The present article presents a detailed examination of a very serious moral and faith-related disease, arrogance, in the light of the Quran and Hadith. The purpose of this article is to clarify what arrogance is, its reality and types, the degree of its reprehensibility in the sight of Allah Almighty, and how its destructive consequences have manifested in human history. It will also explain who have been characterized by arrogance and how a believer should completely avoid it. At the end of the article, the virtues and outcomes of humility, modesty, and meekness will also be mentioned.
The Meaning of Arrogance and the Majesty of Allah Almighty
The word arrogance is derived from the Arabic word kibr, which means greatness and grandeur. The reality is that absolute greatness belongs solely and exclusively to Allah Almighty. For this reason, among the beautiful names of Allah Almighty are some great names such as:
❀ المتکبر: Meaning the One with true greatness
❀ الکبیر: Meaning the Greatest
❀ المتعال: Meaning lofty and majestic
In these blessed Names, Allah Almighty has no partner. Every kind of greatness, grandeur, and magnificence is exclusively reserved for Him.
Qur’anic Evidence
The command of Allah, the Lord of Glory, is:
﴿وَلَہُ الْکِبْرِیَآءُ فِی السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ وَہُوَ الْعَزِیْزُ الْحَکِیْمُ﴾
Translation:
“And the greatness (glory) in the heavens and the earth is His, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
Arrogance: Trespassing on Allah’s Cloak
The Holy Prophet ﷺ clarified the severity of arrogance through a very eloquent example. It is mentioned in a Hadith Qudsi:
((یَقُولُ اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی: اَلْکِبْرِیَاءُ رِدَائِیْ، وَالْعَظَمَۃُ إِزَارِیْ، فَمَنْ نَازَعَنِیْ وَاحِدًا مِّنْہُمَا قَذَفْتُہُ فِی النَّارِ))
Translation:
“Allah Almighty says: Greatness is My cloak and dignity is My waistband; whoever disputes with Me over either of these, I will cast him into the fire.”
This hadith makes it clear that arrogance is the audacity to share in Allah Almighty’s exclusive attributes, and this is why this sin is extremely disliked and punishable in the sight of Allah.
Arrogance: The Beginning of Misery
Pride is actually the key to misery. The foundation of the very first misery in the history of humanity was laid on pride, and its clear example is Iblis. In opposition to Allah Almighty’s command, he considered himself superior to Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and refused to prostrate.
Quranic Incident: The Pride of Iblis
﴿وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِکَۃِ اسْجُدُوا لِاٰدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِیْسَ أَبٰی وَاسْتَکْبَرَ وَکَانَ مِنَ الْکَافِرِیْنَ﴾
Translation:
“And when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam,’ they all prostrated except Iblis; he refused, was arrogant, and became one of the disbelievers.”
When Allah Almighty asked him the reason for his refusal, he boasted:
﴿أَنَا خَیْرٌ مِّنْہُ خَلَقْتَنِیْ مِنْ نَّارٍ وَّخَلَقْتَہُ مِنْ طِیْنٍ﴾
Translation:
“I am better than him; You created me from fire and him from clay.”
The consequence of this pride was that Allah Almighty deprived him of His mercy forever:
﴿فَاخْرُجْ إِنَّکَ مِنَ الصَّاغِرِیْنَ﴾
Translation:
“So get out from here, for you are indeed of the disgraced.”
Lesson Learned (Initial)
From these verses and hadiths, this reality becomes as clear as daylight that:
◈ Arrogance is an intrusion into the greatness of Allah Almighty
◈ Arrogance is a deadly poison for faith
◈ Arrogance deprives a person of Allah’s mercy
This is why arrogance has always been a precursor to destruction, humiliation, and punishment.
Arrogance in Previous Nations and Their End
Studying the Holy Quran makes it very clear that in previous nations, those who adopted arrogance were the first to reject the invitation of the Prophets (peace be upon them) of their time. These arrogant people not only refused to accept the truth themselves but also prevented the weak and simple-hearted people from believing.
The Nation of Noah (peace be upon him) and Arrogance
When Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) invited his people to monotheism and said:
﴿اَنْ لَّا تَعْبُدُوْٓا اِلَّا اللّٰہَ اِنِّیْٓ اَخَافُ عَلَیْکُمْ عَذَابَ یَوْمٍ اَلِیْمٍ﴾
Translation:
“Worship none but Allah; indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful day.”
