Author: Fazeelat al-Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Hamad (Hafidhahullah)
"No one will enter Paradise if there is an atom's weight of arrogance in their heart."
— [Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman: 267]
Arrogance and pride are despicable traits that reflect moral degradation. A mere human, created from impure water, has no right to display arrogance. Reflecting on one’s origin and ultimate end eradicates pride and fosters humility.
Allah has clarified the seriousness of arrogance in a Hadith Qudsi:
"Honor is My garment, and greatness is My cloak. Whoever competes with Me regarding these attributes, I will punish them."
— [Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Zuhd: 4174]
✔ Exclusion from Paradise:
Even the slightest arrogance can result in being barred from entering Paradise unless forgiven by Allah.
✔ A Dialogue Between Hell and Paradise:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described a dialogue between Hell and Paradise:
Hadith Reference
لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مَنْ كَانَ فِي قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ مِنْ كِبْرٍ"No one will enter Paradise if there is an atom's weight of arrogance in their heart."
— [Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman: 267]
Key Points
❀ The Nature of Arrogance:Arrogance and pride are despicable traits that reflect moral degradation. A mere human, created from impure water, has no right to display arrogance. Reflecting on one’s origin and ultimate end eradicates pride and fosters humility.
The Severity of Arrogance
✔ A Grave Sin:Allah has clarified the seriousness of arrogance in a Hadith Qudsi:
"Honor is My garment, and greatness is My cloak. Whoever competes with Me regarding these attributes, I will punish them."
— [Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Zuhd: 4174]
✔ Exclusion from Paradise:
Even the slightest arrogance can result in being barred from entering Paradise unless forgiven by Allah.
✔ A Dialogue Between Hell and Paradise:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described a dialogue between Hell and Paradise:
- Hell said, "I will be filled with the tyrants and the arrogant."
- Paradise said, "I will be filled with the weak and humble."
Allah responded:
"Paradise, you are My mercy, and through you, I will grant mercy. Hell, you are My punishment, and through you, I will punish. Both of you will be filled."
— [Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Jannah: 7172]
Components of Arrogance
The Prophet ﷺ defined arrogance as two key behaviors:- Rejecting the Truth: Dismissing or suppressing what is right and just.
- Belittling Others: Considering oneself superior and treating others as inferior.
— [Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab al-Libas: 4092]
Practical Lessons
- Avoid Self-Glorification:
Recognize that all blessings and achievements are from Allah alone. Arrogance only leads to disgrace. - Treat Others with Respect:
Humility fosters unity and harmony in society, while arrogance causes division and resentment. - Self-Reflection:
Regularly contemplate your origin and ultimate accountability before Allah. This helps eliminate pride and arrogance. - Seek Forgiveness:
Arrogance, if unchecked, can lead to exclusion from Paradise. It is essential to seek Allah's mercy and strive for humility.