Pride and Arrogance

وَإِذۡ قُلۡنَا لِلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسۡجُدُواْ لِأٓدَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ ٣٤

And (remember) when We said to the angels: “Prostrate yourselves before Adam”. And they prostrated except Iblis (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah).

Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Verse 34

• It was pride that caused Iblis to disobey Allah’s command, thereby leading to his expulsion from Heaven (Paradise). Iblis didn’t and doesn’t doubt the existence of Allah. He was an Alim, and was in the company of Allah with the Angels. It was his Pride, or contempt that he held for Adam which directly led him to disobedience of Allah. He outright defied a command of Allah. Why? Because of his arrogance, that Adam was created from clay, and he was created from fire. “Since fire is better than clay, I’m better than Adam. Why should I bow to him?” He chose to be thrown out of Heaven, rather than swallow his pride and prostrate to Adam (pbuh). Instead of repenting, he requested Allah to lengthen his life so that he could devote his life to misleading mankind.
• The Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘Allah will throw Hell over the face of one in whose mind there is the slightest pride’.
• The disease of pride and haughtiness is prevalent in all levels of society, and even the seemingly pious people, scholars and intellectuals fall prey to this disease. Pride is usually displayed when people refuse to confess to their errors and argue that only they are right. They may pass a wrong ruling or spread incorrect information, but will adamantly oppose anyone who corrects them. Allah loves humility in a person. Perfect belief [Iman] will dictate to a person that he should show appreciation for all Allah’s bounties and behave humbly towards all mankind. It is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said, Allah increases the honour of a man by virtue of his pardon. Allah raises him up who takes to modesty for pleasure of Allah. Standing on the pulpit, Umar once said, “Oh, people! Adopt humility because I have heard the holy Prophet (pbuh) say that Allah elevates the rank of the person who humbles himself for Allah. He will appear low in his own eyes, but high in the estimation of others. Allah will humiliate the person who is haughty. He will appear high in his own eyes, but will be more disgraced than a pig in the eyes of the others”.
• A proud man cannot love for others what he loves for himself as there is pride in him. He cannot give up hatred as there is pride in him. He cannot stand on truth as there is pride in him. He cannot control anger as he has got pride in him. He cannot accept admonitions as there is pride in him. He is not safe from accusations of the people as there is pride in him. The worst thing in self-conceit is to receive no benefit from learning, not to recognize truth and not to follow it.
• Pride takes many forms and shapes. In Imam Al-Mawlud’s discourse, Matharat Al-Qulub, he mentions three different qualities and kinds of arrogance.

The first type is when a person deems himself superior to others. Imam Al-Ghazali Said, “People of knowledge are in greater danger of arrogance than anyone else”, because the knowledge they have might cause them to look down on others who may not have the same level of knowledge.

The second type is arrogance displayed in a person who shows contempt and scorn to others. Once a man saw an old woman calling to the Prophet (pbuh) in a boisterous manner. The Prophet (pbuh) stopped to talk to the lady without any sign of annoyance. When the man saw the Prophet’s calm reaction, he Said: “Muhammad (pbuh) is a man unlike the kings of other lands”. The Prophet (pbuh) remained humble despite his obvious high station, because he was the perfect human being.

The third type of arrogance is that of lineage. This type of arrogance is related to the tribalism and high births that the pre–Islamic Arabs were so focused upon.

وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا مُوسَى ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَقَفَّيۡنَا مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۦ بِٱلرُّسُلِۖ وَءَاتَيۡنَا عِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتِ وَأَيَّدۡنَٰهُ بِرُوحِ ٱلۡقُدُسِۗ أَفَكُلَّمَا جَآءَكُمۡ رَسُولُۢ بِمَا لَا تَهۡوَىٰٓ أَنفُسُكُمُ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرۡتُمۡ فَفَرِيقٗا كَذَّبۡتُمۡ وَفَرِيقٗا تَقۡتُلُونَ ٨٧

And indeed, We gave Musa (Moses) the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers. And We gave Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), clear signs and supported him with Ruh-ul-Quds [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. Is it that whenever there came to you (Children of Israel – the Jews) a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not you grew arrogant? Some, you disbelieved and some, you killed.

Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Verse 87

• Allah described the insolence of Children of Israel, their rebelliousness, defiance and arrogance towards the Prophets, following their lusts and desires.

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُۥ فِي ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِي قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ ٢٠٤ وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ ٢٠٥ وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِۚ فَحَسۡبُهُۥ جَهَنَّمُۖ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ ٢٠٦

And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad, pbuh), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away (from you O Muhammad, pbuh), his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest!

Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Verses 204-206

۞وَٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشۡرِكُواْ بِهِۦ شَيۡ‍ٔٗاۖ وَبِٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَٰنٗا وَبِذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱلۡجَارِ ذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡجَارِ ٱلۡجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلۡجَنۢبِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُكُمۡۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخۡتَالٗا فَخُورًا ٣٦

Worship Allah and join none with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer, and those whom your right hand possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful.

Surah 4 An-Nisa Verse 36

• Narrated Abdullah bin Umar that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Jibril kept reminding me of the neighbour’s right, until I thought that he was going to give him a share of the inheritance’
• Narrated Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘The best companions according to Allah are those who are the best with their friends, and the best neighbours according to Allah are the best with their neighbours’
• The expression al-sahib bi al janb (the companion by your side) embraces those with whom one has friendly relations of an abiding nature as well as those with whom one’s relationship is transient: for instance, either the person who walks besides on the way to the market or who sits besides one while buying things from the same shop or one’s fellow traveller. Even this temporary relationship imposes certain claims on every refined and decent person – that he should treat him, as far as possible, in a kind and gracious manner to avoid causing him any inconvenience
• Those whom your right hand possess – the slaves and servants. An authentic Hadith records that during the illness that preceded his death, the Prophet (pbuh) continued advising his Ummah: ‘(protect) the Prayer, (protect) the Prayer, and (those slaves) whom your hand possess’
• Narrated Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘The slave has the right to have food, clothing and to only be required to perform what he can bear of work’
• Narrated Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘When your servant brings meals to one of you, if he does not let him sit and share the meal, then he should at least give him a mouthful or two, for he has prepared it’
• Allah enjoins first to be good and later states his dislike for the proud and the boastful. It has been recorded from commentators that “You will find that those who are mean are also proud and boasting”
• The prophet (pbuh) once advised: ‘Avoid lengthening the dress (below the ankles) for this practice is from arrogance. Verily, Allah does not like arrogance’

فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمۡ أُجُورَهُمۡ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضۡلِهِۦۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَنكَفُواْ وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ فَيُعَذِّبُهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمٗا وَلَا يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيّٗا وَلَا نَصِيرٗا ١٧٣

So, as for those who believed and did deeds of righteousness, He will give them their rewards – and more out of His bounty. But as for those who refused His worship and were proud, He will punish them with a painful torment. And they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or helper.