Then the chiefs, elders, and arrogant class of the nation replied with disdain:
﴿مَا نَرٰکَ اِلَّا بَشَرًا مِّثْلَنَا…﴾
Translation:
“We consider you just like a human being, and your followers also appear to us as lowly people, and we think you are a liar.”
This arrogance ultimately led to their destruction, and the entire nation was drowned in a storm.
The Arrogance of the People of Aad
The people of Aad were proud of their physical strength and power. Allah Almighty says:
﴿فَاَمَّا عَادٌ فَاسْتَکْبَرُوْا فِی الْاَرْضِ بِغَیْرِ الْحَقِّ وَقَالُوْا مَنْ اَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّۃً﴾
Translation:
“The people of Aad behaved arrogantly on the earth without right and said: Who is more powerful than us?”
Allah Almighty responded to their pride by saying:
﴿اَوَلَمْ یَرَوْا اَنَّ اللّٰہَ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَہُمْ ہُوَ اَشَدُّ مِنْہُمْ قُوَّۃً﴾
Translation:
“Did they not see that Allah, who created them, is more powerful than them?”
As a result, this rebellious nation was destroyed by a severe storm.
The People of Thamud and the Arrogant Chiefs
In the nation of Thamud, the same attitude of arrogance prevailed. The Quran says:
﴿قَالَ الْمَلَاُ الَّذِیْنَ اسْتَکْبَرُوْا مِنْ قَوْمِہٖ…﴾
Translation:
“The arrogant chiefs of the people said to the weak believers: Do you really know that Saleh is indeed a messenger from his Lord?”
When the weak people remained steadfast in faith, the arrogant chiefs outright rejected it:
﴿اِنَّا بِالَّذِیْٓ اٰمَنْتُمْ بِہٖ کٰفِرُوْنَ﴾
Translation:
“We do not accept that in which you have believed.”
The result of denial and arrogance was that the entire nation was destroyed by a terrible scream.
The Nation of Midian and Arrogance
The people of Prophet Shu’aib (peace be upon him) also displayed arrogance:
﴿لَنُخْرِجَنَّکَ یٰشُعَیْبُ وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا مَعَکَ…﴾
Translation:
“O Shu’aib! We will expel you and those who have believed with you from our town, or you must return to our religion.”
These threats and pride ultimately led to their destruction.
The Arrogance of Bani Israel
Allah Almighty says about Bani Israel:
﴿اَفَکُلَّمَا جَآئَکُمْ رَسُوْلٌ بِمَا لَا تَھْوٰٓی اَنْفُسُکُمُ اسْتَکْبَرْتُمْ﴾
Translation:
“Whenever a messenger came to you with what your souls did not desire, you were arrogant, some you denied and some you killed.”
Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَقَارُوْنَ وَفِرْعَوْنَ وَھَامٰنَ… فَاسْتَکْبَرُوْا فِی الْاَرْضِ﴾
Translation:
“Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman behaved arrogantly in the land, yet they were not able to escape from Us.”
Qarun was swallowed up in the earth along with his treasures, and Pharaoh was drowned in the sea along with his army.
The Arrogance and Fate of the Disbelievers of Makkah
When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) presented the invitation to monotheism before the people of Makkah, they, like previous nations, chose the path of arrogance. Allah Almighty has described their attitude in the Holy Quran as follows:
﴿اِنَّهُمْ كَانُوْا اِذَا قِيْلَ لَهُمْ لَآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ يَسْتَكْبِرُوْنَ وَيَقُوْلُوْنَ اَئِنَّا لَتَارِكُوْٓا اٰلِهَتِنَا لِشَاعِرٍ مَّجْنُوْنٍ﴾
Translation:
“When it is said to them, ‘There is no god but Allah,’ they become arrogant and say, ‘Shall we leave our gods for the sake of a mad poet?’”
Allah Almighty responded to their arrogance and denial by saying:
﴿بَلْ جَآءَ بِالْحَقِّ وَصَدَّقَ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ اِنَّكُمْ لَذَآئِقُو الْعَذَابِ الْاَلِيْمِ﴾
Translation:
“Rather, they have brought the truth and confirmed the messengers, and you will surely taste a painful punishment.”
