Arrogance and Boasting

The very first major sin that was committed in the universe was self pride. Although Shaitaan was an extreme worshipper of Almighty Allah, he showed his arrogance towards Sayyidonaa Adam (A.S), thus rejecting to follow the command of Allah (S.W.T). In doing so all his good deeds and worship were rejected, he was declared a Kaafir and cursed by Almighty Allah, all the Angels and humans till the day of judgement.

Almighty Allah mentions in the Holy Quran: “And (also recall) when we commanded the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ Then they all prostrated themselves to Adam except Ibliis (satan). He refused and showed arrogance, and (consequently) became one of the disbelievers. (Irfan Ul Quran, Surah Baqara, Part 1, Ayah 34, Page 8)

In another Ayah, Almighty Allah has said: “ And do not turn your face away from the people (in arrogance), nor walk haughtily on earth. Surely, Allah does not love the arrogant one who walks gloatingly in self-conceit. (Irfan Ul Quran, Surah Luqmaan, Part 21, Ayah 18, Page 685)

Our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) said: “The one who has a grain of pride in his heart will not enter the paradise.” (Muslim)

Furthermore Hazrat Amr Shu’aib (R.A) reported from his father who told that his grandfather informed that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) has said: “the proud will be resurrected like specks on the Day of Resurrection in the form of men, covered all round with disgrace. They will be driven to a prison in the Hell called Baulas. The hottest fire will rise over them. They will be given to drink the squeezings of the inmates of Hell, known as Teenat al Khabaal.” (Tirmizi 4883/9)

From the above Quranic Ayah and AHadith it can be clearly understood the severity of such actions. Yet in the society we live in, it is not uncommon to find people, young or old indulging in such trends. They seem to think that showing arrogance due to their worldly possessions or the position they may hold, gives them the automatic right to be boastful and arrogant, even if it is contrary to Islam.

Some individuals go as far as to suppressing people, as well as their rights, convincing themselves that what they are doing is right. They don’t feel the need to be remorseful nor consider a need to change. Family values as well as the general respect of people is widely lost due to such action.

We need to refrain from pride and arrogance and to adopt humbleness, kindness and humility, in order to please Allah (S.W.T) as well as to follow the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W). Not only would we be rewarded for our actions, we would also see society flourish in good mannerisms, creating a better environment for all to live in.

May Allah (S.W.T) give us all the ability to be humble and modest, staying away from arrogance and boastfulness. (Ameen)