Surah 4 An-Nisa Verse 173

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِ‍َٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ عَنۡهَآ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ أَصۡحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِۖ هُمۡ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ ٣٦

But those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) and treat them with arrogance, they are the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire, they will abide therein forever.

Surah 7 Al-A’raf Verse 36

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِ‍َٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ عَنۡهَا لَا تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمۡ أَبۡوَٰبُ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَلَا يَدۡخُلُونَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ حَتَّىٰ يَلِجَ ٱلۡجَمَلُ فِي سَمِّ ٱلۡخِيَاطِۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِي ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ ٤٠

Verily, those who deny Our Ayat and treat them with arrogance, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the Jamal goes through the eye of the needle (which is impossible). Thus, do We recompense the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners).

Surah 7 Al-A’raf Verse 40

• ‘Jamal’ – Ibn Masud said it is a male camel from the she camel. In another narration it refers to the spouse of the she camel. Ibn Abbas used to recite this Ayah this way, “Until the Jummal goes through the eye of the needle”, whereas Jummal is a thick rope

وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفۡسًا إِلَّا وُسۡعَهَآ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ أَصۡحَٰبُ ٱلۡجَنَّةِۖ هُمۡ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ ٤٢ وَنَزَعۡنَا مَا فِي صُدُورِهِم مِّنۡ غِلّٖ تَجۡرِي مِن تَحۡتِهِمُ ٱلۡأَنۡهَٰرُۖ وَقَالُواْ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِي هَدَىٰنَا لِهَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهۡتَدِيَ لَوۡلَآ أَنۡ هَدَىٰنَا ٱللَّهُۖ لَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِٱلۡحَقِّۖ وَنُودُوٓاْ أَن تِلۡكُمُ ٱلۡجَنَّةُ أُورِثۡتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ ٤٣

But those who believed and worked righteousness – We tax not any person beyond his scope – such are the dwellers of Paradise. They will abide therein forever. And We shall remove from their breast any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world); rivers flowing under them, and they will say: ‘All praise and thanks are Allah’s, Who has guided us to this, and never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allah had guided us! Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth’. And it will be cried out to them: ‘This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do’.

Surah 7 Al-A’raf Verses 42-43

• Narrated Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Each of the people of Paradise will see his seat in the Fire and he will say, “Had not Allah guided me!” And this will cause him to be grateful. Each of the people of the Fire will see his seat in Paradise, and he will say, “Might that Allah had guided me!” So it will be a cause of anguish for him’
• ‘…for what you used to do’ – Allah shall not impress His bounty upon the righteous; He will rather emphasize that Paradise is granted to them by way of compensation for their righteous conduct, that it is a fruit of their hard labour, that it is not like the crumbs of charity but a fair recompense for their striving. The subtlety involved here is further brought out by the fact that the above recompense will not be made by Allah. It will rather be just announced to them.
• ‘…never could we have found guidance…’ – What is said about the Hereafter may be discerned in the attitude of the righteous in the world itself. The wicked and the arrogant ones take great pride in their worldly attainments and ascribe them to their own efforts. Conversely, the righteous look upon all the bounties which they receive as favours from Allah. The more they are lavished with worldly favours, the humbler and more generous they become. Moreover, they do not suffer from the illusion that their righteousness will certainly earn them their salvation. On the contrary, they consistently repent over their lapses and earnestly turn to Allah in the hope that He will pardon them out of His Grace and Mercy. They are always fearful of Allah’s reckoning lest their evil deeds are found to outweigh their good deeds. According to a tradition the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Know well that none will be able to enter Paradise by dint of his good deeds’ When asked if that would apply to him as well, he replied: ‘Yes, in my case as well; unless Allah covers me with His mercy and favour’

قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتُضۡعِفُواْ لِمَنۡ ءَامَنَ مِنۡهُمۡ أَتَعۡلَمُونَ أَنَّ صَٰلِحٗا مُّرۡسَلٞ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦۚ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِمَآ أُرۡسِلَ بِهِۦ مُؤۡمِنُونَ ٧٥ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِٱلَّذِيٓ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ كَٰفِرُونَ ٧٦ فَعَقَرُواْ ٱلنَّاقَةَ وَعَتَوۡاْ عَنۡ أَمۡرِ رَبِّهِمۡ وَقَالُواْ يَٰصَٰلِحُ ٱئۡتِنَا بِمَا تَعِدُنَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ ٧٧

The leaders of those who were arrogant among his people [the people of Prophet Salih (Saleh)] said to those who were counted weak - to such of them as believed: “Know you that Salih (Saleh) is one sent from his Lord”. They said: “We indeed believe in that with which he has been sent”. Those who were arrogant said: “Verily, we disbelieve in that which you believe in”. So, they killed the she camel and insolently defied the Commandment of their Lord, and said: “O Salih (Saleh)! Bring about your threats if you are indeed one of the Messengers (of Allah)”.

Surah 7 Al-Araf Verses 75-77

فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلطُّوفَانَ وَٱلۡجَرَادَ وَٱلۡقُمَّلَ وَٱلضَّفَادِعَ وَٱلدَّمَ ءَايَٰتٖ مُّفَصَّلَٰتٖ فَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ وَكَانُواْ قَوۡمٗا مُّجۡرِمِينَ ١٣٣

So, We sent on them [the people of Firaun (Pharaoh)]: the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood: (as a succession of) manifest signs, yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners).

Surah 7 Al-Araf Verse 133

سَأَصۡرِفُ عَنۡ ءَايَٰتِيَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَكَبَّرُونَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بِغَيۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَإِن يَرَوۡاْ كُلَّ ءَايَةٖ لَّا يُؤۡمِنُواْ بِهَا وَإِن يَرَوۡاْ سَبِيلَ ٱلرُّشۡدِ لَا يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلٗا وَإِن يَرَوۡاْ سَبِيلَ ٱلۡغَيِّ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلٗاۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمۡ كَذَّبُواْ بِ‍َٔايَٰتِنَا وَكَانُواْ عَنۡهَا غَٰفِلِينَ ١٤٦

I shall turn away from My Ayat (verses of the Quran) those who behave arrogantly on the earth, without a right, and (even) if they see all the Ayat (proofs, signs) they will not believe in them. And if they see the way of righteousness (monotheism, piety and good deeds), they will not adopt it as the Way, but if they see the way of error (polytheism, crime and evil deeds), they will adopt that way, that is because they have rejected Our Ayat and were heedless (to learn a lesson) from them.

