FRIDAY SERMON: From Arrogance to Destruction – A Qur’anic and Hadith Perspective

“Admitting a mistake is not weakness – it is the strength of faith.”

Mohammad younis Bhat (Zahid)

Arrogance, pride, and ego referred to in Arabic as Takabbur, Guroor, and Ana — are among the most destructive traits a human being can possess. These traits are not mere personality flaws; in Islamic teachings, they are considered major sins because they prevent a person from accepting the truth, recognizing their mistakes, and submitting to Allah’s commands. The Qur’an and Hadith warn repeatedly about these qualities, showing how they can lead to individual ruin, social discord, and spiritual loss.

Understanding Arrogance and Ego

Ana (Ego) is the internal sense of superiority that makes a person believe they are never wrong. It convinces the heart that humility is weakness and that admitting mistakes is shameful. This inner arrogance prevents self-reflection, repentance, and personal growth. A person dominated by Ana may endure material losses, family disputes, or social failures but will never bow before the truth, thus sealing their own downfall.

Takabbur (Arrogance) is the outward expression of this ego. It manifests as looking down on others, claiming superiority, and rejecting advice or correction. The Qur’an highlights this in the story of Iblees (Satan), who said:

“I am better than him” (Qur’an, 7:12)

This single act of pride made Iblees an eternal outcast, demonstrating the severe consequences of arrogance.

Guroor (Deception by Pride) is the subtle form of arrogance, where a person becomes deluded into believing their knowledge, wealth, or status is entirely their own accomplishment. They forget that all abilities, opportunities, and successes are from Allah, and they begin to depend on self rather than the Creator.

Effects on Individual and Society

Arrogance and ego are silent destroyers. They do not announce themselves loudly, but their effects are deeply damaging.

1. On Personal Life:

Ego prevents individuals from accepting mistakes. Even when proven wrong, they refuse to apologize.

Arrogant individuals prioritize their pride over relationships, causing family, friendship, and professional ties to break.

Persistent arrogance leads to isolation and loneliness. The Qur’an reminds:

“Do not walk on the earth with arrogance, for you cannot split the earth nor reach the mountains in height.” (Luqman, 31:18)

2. On Righteous Deeds:

Even acts of worship can become harmful if tainted by pride. A person who prays or fasts but boasts of their piety, or looks down on others, renders their deeds worthless. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever has even a mustard seed of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise.” (Muslim)

This highlights that humility is an essential component of true worship, and pride can nullify spiritual rewards.

3. On Leadership and Society:

Leaders dominated by ego misuse power for self-interest rather than public service. Examples include:

Dismissing advice from subordinates

Ignoring accountability

Enforcing authority harshly while expecting blind obedience

The Qur’an warns:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (An-Nisa, 4:58)

When ego overrides justice, society suffers, institutions weaken, and corruption spreads.

Historical Examples of Arrogance

1. Iblees (Satan): Refused to bow to Adam due to pride. Consequence: eternal damnation. (Qur’an 7:11–12)
2. Pharaoh: Claimed divinity and oppressed people. Result: destruction and loss of his kingdom. (Qur’an 28:38–40)
3. Common Individuals: In everyday life, arrogance appears when people refuse to apologize, ignore advice, or belittle others. Even highly educated or influential individuals often fall prey to this sin.

Practical Manifestations in Daily Life

Marital life: Spouses refuse to admit mistakes, escalating minor disagreements into major conflicts.

Parenting: Parents’ ego prevents them from listening to children’s perspectives or correcting themselves.

Professional life: Officials prioritize pride over service, causing injustice or inefficiency.

Social interactions: People leave responsibilities for others to manage, considering it beneath them to act humbly.

These examples show that arrogance is not abstract; it actively harms relationships, productivity, and society.

How to Overcome Arrogance and Ego

Islam provides clear remedies to overcome pride and ego:

1. Acknowledging Mistakes

The first step is admitting faults. Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) demonstrated this after his sin:

“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves…” (Qur’an 7:23)

This act of humility restored his connection with Allah, while Iblees’ refusal condemned him.

2. Practicing Humility (Tawadu’)

Humility is the key to spiritual elevation. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever humbles himself for Allah, Allah will elevate him.” (Muslim)

True honor comes from lowering the ego, not inflating it.

3. Seeking Forgiveness

Admitting wrongs and asking forgiveness lightens the heart, mends relationships, and restores social harmony.

4. Self-Accountability (Muhasaba)

Regular reflection and self-assessment prevent ego from growing. Umar ibn Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه said:

“Hold yourself accountable before the Day of Judgment comes.”

5. Serving Others

Spending time with the weak, helping the needy, and listening to others’ perspectives softens the heart and breaks arrogance.

6. Remembering Death and the Hereafter

Awareness of mortality humbles the heart: all positions, wealth, and status vanish at death, leaving only deeds.

“Do not be deceived by their movement through the land.” (Al-Qiyamah, 75:20–21)

Consequences of Arrogance

1. Personal Loss: Pride leads to broken relationships, loss of respect, and inner unrest.
2. Social Damage: Institutions collapse, injustices rise, and collective morality declines.
3. Spiritual Ruin: Allah rejects deeds tainted with arrogance. Even worship becomes ineffective if done for pride.
4. Eternal Damnation: Those who die in arrogance without repentance risk eternal punishment.

Call for Personal and Social Reform

To combat arrogance and ego:

Admit mistakes and apologize sincerely

Approach others with humility and respect

Avoid boasting about knowledge, wealth, or status

Lead with service, not authority

Constantly remember Allah, death, and accountability

The Prophet ﷺ’s life is the perfect model:

Soft-spoken with the poor and weak

Patient with criticism

Ever humble, despite unmatched status

Final Reflection

The question every believer must ask:
“Do I value my ego more than my relationship with Allah and others?”

Arrogance is temporary and deceptive; humility is enduring and rewarding. Whoever bows in humility for Allah’s sake will rise in honor. Whoever clings to pride will ultimately face disgrace, both in this world and the Hereafter.

“Whoever humbles himself for Allah, Allah will raise him.” (Muslim)
“Do not walk arrogantly on the earth, for you cannot split the earth nor reach the mountains in height.” (Luqman, 31:18)

This series was not written for theoretical discussion, but for self-accountability and reform. Because ego, arrogance, and pride are diseases that are easily noticed in others but most difficult to feel in oneself.

Core Message in One Line:

“Admitting a mistake is not weakness — it is the strength of faith.”

May Allah grant us all
freedom from ego,
the wealth of humility,
and the courage to accept the truth.
Āmīn!
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