Allah reassured ˹them˺, “Have no fear! I am with you, hearing and seeing.” (Surah Taha 20: 46).

So, the next time you are scared to take that leap of faith, just remind yourself of the verses above to feel empowered. So long as what you pursue does not go against your faith, and is to better yourself, just do it. 

There are many factors contributing to an individual experiencing imposter syndrome, ranging from personality traits to family upbringing. As a fellow ‘sufferer,’ I have to admit that it does affect me from being the best version of myself. I also believe that many others experience the same, and if you are one of them, I want you to know that you are not alone, that there are ways to manage it, and yes, you can seek help and support from the people you trust.

By understanding what Imposter Syndrome is, how it affects our lives as Muslims and ways to manage it, I hope to assure you that you are enough, you are capable, and you are amazing—just as Allah s.w.t has created you.