To look down on others is one of the manifestations of kibr (arrogance)—and we seek Allah’s refuge from it. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Arrogance is rejecting the truth and belittling people.” “Rejecting the truth” means turning it away, while “belittling people” means despising and scorning them. A Muslim, therefore, views his brother with honor, respects him, and holds him in esteem. Ordinary folk put it simply: “Show people respect and they will respect you.” Whoever looks at people through the lens of contempt will find them looking back at him with contempt; and whoever approaches them with reverence and respect will be met with reverence and respect. This is something everyone can observe.

Accordingly, you will see that a humble, gentle, easy-going person is respected by all; nobody hates him, and nobody insults him. By contrast, the haughty individual who walks about with his nose in the air, scorning others, is disliked and disparaged by people. Were it not for some need they have of him, no one would even speak to him, for they hold him in contempt.

The Prophet ﷺ then said, “Taqwa is here,” pointing to his chest three times, indicating that God-consciousness resides in the heart. When the heart is mindful of Allah, the limbs follow in obedience. This is in keeping with his other saying: “Truly, there is a morsel of flesh in the body; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt—indeed, it is the heart.” Thus, when a person’s heart is filled with taqwa of Allah, fear of Him, and awe of Him, his outward actions become upright, for outward deeds follow the state of the heart.

Some scholars—including Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)—have likened the heart to a king