At another place, Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَقَالَ الَّذِيْنَ لَا يَرْجُوْنَ لِقَآءَنَا لَوْلَآ اُنْزِلَ عَلَيْنَا الْمَلٰٓئِكَةُ اَوْ نَرٰى رَبَّنَا ۗ لَقَدِ اسْتَكْبَرُوْا فِيْٓ اَنْفُسِهِمْ وَعَتَوْا عُتُوًّا كَبِيْرًا﴾
Translation:
“And those who do not expect to meet Us say: Why are not angels sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord? Indeed, they have become arrogant within themselves and have exceeded all bounds in insolence.”
The Arrogance of Hypocrites in Madinah
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah Munawwarah, he encountered hypocrites who claimed Islam with their tongues but concealed disbelief in their hearts. Their arrogance was such that they would not even agree to the Prophet’s request to seek forgiveness for them.
Allah Almighty says about them:
﴿وَاِذَا قِيْلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا يَسْتَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ لَوَّوْا رُءُوْسَهُمْ وَرَاَيْتَهُمْ يَصُدُّوْنَ وَهُمْ مُّسْتَكْبِرُوْنَ﴾
Translation:
“And when it is said to them, ‘Come, the Messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you,’ they turn their heads aside, and you see them evading while they are arrogant.”
Who Are the People Characterized by Arrogance?
From the discussion so far, this reality becomes clear that:
◈ Pride was first exhibited by Iblis
◈ Pride has been the characteristic of the disbelievers of previous nations
◈ Pride was the sin of the disbelievers of Makkah
◈ Pride was a prominent sign of the hypocrites
Therefore, it becomes as clear as daylight that pride is a trait of disbelievers, polytheists, and hypocrites, while the identity of a believer is humility and modesty.
Humility of God’s creation and angels
Where Allah Almighty mentions the arrogant, He also praises those servants who are free from pride. He says:
﴿وَلِلّٰهِ يَسْجُدُ مَا فِي السَّمٰوٰتِ وَمَا فِي الْاَرْضِ مِنْ دَآبَّةٍ وَّالْمَلٰٓئِكَةُ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُوْنَ يَخَافُوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ مِّنْ فَوْقِهِمْ وَيَفْعَلُوْنَ مَا يُؤْمَرُوْنَ﴾
Translation:
“All living creatures in the heavens and the earth and the angels prostrate to Allah alone, and they do not show arrogance; they fear their Lord and do what He commands.”
Similarly, regarding the angels, He says:
﴿وَمَنْ عِنْدَهٗ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُوْنَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهٖ وَلَا يَسْتَحْسِرُوْنَ يُسَبِّحُوْنَ الَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ لَا يَفْتُرُوْنَ﴾
Translation:
“Those near Him do not grow proud of His worship, nor do they tire; they glorify Him night and day.”
Characteristics of the people of faith
Allah Almighty describes the sign of His special servants as:
﴿اِنَّمَا يُؤْمِنُ بِاٰيٰتِنَا الَّذِيْنَ اِذَا ذُكِّرُوْا بِهَا خَرُّوْا سُجَّدًا وَّسَبَّحُوْا بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُوْنَ﴾
Translation:
“Only those believe in Our verses who, when they are reminded, fall down in prostration and exalt Allah with praise of their Lord, and they are not arrogant.”
Types of Arrogance
Dear readers! It becomes clear in the light of the Quran and Hadith that arrogance does not exist in only one form, but rather it has various types and forms. Scholars, based on evidence, have primarily described three types of arrogance:
① Arrogance towards Allah Almighty
Arrogance towards Allah Almighty means that a person considers himself greater than Allah’s command, refuses to obey His orders, and prefers his own intellect, power, or authority over Allah’s Shariah.
This is the worst type of arrogance, as:
❀ Pharaoh said:
﴿اَنَا رَبُّكُمُ الْاَعْلٰى﴾
Translation:
“I am your greatest lord.”
❀ Nimrod denied the lordship of Allah in front of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
This is the arrogance that leads a person to open disbelief and causes eternal destruction.
