1) Inferiority Complexes, Defined and Explained--Causes & Cures (Logical Perspective)

2)   Inferiority Complexes: Islamic Perspective)

At one time or another, many of us feel inferior compared to our peers. However, for those suffering from an inferiority complex, the psychologically-perceived comparison is so harsh it can lead to a debilitating life. An inferiority complex, as defined by psychiatrists, is a feeling of inadequacy stemming from either real or imaginary sources. While the emotions are often subconscious, it often compels its victims to overcompensate in their performance. This can take the form of either outstanding achievement or severe antisocial antics - or in severe cases, the individual can fluctuate between the two extremes. While a regular human feeling of inferiority can drive someone to healthy success, a person suffering from the complex can reach such a heightened stage of discouragement, they can become a danger to themselves.The concept of inferiority complexes was developed by Alfred Adler, who credited Napoleon as the first to have suffered from such a condition. Since then, many sociologists have even suggested that inferiority complex symptoms can affect entire culture groups. This is defined as a “cultural cringe”, and is used to describe societies that feel threatened by others, and act out in negative ways to overcome that feeling of inadequacy. It can also refer to the way a people group embraces their own culture, and Australia is often presented as a prime example. Their entertainment has been heavily influenced by American television, almost to the point where they have no media concepts of their own. This inward self-defeat of creativity is an example of the controversial cultural cringe.Inferiority Complex Symptoms and Causes
While the cultural aspect is fascinating, most studies on inferiority complexes continue to be focused upon individuals, and the medical world has distinguished between what is known as primary and secondary feelings of inferiority. A primary feeling is rooted in a child’s first experience of weakness or dependency upon others. This initial dose of feeling tragically human combined with the escalated comparisons against parents and siblings, leads to an uncomfortable experience that many of us accept and bounce back from as our role in life is defined. However, for an individual dealing with an inferiority complex, they can be emotionally stunted by such an event.Secondary feelings of inferiority come to us as adults, when a person is unable to reach the final goal of subjective security and success. This can stem from a failed job attempt, the inability to graduate from school, or a fear of leaving the nest. Whatever the trigger, those with secondary feelings struggle to find appropriate identity as an adult, and often revert back to primary feelings. This cycle can continue throughout an individual’s entire life, making it impossible to function healthily within society.Symptoms vary, but often include a distinct level of immaturity and insecurity, an abnormally competitive nature, or the inability to complete responsibilities either personally or professionally. Aggression issues, anxiety, and depression are also common symptoms. Lastly, those suffering from an inferiority complex may withdraw completely from their social circle, or take the other extreme of continuously seeking out attention or criticism from their peers.One isolated incident in life is not usually enough to trigger a lifetime of the difficulties mentioned above. Usually, those dealing with inferiority complex have experienced a series of events during childhood that lead to such an issue.The main causes of this disorder are often found in external oppressors. Parental attitudes toward a child are one of the largest contributors to an inferiority complex. Continual negative remarks and an emphasis upon mistakes and failings can change the lifetime outlook and attitude of a child before he/she reaches the age of six.Mental limitations can also be addressed as a trigger when a child is constantly told that a sibling or colleague is more intelligent, creative, or able to perform at a higher level. Both