Chapter 72: The Prohibition of Arrogance and Self-Admiration

Allah the Exalted says: “That abode of the Hereafter We assign to those who seek neither exaltation on earth nor corruption; the good end belongs to the God-fearing.” (al-Qasas 28:83)

He also says: “Do not walk upon the earth exultantly; you can neither pierce the earth nor reach the mountains in height.” (al-Israʾ 17:37)

And He says: “Do not turn your cheek away from people, nor walk upon the earth exultantly; verily, Allah does not love every swaggering braggart.” (Luqman 31:18). The expression tuṣaʿʿir khaddaka (“turn your cheek”) means to tilt it and turn away from people in pride, while al-marah denotes strutting boastfully.

He further says: “Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, yet he transgressed against them. We had granted him treasures whose very keys would weigh down a company of strong men. When his people said to him, ‘Do not exult, for Allah does not love the exultant,’” (al-Qasas 28:76) up to His words, “So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling.” (al-Qasas 28:81) and the remainder of the verses.

[Explanation]

The author, Imam al-Nawawi—may Allah have mercy on him—states in Riyad al-Salihin what has been related concerning arrogance and self-admiration.

Arrogance (kibr) is to raise oneself up, to believe that one is great, above other people, and possessed of superiority over them.

Self-admiration (iʿjāb) is when a person beholds his own deeds, is impressed by them, and regards them as great.