② Showing arrogance towards the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
This is the second very dangerous type of arrogance, in which a person considers obedience to the Prophet ﷺ as beneath them, feels ashamed to accept the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and begins to think of themselves as better than the Prophet ﷺ.
This was the attitude of the disbelievers of Makkah, who said:
﴿اَئِنَّا لَتَارِكُوْٓا اٰلِهَتِنَا لِشَاعِرٍ مَّجْنُوْنٍ﴾
Translation:
“Shall we leave our gods for the sake of a mad poet?”
Example from Hadith
Hazrat Salamah bin Al-Akwa رضي الله عنه narrates:
A man was eating with his left hand in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said:
((كُلْ بِيَمِيْنِكَ))
“Eat with your right hand.”
He said:
((لَا اَسْتَطِيْعُ))
“I cannot.”
Then the Prophet ﷺ said:
((لَا اسْتَطَعْتَ، مَا مَنَعَهُ إِلَّا الْكِبْرُ))
Translation:
“Then never be able to do it; only arrogance prevented you from obeying me.”
As a result, that man never raised his right hand to his mouth throughout his life.
③ Showing arrogance towards the servants of Allah
This is the most common and widespread type in society, in which a person:
◈ Considers himself better than others
◈ Regards people as insignificant
◈ Insults and humiliates them
This arrogance is based on various grounds, such as:
❀ Color and race
❀ Family and lineage
❀ Status and position
❀ Wealth and riches
❀ Beauty and appearance
❀ Power and strength
❀ Intelligence and wit
❀ Knowledge, degrees, or eloquence
❀ Good voice or recitation
Whereas, in the sight of Allah, the criterion of honor is only piety, not worldly superiority.
Comprehensive Definition of Arrogance in the Prophetic Hadith
The true reality of arrogance was explained by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in very brief but comprehensive words.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
((لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مَنْ كَانَ فِي قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ مِّنْ كِبْرٍ))
Translation:
“Whoever has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise.”
Upon hearing this, a companion asked:
((اِنَّ الرَّجُلَ يُحِبُّ اَنْ يَّكُوْنَ ثَوْبُهُ حَسَنًا وَنَعْلُهُ حَسَنًا))
“O Messenger of Allah! A person likes to have good clothes and shoes, so is this also arrogance?”
You ﷺ said:
((اِنَّ اللّٰهَ جَمِيْلٌ يُحِبُّ الْجَمَالَ، اَلْكِبْرُ بَطَرُ الْحَقِّ وَغَمْطُ النَّاسِ))
Translation:
“Indeed, Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance is to reject the truth and to look down upon people.”
The reality of arrogance consists of two matters
From these ahadith, it becomes clear that arrogance is actually the name of two things:
① Rejecting the truth
② Considering people as insignificant
Whoever, after knowing the truth established by the Quran and Sunnah, rejects it, is arrogant, no matter how great a scholar or preacher he may be.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ اٰيَاتُنَا وَلَّىٰ مُسْتَكْبِرًا﴾
Translation:
“When Our verses are recited to him, he turns away arrogantly.”
The second reality of arrogance: considering people insignificant
The second and very dangerous form of arrogance is to consider people insignificant. That is, a person considers himself better than others and regards Allah’s servants as lowly. This attitude is completely against the spirit of faith, which is why Allah Almighty has strictly forbidden it in the Holy Quran.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّنْ قَوْمٍ عَسٰٓى اَنْ يَّكُوْنُوْا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَآءٌ مِّنْ نِّسَآءٍ عَسٰٓى اَنْ يَّكُنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوْٓا اَنْفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوْا بِالْاَلْقَابِ﴾
Translation:
“O you who have believed! Let not a people ridicule another people; perhaps they may be better than them, nor let women ridicule other women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames.”
Condemnation of Considering People as Inferior in the Prophetic Hadith ﷺ
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ clearly expressed the reprehensibility of this attitude:
((اَلْمُسْلِمُ اَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ، لَا يَظْلِمُهُ وَلَا يَخْذُلُهُ وَلَا يَحْقِرُهُ، اَلتَّقْوٰى هٰهُنَا))
“A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim; he neither oppresses him, nor forsakes him, nor looks down upon him. Piety is here.”
The Prophet ﷺ pointed to his chest three times while saying this.