Surah 7 Al-A’raf Verse 146

• Allah says “I shall deprive the hearts of those who are too proud to obey Me, and arrogant with people without right, from understanding the signs and proofs that testify to My Might, Law and Commandments”. Sufyan bin Uyaynah commented on this Ayah, “(Allah says) I shall snatch away comprehension of the Quran from them and turn them away from My Ayat”
• It is Allah’s law that evil-doers do not and cannot take any lesson from the otherwise instructive events which they observe. The arrogance mentioned here refers to man’s delusion that he is on a higher plane than Allah’s creatures and servants

وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ خَرَجُواْ مِن دِيَٰرِهِم بَطَرٗا وَرِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا يَعۡمَلُونَ مُحِيطٞ ٤٧

And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah. and Allah is Muhitun (encircling and thoroughly comprehending) all that they do.

Surah 8 Al-Anfal Verse 47

وَلَئِنۡ أَذَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِنَّا رَحۡمَةٗ ثُمَّ نَزَعۡنَٰهَا مِنۡهُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيَ‍ُٔوسٞ كَفُورٞ ٩ وَلَئِنۡ أَذَقۡنَٰهُ نَعۡمَآءَ بَعۡدَ ضَرَّآءَ مَسَّتۡهُ لَيَقُولَنَّ ذَهَبَ ٱلسَّيِّ‍َٔاتُ عَنِّيٓۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَفَرِحٞ فَخُورٌ ١٠

And if We give man a taste of Mercy from Us, and then withdraw it from him, verily! He is despairing, ungrateful. But if We let him taste good (favour) after evil (poverty and harm) has touched him, he is sure to say: “Ills have departed from me”. Surely, he is exultant, and boastful (ungrateful to Allah).

Surah 11 Hud Verses 9-10

• Man is, by nature, shallow and superficial and lacks the depth of thought. Therefore, when he enjoys prosperity and power, he becomes joyous, arrogant and boastful; so much so that he never even dreams of any possibility that his happy condition would ever come to an end. And if and when adversity befalls him, he becomes an embodiment of despair and begins to complain of his misfortune here, there, and everywhere; so much so that he does not hesitate even to abuse God and taunt at His Godhead. But whenever there is a change for the better in his fortune, he again begins to brag of his foresight, wisdom and success.

وَتِلۡكَ عَادٞۖ جَحَدُواْ بِ‍َٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمۡ وَعَصَوۡاْ رُسُلَهُۥ وَٱتَّبَعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَ كُلِّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيدٖ ٥٩ وَأُتۡبِعُواْ فِي هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعۡنَةٗ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ عَادٗا كَفَرُواْ رَبَّهُمۡۗ أَلَا بُعۡدٗا لِّعَادٖ قَوۡمِ هُودٖ ٦٠

Such were Ad (people). They rejected the Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) of their Lord and disobeyed His Messengers, and followed the command of every proud obstinate (oppressor of the truth, from their leaders). And they were pursued by a curse in this world and (so they will be) on the Day of Resurrection. No doubt! Verily, Ad disbelieved in their Lord. So away with Ad, the people of Hood.

Surah 11 Hud Verses 59-60

وَبَرَزُواْ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعٗا فَقَالَ ٱلضُّعَفَٰٓؤُاْ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُوٓاْ إِنَّا كُنَّا لَكُمۡ تَبَعٗا فَهَلۡ أَنتُم مُّغۡنُونَ عَنَّا مِنۡ عَذَابِ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَيۡءٖۚ قَالُواْ لَوۡ هَدَىٰنَا ٱللَّهُ لَهَدَيۡنَٰكُمۡۖ سَوَآءٌ عَلَيۡنَآ أَجَزِعۡنَآ أَمۡ صَبَرۡنَا مَا لَنَا مِن مَّحِيصٖ ٢١

And they all shall appear before Allah (on the Day of Resurrection) then the weak will say to those who were arrogant (chiefs): “Verily, we were following you; can you avail us anything from Allahs Torment?” They will say: “Had Allah guided us, we would have guided you. It makes no difference to us (now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience, there is no place of refuge for us”.

Surah 14 Ibrahim Verse 21

• This is to serve as a warning to all those people who follow others blindly or obey and submit to tyrants because they say: We are weak. They are warned, as if to say: You should note it well that those leaders, saints, officers and rulers whom you arc following blindly today, will not be able to protect you at all from the chastisement of Allah. Therefore, you should consider it well today where such people, whom you are following or obeying, are themselves going and where they are leading you.

إِلَٰهُكُمۡ إِلَٰهٞ وَٰحِدٞۚ فَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مُّنكِرَةٞ وَهُم مُّسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ ٢٢ لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعۡلِنُونَۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُسۡتَكۡبِرِينَ ٢٣

Your Ilah is One Ilah, but for those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts deny, and they are proud. Certainly, Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Truly, Allah likes not the proud.

Surah 16 An-Nahl Verse 22-23

• Ilah – god; diety
• ‘proud’ – meaning too proud to worship Allah and their heart rejects the idea of singling Him out

لِيَحۡمِلُوٓاْ أَوۡزَارَهُمۡ كَامِلَةٗ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ وَمِنۡ أَوۡزَارِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُضِلُّونَهُم بِغَيۡرِ عِلۡمٍۗ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ ٢٥

They will bear their own burdens in full on the Day of Resurrection and also of the burden of those whom they misled without knowledge. Evil indeed is that which they shall bear.

Surah 16 An-Nahl Verse 25

• ‘They’ referred to in the verse are the ‘proud’ and disbelieving people
• A Hadith states; ‘Whoever invites people to guidance, he will receive a reward like that of those who follow him, without diminishing their reward in the least. And whoever invites people to misguidance, he will bear a burden of sin like that of those who follow him, without diminishing their burden in the least’

وَلَا تَمۡشِ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَحًاۖ إِنَّكَ لَن تَخۡرِقَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَلَن تَبۡلُغَ ٱلۡجِبَالَ طُولٗا ٣٧

And walk not on earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you can neither rend nor penetrate the earth nor can you attain a stature like the mountains in height.

