We often associate success solely with intellectual intelligence, high grades, or technical skills, but reality shows that there is another skill that is no less important—and may even be the real difference-maker in a person’s life—and that is emotional intelligence. Not everyone who is intellectually intelligent is capable of succeeding in their relationships, at work, or in dealing with stress. This is where emotional intelligence comes into play—the ability to understand and manage emotions, and to interact with others with awareness and composure.
Emotional intelligence begins at home. A child who learns how to express their feelings, understand the feelings of others, and calm down when angry grows up to be more balanced and self-confident. A child who lives in an environment filled with yelling, harshness, or neglect, however, may grow up struggling to understand themselves and interact with others.
Then there is school, where it is not enough for students to learn only math and science; they also need to learn how to respect others, how to work as part of a team, and how to deal with differences and disagreements. A student with emotional intelligence is not measured solely by their grades, but by their ability to communicate, control their emotions, and handle challenges without acting impulsively or breaking down.
In college, emotional intelligence becomes even more important, as students begin to face greater academic and social pressures and interact with diverse personalities and cultures. The ability to adapt, manage stress, and build healthy relationships are all skills directly linked to emotional intelligence.
As for the workplace, studies have shown that many of the factors contributing to professional success are not solely linked to technical competence, but also to a person’s ability to communicate, work in a team, lead, and understand others. An employee who knows how to manage their emotions under pressure, how to respect their colleagues, and how to handle criticism and difficult situations is best equipped to persevere and succeed.
Our noble religion has guided us to this meaning in more than one place; Allah, the Exalted, says: ﴿And speak kindly to people﴾,
It is a clear call for kindness and kind words, which are fundamental to emotional intelligence.
As the Prophet ﷺ said: “The strong person is not the one who overpowers others in a fight, but rather the one who controls himself when angry.” This noble hadith encapsulates an important aspect of emotional intelligence: the ability to exercise self-control and manage one’s emotions in moments of agitation.
In his book *Emotional Intelligence*, Daniel Goleman explains that emotional intelligence is no less important than intellectual intelligence; in fact, it may be the most important factor in personal and professional success. A person may possess a great deal of knowledge, but they stand to lose a great deal if they do not know how to deal with themselves and others.
Emotional intelligence is a skill that can be learned and developed through training and practice, just like any other skill. It is not a weakness, but rather a strength and a source of balance. It is not merely about being polite; it is about being aware of oneself, others, and the situations one faces.
Today, we need not only educated individuals, but also individuals who are capable of understanding themselves, respecting others, and consciously managing their emotions. Because strong societies are built not only on intellect… but also on conscious hearts.
Ultimately, intellectual intelligence may open the door to opportunity, but emotional intelligence is what helps a person seize it, succeed in it, and persevere with steadfastness and composure.
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