of these parentally based negatives can have a huge impact on even a very small child, so adults should take note of this before harshly scolding a little one for something trivial.Being born with a physical defect, be it a deformed body part or speech impediment, can also serve as a basis for such a disorder. Learning to overcome inferiority complex can be difficult when this is the case, as this is an internal factor that a child must fight through, as opposed to the external disapproval from others mentioned above. Social disadvantages such as being born into an impoverished family or experiencing discrimination against his/her particular race or gender can also cause this mental disorder to flourish.How to Overcome an Inferiority Complex
While conquering a mental disorder is rarely a black and white situation, there are definitely resources available for those who experience an inferiority complex in their life. In some, the disorder will heal itself if a notable life change takes place.This may involve moving to a new city, being removed from a discouraging environment, or discovering a hobby or skill that one greatly succeeds at.However, in most cases, successfully learning to overcome inferiority complex comes from a lot of hard work with a trusted therapist. A psychologist can use various methods to wean an individual away from his/her negative thinking patterns, and talk therapy is one popular technique. Giving an afflicted person the opportunity to vent his/her fears and frustrations in a non-judgmental environment can be extremely beneficial. A therapist is also able to assist a patient in working through hurts from the past, re-living these situations with a healthy dose of hindsight. This often enables an individual to realize how helpless they were when the disapproving words were spoken to them, and can then continue on to discover the empowered ability they now have to think differently as an adult.A psychologist can also help a person realize their own unique gifts. Many begin counseling truly believing they have nothing to offer the world. The therapist works with this individual to cultivate their own special abilities, and can then encourage him/her to focus on this skill set when feelings of inferiority and discouragement begin to surface.Group therapy has also proven to be helpful, as those working to overcome inferiority can work together to realize their potential in life, while encouraging one another to live free of others’ judgments.In some instances, psychotropic medications can help end inferiority complex issues. Many of those living with the disorder experience severe bouts of depression, and medication can bring them out of the darkness enough to find the motivation to work toward feeling better again. There is no shame in withdrawn individuals requiring such assistance, and many medications on the market today are void of harmful side effects. Talking to a doctor is the best way to determine whether or not medication is appropriate for your particular case.Lastly, constant and consistent friendships can help to heal such a condition. In many instances, a person dealing with inferiority has never received positive encouragement in their life, which has made the development of self-esteem unlikely. Spending time with a positive individual who can remind him/her of their positive traits can make a big difference in the world of the inferior.If an individual is still too withdrawn to experience a true connection to another, consider providing the gift of an inspirational book or recording. Positive affirmation is truly the best remedy for inferiority complex, so take advantage of every opportunity you have to get hold of it.Which Personality Disorder Do You Have?
Everyone has idiosyncrasies that might lend themselves to a personality disorder. Take a look at the silly side of being addictive, compulsive, dependent, and antisocial and keep an open mind while you take this personality disorder quiz. Discover your neurosis and find out which quirky personality disorder best defines you.This article has been written by By Tamara Warta Published February 27, 2008------------------------------------------