Surah 17 Al-Isra Verse 37

• This instruction warns against the ways of tyrants and vain people and is not merely meant for the individual but also for the collective conduct of the Muslim community. It was because of this guidance that the rulers, governors and commanders of the Islamic state which was established on the basis of this manifesto, were free from every tinge of tyranny, arrogance, haughtiness, pride and vanity, so much so that even in the battlefield they never uttered a word which had the slightest indication of any of these vain things. Their gait, dress, dwelling and conveyance showed humility. In short, their ways of conduct were not those of big ones but those of humble persons. That is why they never tried to overawe the people of a conquered city by show of pomp and pride.

وَإِذَآ أَنۡعَمۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡإِنسَٰنِ أَعۡرَضَ وَنَ‍َٔا بِجَانِبِهِۦ وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ ٱلشَّرُّ كَانَ يَ‍ُٔوسٗا ٨٣

And when We bestow Our Grace on man, he turns away and becomes arrogant. And when evil touches him, he is in great despair.

Surah 17 Al-Isra Verse 83

• Allah tells us about the weakness that is inherent in man except for those whom He protects at both times – those of ease and calamity
• Arrogance here means turning away from the obedience and worship of Allah – straying from the Right Path

وَلَهُۥ مَن فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَمَنۡ عِندَهُۥ لَا يَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ عَنۡ عِبَادَتِهِۦ وَلَا يَسۡتَحۡسِرُونَ ١٩ يُسَبِّحُونَ ٱلَّيۡلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ لَا يَفۡتُرُونَ ٢٠

To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and on earth. And those who are near Him (i.e., the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship). They glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so).

Surah 21 Al-Anbiya Verses 19-20

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُجَٰدِلُ فِي ٱللَّهِ بِغَيۡرِ عِلۡمٖ وَلَا هُدٗى وَلَا كِتَٰبٖ مُّنِيرٖ ٨ ثَانِيَ عِطۡفِهِۦ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِۖ لَهُۥ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا خِزۡيٞۖ وَنُذِيقُهُۥ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ عَذَابَ ٱلۡحَرِيقِ ٩

And among men is he who disputes about Allah, without knowledge or guidance, or a Book giving light, bending his neck in pride, and leading (others) too (far) astray from the path of Allah. For him there is disgrace in this worldly life, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall make him taste the torment of burning (Fire).

Surah 22 Al-Hajj Verses 8-9

• Narrated Abdullah bin Masud that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Whosoever has pride in his heart equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall not enter Paradise’. A person (amongst the audience) said, “Verily, a person loves that his dress should be beautiful, and his shoes should be beautiful”. The Prophet (pbuh) remarked: ‘Verily, Allah is the Most Beautiful and He loves beauty. Pride is to completely disregard the truth, and to scorn (to look down upon) the people’

۞إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدَٰفِعُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ خَوَّانٖ كَفُورٍ ٣٨

Truly, Allah defends those who believe. Verily, Allah likes not any treacherous ingrate to Allah.

Surah 22 Al-Hajj Verse 38

• The verb yudafi’u is derived from the root d-f- which literally means to ward off, to repel an attack, to defend. When the word df’ is used as a verb in the present tense, however, it also suggests the following two connotations: first, that there is an enemy which is on the offensive and that the defending party is engaged in repelling it. Second, that this encounter is not a onetime affair. Rather, whenever there is any such offence, it should be met with an operation aimed at resisting it. If one bears both these meanings in mind, the statement that “Allah defends those who believe” acquires special significance. It means that the believers are not alone; that Allah Himself is a party with them; He helps and supports them, counters the stratagems of their enemies, and wards off the harm that their enemies try to inflict upon them. The verse, therefore, is in the nature of a tiding from Allah to the believers. The second verse explains Allah’s behaviour (of becoming a party with the believers) – those who fight against the truth engage in treachery and are guilty of ingratitude to Allah for all the bounties bestowed on them by Him. Hence Allah does not like them and, instead, support those devotees of the truth who strive against them

۞وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَرۡجُونَ لِقَآءَنَا لَوۡلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيۡنَا ٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ أَوۡ نَرَىٰ رَبَّنَاۗ لَقَدِ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ فِيٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ وَعَتَوۡ عُتُوّٗا كَبِيرٗا ٢١

And those who expect not a Meeting with Us said: ‘Why are not the angels sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord?’ Indeed, they think too highly of themselves, and are scornful with great pride.

Surah 25 Al-Furqan Verse 21

وَعِبَادُ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَمۡشُونَ عَلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ هَوۡنٗا وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ ٱلۡجَٰهِلُونَ قَالُواْ سَلَٰمٗا ٦٣ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَبِيتُونَ لِرَبِّهِمۡ سُجَّدٗا وَقِيَٰمٗا ٦٤ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا ٱصۡرِفۡ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَۖ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًا ٦٥ إِنَّهَا سَآءَتۡ مُسۡتَقَرّٗا وَمُقَامٗا ٦٦ وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَنفَقُواْ لَمۡ يُسۡرِفُواْ وَلَمۡ يَقۡتُرُواْ وَكَانَ بَيۡنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامٗا ٦٧ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَدۡعُونَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ وَلَا يَقۡتُلُونَ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِي حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا يَزۡنُونَۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٰلِكَ يَلۡقَ أَثَامٗا ٦٨

وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشۡهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّواْ بِٱللَّغۡوِ مَرُّواْ كِرَامٗا ٧٢ وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُواْ بِ‍َٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمۡ لَمۡ يَخِرُّواْ عَلَيۡهَا صُمّٗا وَعُمۡيَانٗا ٧٣ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٖ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا ٧٤

And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness. And those who spend the night in worship of their Lord, prostrate and standing. And those who say: ‘Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily, its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment’. Evil indeed it (Hell) is as an abode and as a place to rest in. And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes). And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such person as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse – and whosoever does this, shall receive punishment…And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity. And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayat of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat. And those who say: ‘Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of the Muttaqun’.

Surah 25 Al-Furqan Verses 63-68/72-74

• ‘comfort of your eyes’ – That is to say: ‘Grant them Faith, excellent moral conduct, and the ability to do righteous works’. This is so because a true believer does not draw joy for his eyes by the fact that his or her spouse and offspring are physically attractive, or from the mere fact that they are enjoying a life of ease and luxury. Instead, they are delighted if they are blessed with moral excellence. Nothing is more tormenting for the believers than the realisation that those who are dearest to them are engaged in acts because of which they are likely to become fuel for the Hell-Fire. Hence, the attractiveness of their spouses or the vibrant youth and outstanding abilities of their children become even more tormenting for them because they are conscious that, in spite of these qualities, their dearest may possibly not escape Allah’s punishment.
• Narrated Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘When a son of Adam dies, his deeds cease apart from three: a righteous child who will pray for him, knowledge from which others may benefit after him, or ongoing charity’

تِلۡكَ ٱلدَّارُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةُ نَجۡعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوّٗا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا فَسَادٗاۚ وَٱلۡعَٰقِبَةُ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ ٨٣

The home of the Hereafter (i.e., Paradise) We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor mischief. And the good end is for the Muttaqun.