((بِحَسْبِ امْرِئٍ مِّنَ الشَّرِّ اَنْ يَّحْقِرَ اَخَاهُ الْمُسْلِمَ))
Translation:
“A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim; he neither oppresses him, nor forsakes him, nor looks down upon him. Piety is here (pointing to the chest). It is enough evil for a person to despise his Muslim brother.”
Practical Forms of Arrogance
In the light of the Quran and Hadith, several practical forms of arrogance emerge, from which every Muslim must strictly avoid.
① Walking Proudly
Walking proudly on the earth, puffing out the chest, and holding the neck high is a clear sign of arrogance.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْاَرْضِ مَرَحًا اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُوْرٍ﴾
Translation:
“Do not turn your face away from people (with disdain) and do not walk arrogantly on the earth. Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant, the boastful.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
((بَيْنَمَا رَجُلٌ يَتَبَخْتَرُ يَمْشِي فِي بُرْدَيْهِ، قَدْ اَعْجَبَتْهُ نَفْسُهُ، فَخَسَفَ اللّٰهُ بِهِ الْاَرْضَ))
Translation:
“A man was walking arrogantly, indulged in self-conceit, so Allah caused him to sink into the earth, and he will continue to sink until the Day of Judgment.”
② Letting the Garment Hang Below the Ankles
Letting the garment hang below the ankles is also a serious form of arrogance.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
((مَا اَسْفَلَ مِنَ الْكَعْبَيْنِ مِنَ الْاِزَارِ فَفِي النَّارِ))
Translation:
“Whoever lets his garment hang below the ankles will be in Hell.”
Similarly, he said:
((ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللّٰهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ… اَلْمُسْبِلُ اِزَارَهُ))
Translation:
“There are three types of people from whom Allah will not speak on the Day of Judgment… among them is the one who lets his garment hang below the ankles.”
③ Being Engulfed in Arrogance
Taking pride in one’s beauty, clothing, wealth, or abilities is also arrogance.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
((بَيْنَمَا رَجُلٌ يَمْشِي فِي حُلَّةٍ تُعْجِبُهُ نَفْسُهُ… فَخَسَفَ اللّٰهُ بِهِ))
Translation:
“A man was walking proudly in beautiful clothes, so Allah caused him to sink into the earth.”
④ Liking that People Stand Up Out of Respect
This is also a dangerous sign of arrogance.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
((مَنْ سَرَّهُ اَنْ يَّتَمَثَّلَ لَهُ الرِّجَالُ قِيَامًا فَلْيَتَبَوَّأْ مَقْعَدَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ))
Translation:
“Whoever likes that people stand up for him, let him prepare his place in Hell.”
The Consequence of Arrogance and the Humiliation on the Day of Judgment
Dear readers! So far, we have explained in detail the reality of arrogance, its types, and practical forms in the light of the Quran and Hadith. Now let us see what the end of arrogant people is in this world and the Hereafter, especially how they will be treated on the Day of Judgment.
① Allah Almighty Will Not Even Look at the Arrogant Person
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
((ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللّٰهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَلَا يُزَكِّيْهِمْ، وَلَا يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِمْ، وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ اَلِيْمٌ: شَيْخٌ زَانٍ، وَمَلِكٌ كَذَّابٌ، وَعَائِلٌ مُسْتَكْبِرٌ))
Translation:
“On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will neither speak to three types of people, nor will He purify them, nor will He look at them, and for them is a painful punishment: an old fornicator, a lying king, and a proud poor person.”
This hadith makes it clear that arrogance despite poverty and neediness is an extremely disliked sin in the sight of Allah.
② Being Raised on the Day of Resurrection with Utmost Humiliation
Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
((يُحْشَرُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ اَمْثَالَ الذَّرِّ فِي صُوَرِ الرِّجَالِ، يَغْشَاهُمُ الذُّلُّ مِنْ كُلِّ مَكَانٍ…))
Translation:
“On the Day of Resurrection, arrogant people will be raised in the form of humans but like ants, humiliation will surround them from all sides, then they will be taken to a prison of Hell called Bulus, and pus will be poured on them from the bodies of the inhabitants of Hell.”
This will be the consequence of the pride they adopted in this world.