Inferiority Complex: The Weakness of Muslims: Causes and the Cure:(Islamic Perspective)Allaah Almighty has promised victory for this Ummah (Muslim nation), even if it be after a long stretch of time. Unfortunately, the Ummah today is passing through a bitter state of division, discord and weakness, incurring regress and humiliation, so much so that the heart of any Muslim is painfully affected. But this should not cause us to forget Allaah’s firm promise that victory and success on the earth will certainly be granted to His worshippers.Consider how this great religion brought many different people together: The Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam (may Allaah exalt his mention) was an Arab, Bilaal an Abyssinian, Suhayb a Roman and Salmaan a Persian, may Allaah be pleased with them all. Even today, many people leave the beliefs of their religion, be it idol-worship, Judaism or Christianity, to come to Allaah’s religion of Islam.If Muslims reflect upon this and understand that whatever division faces them, whether of class, race, or partisanship, etc., if they consider the reality of Islam and how it unifies all people, they will overcome all of these causes for weakness. 

 This issue is in itself enough to bring the Ummah back to the great position of glory which it enjoyed during the era of the Prophet Sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. We ask Allaah to keep us upon His faith until we die. Allaah Says (what means):  “You [yourselves] were like that before; then Allaah conferred His favour [i.e., guidance] upon you...” [Quran: 4:94]This verse was revealed as an address to a group of people who were once idolaters but then embraced Islam. Similarly, many of us may have lived as idolaters in a life-style similar to that of the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period of ignorance) before Allaah conferred His great favour upon us, showing us the truth and allowing us to leave disbelief and come to the light of the true faith.  Almighty Allaah saved us by making us hate the disbelief and disobedience that we previously adhered to.Even though we are a weakened nation, Allaah has conferred a great favour upon us; our existence instills tremendous fear in the hearts of the disbelievers.  They spend their nights unable to rest simply because of the great fear that they have of the Muslims, despite our weakness. This is not because they are unaware of the religion of Islam, certainly not, because as Allaah Says (what means):  “And they rejected them [i.e., Allaah's signs], while their [inner] selves were convinced thereof...” [Quran: 27:14]And also what means: “Those to whom We gave the Scripture know him [i.e., Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam] as they know their own sons. But indeed, a party of them conceal the truth while they know [it].” [Quran: 2:146]Here, Allaah is referring to the Jewish Rabbis who easily recognised that the Prophethood of Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was genuine just as easily as they could distinguish their own sons from other children.  They refused the faith of Islam only because they had dedicated their lives to worldly affairs.  They found it inconceivable that they would have to leave their lofty positions.

  All of this denial leads us to ponder over the cause of our present weakness and division.For instance, many people think that our weakness is a result of lack of technology, because we do not possess the scientific knowledge to produce materials or to develop agriculture as other nations do. They may state that the reason for our weakness is the lack of human resources, our backwardness, and our small numbers. Many mistakenly analyse our weakness from this perspective, blaming it on lack of technology, insufficient material wealth, or poor human resources.  But, in reality, this type of analysis is short-sighted.The true cause for the weakness of the Ummah is much greater than any of these reasons. It is not a secular cause but a religious reality, that is, we have not applied our religion as Allaah has demanded from us, for He clearly Says in His Book, (what means): “Is not Allaah sufficient for His servant?...” [Quran: 39:36] Allaah addresses every single Muslim with this verse. He has given us our lives, sustenance, and all the essentials for our existence to continue according to His decree. If people truly deserved such blessings, then they would understand the importance of this verse. One of the main causes of the weakness of the Ummah is its laziness and laxity in applying the religion of Islam, which results from it having an inferiority complex. This weakness causes a Muslim to sense his own laxity in applying Islam in the manner which Allaah orders him to.  Many Muslims feel that it is sufficient that they are born into Muslim families, saying, for example: 'Al-Hamdu lillaah (i.e., All praise is due to Allaah), my father and mother are Muslims, and that is enough for me.'  Or, on the other hand, they may say they are pleased with their name: Muhammad, Ahmad, ‘Abdullaah, ‘Abdur-rahmaan, etc., and that is enough.  Is this the submission that Allaah demands of us?  Is this what Allaah wants from us?We must understand that Islam is not simply possessing a Muslim name or being born to Muslim parents, or saying that one comes from a certain part of the world.  Rather, Islam is a way of life, a methodology for living, not only dealing with religious matters but addressing one’s conceptual outlook on worldly matters as well.Unfortunately, when some Muslims come to understand this point, they become overly excited and exclaim: "Al-Hamdu lillaah (thanks to Allaah)!  Allaah has saved us from the Hellfire by making us Muslims.”  They have some understanding of what the religion means, but they are people who hide their Islam and do not want it to be known that they are Muslims, unlike the disbelievers and the pagans who are proud to belong to a certain nation, social classification or religion - proud of the principles that they believe in. It is strange that some Muslims, due to their religious weakness and weak understanding of Islam, and their own personalities, hide the fact that they are Muslims. They feel embarrassed that they are Muslims; they don’t want anyone to know that they belong to this religion. 

 The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “There are three qualities by which he who is characterized (with them) will taste the sweetness of faith: that Allaah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anything else; that he loves a person purely for the sake of Allaah; and that he hates returning to disbelief after Allaah has rescued him from it, just as he would hate being cast into the Hellfire.” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]Why is that? Because he has realised the greatness of his faith and the great favour which Allaah has conferred upon him by guiding him to Islam. Had it not been for the guidance of Allaah, he would never have been a Muslim.  When a Muslim feels this, he becomes proud of the fact that he is a Muslim and then begins to apply Allaah’s commandments in his life. This feeling in his heart reflects upon his limbs and his entire body. He is the opposite of the other Muslims who feel shy about thei

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