Is it permissible for an obedient Muslim to deem himself righteous and close to Allah, or should he accuse himself and feel deficient?

The Muslim is required to perform the obligatory duties and draw near to Allah through acts of obedience, while adhering to sincerity and trust in Allah, and refraining from prohibitions. Despite his deeds, he should see himself as deficient in order to have a good opinion of Allah and be optimistic about good, in affirmation of Allah Almighty's saying in the Hadith Qudsi: "I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me."

The qualities of a believer, such as peace of mind, trust in Allah, and reliance upon Him, are correct and praiseworthy. However, self-confidence should not be based on one's standing with Allah, for this is a blameworthy ill-opinion of oneself.

To know one's standing with Allah, one should look at how Allah Almighty's standing is in their heart. It was narrated from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever wishes to know his standing with Allah, let him look at how Allah's standing is with him, for Allah places the servant according to how the servant places Him in himself."

Allah's standing in the servant's heart is determined by the extent of their knowledge of Him, their glorification and exaltation of Him, their fear of Him, their upholding of His sanctity, their submission to His rulings with a sound heart and a tranquil soul, their observance of His management, their constant remembrance of Him, and their good opinion of Him. People are of different ranks in this regard.