Surah 28 Al-Qasas Verse 83

• It is reported in Sahih, that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘It has been revealed to me that you should be humble to the extent that none of you boasts to others or mistreat others’

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشۡتَرِي لَهۡوَ ٱلۡحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيۡرِ عِلۡمٖ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًاۚ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٞ مُّهِينٞ ٦ وَإِذَا تُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِ ءَايَٰتُنَا وَلَّىٰ مُسۡتَكۡبِرٗا كَأَن لَّمۡ يَسۡمَعۡهَا كَأَنَّ فِيٓ أُذُنَيۡهِ وَقۡرٗاۖ فَبَشِّرۡهُ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ ٧

And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks to mislead from the path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment. And when Our Verses are recited to such a one, he turns away in pride, as if he heard them not – as if there were deafness in his ear. So, announce to him a painful torment.

Surah 31 Luqman Verse 6-7

• ‘purchases idle talks’ – the words in the text are lahw al-hadith which suggest an amusement or diversion that completely absorbs people, making them oblivious to everything around them. The expression is used to denote those things that are worthless, perverse or vile such as gossip, jest, vain tales, bootless fiction, dissolute singing and dancing and other similar forms of amusement. Qatadah said: “By Allah, he may not spend money on it, but his purchasing it means he likes it, and the more misguided he is, the more he likes it, and the more he prefers falsehood to the truth and harmful things over beneficial things”. Ibn Jarir said that it means all speech that hinders people from seeing the signs of Allah and following His path.
• Al-Nadr ibn Al-Harith for preventing the spread of Islam’s message:

• Went to Iraq and brought back interesting tales about the Persian royalty and such fabulous personalities as Rustam and Asfandyar. After his return, he held sessions in which these tales were narrated to wean people away from the Quran and absorb them in amusing stories.
• Purchased slave girls adept at singing and dancing to turn people’s attention away from the Quran. Whenever he learnt that someone was attracted by the Prophet’s message, he would ask one of the slave girls to take care of him. In this respect, she was directed to feed him sumptuously, enchant him with melodious songs and so distract his attention from the Prophet’s message

• Proponents of evil have always tried to engross people in play and amusement, music and dance, euphemistically calling them “cultural” activities. They do so in order to prevent people from paying heed to the serious problems of life. Thanks to the inebriation caused by these amusements, the victims lose all awareness that they are being driven towards destruction. Narrated Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Anyone who sits in the concert of a singing girl will have molten lead poured into his ears on the Day of Judgement’
• Narrated Abu Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ashari that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments as lawful…’
• Narrated Amr bin Shuayb that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘The proud will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection like ants in the image of people, and everything will be stepping on them, humiliating them, until they enter a prison in Hell called Bulas. They will be fed flames of fire, and given for drink a paste of insanity dripping from the people of Fire’

وَإِذۡ قَالَ لُقۡمَٰنُ لِٱبۡنِهِۦ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُۥ يَٰبُنَيَّ لَا تُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٞ ١٣

يَٰبُنَيَّ أَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأۡمُرۡ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَٱنۡهَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَٱصۡبِرۡ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَصَابَكَۖ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنۡ عَزۡمِ ٱلۡأُمُورِ ١٧ وَلَا تُصَعِّرۡ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمۡشِ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَحًاۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخۡتَالٖ فَخُورٖ ١٨ وَٱقۡصِدۡ فِي مَشۡيِكَ وَٱغۡضُضۡ مِن صَوۡتِكَۚ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ ٱلۡأَصۡوَٰتِ لَصَوۡتُ ٱلۡحَمِيرِ ١٩

And (remember) when Luqman said to his son when he was advising him: ‘O my son! Join not in worship others with Allah. Verily, joining others in worship with Allah is a great zulm (wrong) indeed’… ‘O my son! Aqim-is-Salat (perform prayers), enjoin Al-Maruf and forbid from Al-Mankur, and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments. And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster. And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the braying of the asses’.

Surah 31 Luqman Verses 13/17-19

• ‘…bear with patience…’ – what is subtly implicit here is the message that anyone who embarks enjoining good and forbidding evil is bound to encounter hardship. This is because others become upset with such a person and obstinately try to hurt him
• ‘…nor walk in insolence trough the earth…’ – The Quran here employs the words mukhtal and fakhur. The former denotes an arrogant person who thinks too highly of himself. The latter denotes someone who boasts about his greatness before others
• ‘…And turn not your face away from men…’ – The Quranic term used is tusa”ir. Root Sa”r is a disease that afflicts a camel’s neck as a result of which its head is always turned in the same direction
• ‘And be moderate in your walking’ – The real objective of this directive is to bring about reform in man’s inner state. As long as this state remains vitiated, man’s external behaviour reflects it, even in the way he walks. If someone is arrogant, this inevitably manifests from his gait. Furthermore, a person’s gait precisely betrays the kind of arrogance/deficiency he suffers from, as in:

• Wealth, power, beauty, knowledge, authority and such other things make man arrogant and each kind of arrogance gives rise to a particular kind of gait
• Manifestation of excessive humbleness and self abasement in one’s gait also stem from a debased psychological state
• At times, it is a person’s suppressed feeling of pride that prompts him to make a show of utter austerity and devotion to Allah and this is displayed in his gait

• In other cases, a person is so overpowered by adverse circumstances in this worldly life that he feels utterly frustrated and loses self-esteem; as a result, his gait becomes devoid of all zest and energy

Luqman’s advice is that man should mend his mental and psychological state and walk in a dignified way, neither strutting with overweening nor parading an artificial display of meekness

• The way the Companions felt about this issue (of moderate walking) is illustrated by the following:

• Once Umar saw someone walking with his head downcast. He said to him, “Come on! Walk with your head upright. Islam is not sick”. Likewise, he censured someone who was walking languidly, “O miscreant! Why are you deadening our faith”, in Umar’s view, religiosity did not consist in walking listlessly as though one were sick. He resented anyone who wore a cloak of artificial humility. Indeed, he considered that this made-up meekness depicted a distorted image of Islam before others and further that it gave rise to an inert and sluggish attitude among the Muslims
• Once Aishah spotted someone walking in a manner that suggested he was utterly debilitated. She asked what had happened to him and was told that he was one of the qurra (singular qari, reciter). Thereupon she exclaimed: “Umar was the most prominent of the qurra, and yet when he walked, he walked swiftly; when he spoke, he was heard; and when he thrashed, he caused pain”