③ Being thrown face down into Hell
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) started crying upon hearing a hadith. In this hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
((مَنْ كَانَ فِي قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ مِّنْ كِبْرٍ كَبَّهُ اللّٰهُ لِوَجْهِهِ فِي النَّارِ))
Translation:
“Whoever has even an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart, Allah will throw him face down into Hell.”
This hadith is definitive proof that even a small amount of arrogance can lead a person to destruction.
The only way to be saved from arrogance: Humility
In contrast to arrogance, humility, modesty, and meekness are qualities that Allah greatly loves. Whoever adopts humility for the sake of Allah’s pleasure, Allah grants him elevation in this world and the Hereafter.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
((وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ اَحَدٌ لِلّٰهِ اِلَّا رَفَعَهُ اللّٰهُ))
Translation:
“Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will surely elevate him.”
In another hadith it is stated:
((يَقُولُ اللّٰهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالٰى: مَنْ تَوَاضَعَ لِي هٰكَذَا… رَفَعْتُهُ هٰكَذَا))
Translation:
“Allah Almighty says: Whoever humbles himself for Me in this way (hands lowered towards the earth), I will raise him in this way (hands raised towards the sky).”
The Practical Life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ: The Highest Example of Humility
The entire life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ was a practical example of humility, simplicity, and modesty:
❀ He accepted invitations from poor companions (Sahabah)
❀ Slept on a mat, to the extent that marks appeared on his body
❀ Helped family members with household chores
❀ Sewed his own clothes
❀ Prohibited exaggeration in praise
❀ Sat with the companions like an ordinary person
❀ Visited the sick and attended funerals
❀ Ate sitting on the ground and said: “I sit and eat like a servant”
All these exemplary behaviors are proof that the path to greatness passes through humility.
Signs of the People of Paradise and the People of Hell
Respected readers! Before concluding the article, please observe a few hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in which the prominent characteristics of the people of Paradise and the people of Hell are described, so that a Muslim may reflect upon his own end.
Characteristics of the People of Paradise
Hazrat Haritha bin Wahb Al-Khuza’i (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
((اَلَا اُخْبِرُكُمْ بِاَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ؟ كُلُّ ضَعِيْفٍ مُتَضَعِّفٍ لَوْ اَقْسَمَ عَلَى اللّٰهِ لَاَبَرَّهُ))
Translation:
“Shall I not inform you about the people of Paradise? Every person who is considered weak, humble, and if he swears by Allah, Allah fulfills his oath.”
This hadith clearly indicates that true greatness in the sight of Allah is not in strength, wealth, or position, but in humility and sincerity.
Characteristics of the People of Hell
At the end of the same hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
((اَلَا اُخْبِرُكُمْ بِاَهْلِ النَّارِ؟ كُلُّ عُتُلٍّ جَوَّاظٍ مُسْتَكْبِرٍ))
Translation:
“Shall I not inform you about the people of Hell? Every harsh-tempered, arrogant, and prideful person.”
Here, arrogance is explicitly described as a characteristic that leads to Hell.
Condition for Entry into Paradise: Being Free from Arrogance
Hazrat Thuban (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
((مَنْ فَارَقَتِ الرُّوْحُ جَسَدَهُ وَهُوَ بَرِيءٌ مِّنْ ثَلَاثٍ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ: اَلْكِبْرُ، وَالدَّيْنُ، وَالْغُلُوْلُ))
Translation:
“Whoever’s soul departs from his body while he is free from three things: arrogance, debt, and betrayal, will enter Paradise.”
This hadith clearly emphasizes the severity of arrogance, stating that for entry into Paradise, the heart must be free from this disease.
Conclusion
Arrogance is a deadly spiritual disease that distances a person from Allah Almighty and brings him closer to Hellfire. This sin uproots faith and leads the servant onto the path of Satan. In contrast, humility, modesty, and meekness are qualities that bring the servant closer to Allah Almighty and guide him on the path to Paradise.
A true Muslim is one who:
◈ Submits humbly to the commands of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ
◈ Considers himself a needy servant of Allah
◈ Does not belittle the servants of Allah
◈ Maintains humility in all circumstances
We pray to Allah Almighty to protect us from all forms of arrogance, grant us the ability to adopt humility and meekness, and include us among the people of Paradise. Ameen.
وَآخِرُ دَعْوَانَا اَنِ الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ
