affectation in speech.

As for the grandiloquent, the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—described them as arrogant. An arrogant person looks down on others and affects grandiloquence; when he walks, he struts as though tip-toeing on a knife-edge out of sheer pride and conceit. This is undoubtedly a blameworthy trait, and one must guard against it, for a human being should know his own worth. Even if Allah grants him wealth, knowledge, or status, he must humble himself. Indeed, the humility of those whom Allah has favored with wealth, knowledge, and position is finer than the humility of those who lack such gifts.

For this reason the hadith lists among those whom Allah will neither speak to, nor look at, nor purify on the Day of Resurrection “an arrogant pauper,” for a poor man has not the slightest excuse for arrogance. Consequently, whenever people whom Allah has blessed with knowledge, wealth, or standing humble themselves, their humility outshines that of others who have not been so graced.

Therefore, everyone to whom Allah has granted a blessing should increase in gratitude to Him, in deference to the truth, and in humility toward His creatures. May Allah guide me and you to the finest manners and deeds, and keep us away from evil morals and actions. Truly, He is the Most Generous, the Bestower.