• ‘…and lower your voice…’ – This injunction does not mean that one must invariably speak in a low pitch and never speak loudly. Luqman did not counsel his son to altogether disregard the need for tonal variations. What is reprehensible, however, is to cry at the top of one’s voice in order to humiliate others or to impress others with one’s superiority. This is what has been likened to a donkey’s braying

وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَن نُّؤۡمِنَ بِهَٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ وَلَا بِٱلَّذِي بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡهِۗ وَلَوۡ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ مَوۡقُوفُونَ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ يَرۡجِعُ بَعۡضُهُمۡ إِلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ ٱلۡقَوۡلَ يَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتُضۡعِفُواْ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ لَوۡلَآ أَنتُمۡ لَكُنَّا مُؤۡمِنِينَ ٣١ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتُضۡعِفُوٓاْ أَنَحۡنُ صَدَدۡنَٰكُمۡ عَنِ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ بَعۡدَ إِذۡ جَآءَكُمۖ بَلۡ كُنتُم مُّجۡرِمِينَ ٣٢ وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتُضۡعِفُواْ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ بَلۡ مَكۡرُ ٱلَّيۡلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذۡ تَأۡمُرُونَنَآ أَن نَّكۡفُرَ بِٱللَّهِ وَنَجۡعَلَ لَهُۥٓ أَندَادٗاۚ وَأَسَرُّواْ ٱلنَّدَامَةَ لَمَّا رَأَوُاْ ٱلۡعَذَابَۚ وَجَعَلۡنَا ٱلۡأَغۡلَٰلَ فِيٓ أَعۡنَاقِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْۖ هَلۡ يُجۡزَوۡنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٣٣

And those who disbelieve say: “We believe not in this Quran nor in that which was before it”, but if you could see when the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers) will be made to stand before their Lord, how they will cast the (blaming) word one to another! Those who were deemed weak will say to those who were arrogant: “Had it not been for you, we should certainly have been believers!” And those who were arrogant will say to those who were deemed weak: “Did we keep you back from guidance after it had come to you? Nay, but you were Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, criminals)”. Those who were deemed weak will say to those who were arrogant: “Nay, but it was your plotting by night and day, when you ordered us to disbelieve in Allah and set up rivals to Him!” And each of them (parties) will conceal their own regrets (for disobeying Allah during this worldly life), when they behold the torment. And We shall put iron collars round the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they requited aught except what they used to do?

Surah 34 Saba Verses 31-33

صٓۚ وَٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ ذِي ٱلذِّكۡرِ ١ بَلِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فِي عِزَّةٖ وَشِقَاقٖ ٢

...By the Quran full of reminding. Nay, those who desbelieve are in false pride and opposition.

Surah 38 Sad Verses 1-2

بَلَىٰ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡكَ ءَايَٰتِي فَكَذَّبۡتَ بِهَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرۡتَ وَكُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ ٥٩

Yes! Verily, there came to you My Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) and you denied them, and were proud and were among the disbelievers.

Surah 39 Az-Zumar Verse 59

وَقَالَ فِرۡعَوۡنُ ذَرُونِيٓ أَقۡتُلۡ مُوسَىٰ وَلۡيَدۡعُ رَبَّهُۥٓۖ إِنِّيٓ أَخَافُ أَن يُبَدِّلَ دِينَكُمۡ أَوۡ أَن يُظۡهِرَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ٱلۡفَسَادَ ٢٦ وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّي عُذۡتُ بِرَبِّي وَرَبِّكُم مِّن كُلِّ مُتَكَبِّرٖ لَّا يُؤۡمِنُ بِيَوۡمِ ٱلۡحِسَابِ ٢٧

Firaun (Pharaoh) said: “Leave me to kill Musa (Moses), and let him call his Lord (to stop me from killing him)! I fear that he may change your religion, or that he may cause mischief to appear in the land!” Musa (Moses) said: “Verily, I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every arrogant who believes not in the Day of Reckoning!”

Surah 40 Ghafir Verses 26-27

ٱلَّذِينَ يُجَٰدِلُونَ فِيٓ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيۡرِ سُلۡطَٰنٍ أَتَىٰهُمۡۖ كَبُرَ مَقۡتًا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَعِندَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَطۡبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ قَلۡبِ مُتَكَبِّرٖ جَبَّارٖ ٣٥

Those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) of Allah, without any authority that has come to them, it is greatly hateful and disgusting to Allah and to those who believe. Thus does Allah seal up the heart of every arrogant, tyrant. (So, they cannot guide themselves to the Right Path).

Surah 40 Ghafir Verse 35

• …seal up the heart… - Allah allows only those people to go astray who possess the following three qualities:

(1) They transgress all limits in their evil doing, and then develop such a taste for it that they do not feel inclined to accept any invitation to reform their morals.

(2) Their permanent attitude in respect of the Prophets is characterized by doubt and suspicion. The Prophets of God may bring any clear signs before them, yet they doubt their Prophethood and view with suspicion those truths which they present with regard to Tauhid and the Hereafter.

(3) They try to resist the revelations of the Book of Allah with crooked arguments instead of considering them rationally, and these objections are neither based on any sound reason nor on the authority of a revealed Book, but from the beginning to the end their only basis is obstinacy and stubbornness.

When a group of the people develops these three evils, Allah hurls it into the deep pit of Hell fire where from no power can then rescue them. The seal, then, is not set on the heart of anybody without a reason. This seal of curse is set only on the heart of the one who is filled with arrogance and spirit of violence and tyranny.

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُجَٰدِلُونَ فِيٓ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيۡرِ سُلۡطَٰنٍ أَتَىٰهُمۡ إِن فِي صُدُورِهِمۡ إِلَّا كِبۡرٞ مَّا هُم بِبَٰلِغِيهِۚ فَٱسۡتَعِذۡ بِٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡبَصِيرُ ٥٦

Verily, those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride [to accept you (Muhammad, pbuh) as a Messenger of Allah and to obey you]. They will never have it (i.e., Prophethood which Allah has bestowed upon you). So, seek refuge in Allah (O Muhammad, pbuh, from the arrogants). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.

