Human beings have a tremendous capacity for self-deception. We create standards for ourselves, and we can always convince ourselves that we have met those standards, because it is completely subjective.
This relativist approach to self-evaluation is characteristic of kufr and nifaaq.
The universal standard which eliminates the problem of subjectivity is the objective standard of obedience.
In the ifirst 20 ayaat of Surat al-Baqarah Allah discusses the Believers (2-5), the Kuffar (6-7), and the two types of Munafiqeen (8-20).
It should always be troubling when Allah talks about the lack of perception of the Kuffar and Munafiqeen, after all, if one is unable to accurately evaluate one’s status; if he cannot perceive the reality about himself, how can he improve? If he believes he is right, he will not seek to reform himself.
“…Allah has set a seal upon their hearts, upon their hearing, and over their vision…”
“…they deceive not except themselves and perceive it not…”
There are at least two points here. There is the absence of an objective standard against which to evaluate oneself, and there is the unquestioning belief in one’s own correctness.
These are not qualities that belong in the Mu’min. The Believer evaluates himself according to the objective standard of actual obedience to the Qur’an and Sunnah; and the Believer is constantly scrutinizing himself regarding his words, outward actions and internal intentions.
None of us must think we are safe from self-deception, and we must apply the objective standard to ourselves as honestly as possible if we hope to evaluate ourselves accurately, and pursue self-improvement