Surah 40 Ghafir Verse 56

فَأَمَّا عَادٞ فَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بِغَيۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَقَالُواْ مَنۡ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةًۖ أَوَ لَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَهُمۡ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنۡهُمۡ قُوَّةٗۖ وَكَانُواْ بِ‍َٔايَٰتِنَا يَجۡحَدُونَ ١٥ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ رِيحٗا صَرۡصَرٗا فِيٓ أَيَّامٖ نَّحِسَاتٖ لِّنُذِيقَهُمۡ عَذَابَ ٱلۡخِزۡيِ فِي ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَاۖ وَلَعَذَابُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ أَخۡزَىٰۖ وَهُمۡ لَا يُنصَرُونَ ١٦

As for Ad, they were arrogant in the land without right, and they said: “Who is mightier than us in strength?” See they not that Allah, Who created them was mightier in strength than them. And they used to deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs)! So, We sent upon them furious wind in days of evil omen (for them) that We might give them a taste of disgracing torment in this present worldly life, but surely the torment of the Hereafter will be more disgracing, and they will never be helped.

Surah 41 Fussilat Verses 15-16

لَّا يَسۡ‍َٔمُ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ مِن دُعَآءِ ٱلۡخَيۡرِ وَإِن مَّسَّهُ ٱلشَّرُّ فَيَ‍ُٔوسٞ قَنُوطٞ ٤٩ وَلَئِنۡ أَذَقۡنَٰهُ رَحۡمَةٗ مِّنَّا مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ضَرَّآءَ مَسَّتۡهُ لَيَقُولَنَّ هَٰذَا لِي وَمَآ أَظُنُّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ قَآئِمَةٗ وَلَئِن رُّجِعۡتُ إِلَىٰ رَبِّيٓ إِنَّ لِي عِندَهُۥ لَلۡحُسۡنَىٰۚ فَلَنُنَبِّئَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِمَا عَمِلُواْ وَلَنُذِيقَنَّهُم مِّنۡ عَذَابٍ غَلِيظٖ ٥٠ وَإِذَآ أَنۡعَمۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡإِنسَٰنِ أَعۡرَضَ وَنَ‍َٔابِجَانِبِهِۦ وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ ٱلشَّرُّ فَذُو دُعَآءٍ عَرِيضٖ ٥١

Man does not get tired of asking good (things from Allah); but if an evil touch him, then he gives up all hope and is lost in despair. And truly, if We give him a taste of mercy from Us, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say: ‘This is due to my (merit); I think not that the Hour will be established. But if I am brought back to my Lord, surely there will be for me the best with Him’. Then, We verily will show to the disbelievers what they have done, and We shall make them taste a severe torment. And when We show favour to man, he withdraws and turns away; but when evil touches him, then he has recourse to long supplications.

Surah 41 Fussilat Verse 49-51

• Man (al-Insan) used here does not refer to the entirety of mankind. Rather, it means those who fervently invoke Allah when they are engulfed in a crisis but who, no sooner than they receive any portion of good fortune, throw all their scruples aboard and pounce on self-indulgence. Since the majority of human beings are vulnerable to this weakness, it is projected as a common failure pertaining to mankind.
• Such a person tends to boast that he has earned all his good fortune as a result of his own talent and competence. He, thus, considers himself quite worthy of the well-being that he enjoys
• ‘good’ – here refers to prosperity, abundance of sustenance, good health and physical well-being

• ‘withdraws’ – is a sign of arrogance and pride leading to disobedience
• ‘long supplications’ – means:

• Asking at length for one thing
• Long on words and short on meaning (as against concise speech which is brief but full of meaning)

فَإِنۡ أَعۡرَضُواْ فَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَٰكَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ حَفِيظًاۖ إِنۡ عَلَيۡكَ إِلَّا ٱلۡبَلَٰغُۗ وَإِنَّآ إِذَآ أَذَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِنَّا رَحۡمَةٗ فَرِحَ بِهَاۖ وَإِن تُصِبۡهُمۡ سَيِّئَةُۢ بِمَا قَدَّمَتۡ أَيۡدِيهِمۡ فَإِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ كَفُورٞ ٤٨

But if they turn away (O Muhammad, pbuh) We have not sent you as a Hafiz (watcher, protector) over them (i.e., to take care of their deeds and to recompense them). Your duty is to convey (the message). And verily, when We cause man to taste of mercy from Us, he rejoices thereat; but when some ill befall them because of the deeds which their hands have sent forth, then, verily, man (becomes) ingrate!

Surah 42 Ash-Shura Verse 48

• …man becomes ingrate’ – means he forgets the previous times of ease and blessings and acknowledges nothing but the present moment. If times of ease come to him, he becomes arrogant and transgresses, but if any difficulty befalls him, he loses hope and is filled with despair. This is like what the Prophet (pbuh) said to the women: ‘O women, give in charity, for I have seen that you form the majority of the people of the Hell’, A woman asked, “Why is that, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: ‘Because you complain too much, and you are ungrateful to (your) husbands. If one of you were to be treated kindly for an entire lifetime, then that kindness was lacking for one day, she would say, “I have never seen anything good from you!”’

وَيۡلٞ لِّكُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٖ ٧ يَسۡمَعُ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ تُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِ ثُمَّ يُصِرُّ مُسۡتَكۡبِرٗا كَأَن لَّمۡ يَسۡمَعۡهَاۖ فَبَشِّرۡهُ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٖ ٨

Woe to every sinful liar; Who hears the verses of Allah (being) recited to him, yet persists with pride as if he heard them not. So, announce to him a painful torment.

Surah 45 Al-Jathiyah Verse 7-8

وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَفَلَمۡ تَكُنۡ ءَايَٰتِي تُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فَٱسۡتَكۡبَرۡتُمۡ وَكُنتُمۡ قَوۡمٗا مُّجۡرِمِينَ ٣١ وَإِذَا قِيلَ إِنَّ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقّٞ وَٱلسَّاعَةُ لَا رَيۡبَ فِيهَا قُلۡتُم مَّا نَدۡرِي مَا ٱلسَّاعَةُ إِن نَّظُنُّ إِلَّا ظَنّٗا وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمُسۡتَيۡقِنِينَ ٣٢

But as for those who disbelieved (it will be said to them, on the Day of Judgement): “Were not Our Verses recited to you? But you were proud, and you were a people who were Mujrimun (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners)”. And when it was said: “Verily! Allah’s Promise is the truth, and there is no doubt about the coming of the Hour”, you said; “We know not what is the Hour, we do not think it but as a conjecture, and we have no firm convincing belief (therein)”.

Surah 45 Al-Jathiyah Verses 31-32

وَيَوۡمَ يُعۡرَضُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ عَلَى ٱلنَّارِ أَذۡهَبۡتُمۡ طَيِّبَٰتِكُمۡ فِي حَيَاتِكُمُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱسۡتَمۡتَعۡتُم بِهَا فَٱلۡيَوۡمَ تُجۡزَوۡنَ عَذَابَ ٱلۡهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بِغَيۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَبِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَفۡسُقُونَ ٢٠

On the Day when those who disbelieve will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said): ‘You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein. Now this Day you shall be recompensed with a torment of humiliation, because you were arrogant in the land without a right, and because you used to rebel against Allah’s Command’.

Surah 46 Al-Ahqaf Verse 20

• Umar bin Al Khattab gave up many of the joys of food and drink and refrained from them while saying, “I am afraid of being like those whom Allah has reproached and condemned by saying (as in the above verse)”
• The degrading chastisement they will receive will be a sequel to their arrogance. They thought very highly of themselves. They considered it beneath their dignity to profess belief in the Prophet (pbuh) and to join the company of poor indigent Muslims in their faith. Allah will humiliate them in the Hereafter and their pride and arrogance will be reduced to dust.

إِذۡ جَعَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فِي قُلُوبِهِمُ ٱلۡحَمِيَّةَ حَمِيَّةَ ٱلۡجَٰهِلِيَّةِ فَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُۥ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ وَعَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَأَلۡزَمَهُمۡ كَلِمَةَ ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ وَكَانُوٓاْ أَحَقَّ بِهَا وَأَهۡلَهَاۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمٗا ٢٦

When those who disbelieve had put in their hearts pride and haughtiness -- the pride and haughtiness of the time of ignorance -- then Allah sent down His Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon His Messenger (pbuh) and upon the believers, and made them stick to the word of piety (i.e., none has the right to be worshipped but Allah); and they were well entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allah is the All-Knower of everything.

Surah 48 Al-Fath Verse 26

• The words hamiyyat al-jahiliyyah (time of ignorance) mean that a man should willfully do something unworthy and improper only for the sake of his honor and prestige. The disbelievers of Makkah themselves acknowledged and admitted that everybody had a right to visit the Kabah for performing Hajj and Umrah, and that they had no right to stop anyone from this duty. This was an ancient admitted law of Arabia. But in spite of knowing that they were absolutely in the wrong and the Muslims in the right. They prevented the Muslims from performing Umrah only for the sake of their prestige. The righteous, even among the polytheists, were also saying that preventing the people, who had come in the pilgrim garbs along with sacrificial camels, from performing pilgrimage was an improper act. Yet the Quraish leaders persisted in their resistance only with the idea that if Muhammad (pbuh) entered Makkah along with a large number of his followers, it would mean loss of prestige for them among the Arabs. This was their arrogance.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا يَسۡخَرۡ قَوۡمٞ مِّن قَوۡمٍ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونُواْ خَيۡرٗا مِّنۡهُمۡ وَلَا نِسَآءٞ مِّن نِّسَآءٍ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيۡرٗا مِّنۡهُنَّۖ وَلَا تَلۡمِزُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ وَلَا تَنَابَزُواْ بِٱلۡأَلۡقَٰبِۖ بِئۡسَ ٱلِٱسۡمُ ٱلۡفُسُوقُ بَعۡدَ ٱلۡإِيمَٰنِۚ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَتُبۡ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ ١١

O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad it is to insult one’s brother having faith. And whoever does not repent, then such are indeed zalimun (wrong-doer).

Surah 49 Al-Hujurat Verse 11

• Allah forbids scoffing at people, which implies humiliating and belittling them. In the Sahih, it is recorded that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Arrogance is refusing the truth and belittling people’ and in other version ‘and despising people’
• Narrated Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘All of the Muslim is sacred to the Muslim, his wealth, honour and his blood. It is evil enough for someone to belittle his Muslim brother’

مَآ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٖ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا فِيٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ إِلَّا فِي كِتَٰبٖ مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن نَّبۡرَأَهَآۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٞ ٢٢ لِّكَيۡلَا تَأۡسَوۡاْ عَلَىٰ مَا فَاتَكُمۡ وَلَا تَفۡرَحُواْ بِمَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمۡۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخۡتَالٖ فَخُورٍ ٢٣

No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) before We bring it into existence. In order that you may not grieve at the things over that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not every prideful boaster. Surah 57 Al-Hadid Verse 22-23

• Allah says here; ‘Do not boast before people about what Allah has favoured you with, because it is not you who earned it by your efforts. Rather, all this came your way because Allah destined them for you and provided them for you as provisions. Therefore, do not use what Allah has granted you as a reason to boast and become arrogant’
• Every one of us feels happiness and grief. However, joy should be made with gratitude and grief should be endured with patience

أَمَّنۡ هَٰذَا ٱلَّذِي يَرۡزُقُكُمۡ إِنۡ أَمۡسَكَ رِزۡقَهُۥۚ بَل لَّجُّواْ فِي عُتُوّٖ وَنُفُورٍ ٢١

Who is he that can provide for you if He should withhold His provision? Nay, but they continue to be in pride, and flee (from the truth).

Surah 67 Al-Mulk Verse 21

فَلَا صَدَّقَ وَلَا صَلَّىٰ ٣١ وَلَٰكِن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ ٣٢ ثُمَّ ذَهَبَ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهِۦ يَتَمَطَّىٰٓ ٣٣ أَوۡلَىٰ لَكَ فَأَوۡلَىٰ ٣٤ ثُمَّ أَوۡلَىٰ لَكَ فَأَوۡلَىٰٓ ٣٥ أَيَحۡسَبُ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ أَن يُتۡرَكَ سُدًى ٣٦

So, he (the disbeliever) neither believed nor prayed! But on the contrary, he denied and turned away! Then he walked in conceit to his family admiring himself! Woe to you (O disbeliever)! And then woe to you! Again, woe to you! And then woe to you! Does man think that he will be left neglected?

Surah 75 Al-Qiyamah Verses 31-36

• ‘he will be left neglected’ – means:

• Not resurrected
• Not commanded and prohibited

Apparently, the Ayah includes both meanings. This means that he will not be neglected in this worldly life without being commanded and prohibited. He also will not be left neglected in his grave unattended to without being resurrected

كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ لَيَطۡغَىٰٓ ٦ أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسۡتَغۡنَىٰٓ ٧ إِنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ٱلرُّجۡعَىٰٓ ٨

Nay! Verily, man does transgress; because he considers himself self-sufficient. Surely, to your Lord is the return.

Surah 96 Al-Alaq Verses 6-8

• Allah informs that man is very pleased, most evil, scornful and transgressive when he considers himself self-sufficient and having an abundance of wealth. Allah threatens, warns and admonishes him saying unto Allah is the Final Destination and return, and that He will hold you accountable for your wealth, as to from where you obtained it and how did you spend it

END OF CHAPTER