The Many Causes of Arrogance: Understanding and Overcoming Them

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Arrogance is a trait that is condemned in all religions and cultures. It is considered a destructive habit that can lead to the downfall of individuals and communities. Scholars have identified various reasons that cause arrogance, such as knowledge, wealth, worship, lineage, designation, achievements, beauty, and elegance. These causes of arrogance must be understood and addressed to avoid the destructive consequences of this trait.

The first cause of arrogance: Knowledge

The first cause of arrogance is knowledge. When a person acquires knowledge, he or she may start to consider others ignorant and inferior. This can lead to a sense of superiority and arrogance. However, true knowledge should lead to humility and compassion, not arrogance. In his book "The Removal of Confusion Concerning the Flood of the Saintly Seal Ahmad al-Tijani," Sheikh Ahmad Tijani explains that true knowledge is recognizing one's own ignorance and understanding that there is always more to learn. He writes, "He who is truly knowledgeable realizes that he knows nothing and that true knowledge is in acknowledging one's ignorance." This understanding can help prevent arrogance from creeping in as one acquires knowledge.

The second cause of arrogance: Worship

The second cause of arrogance is worship. When a person starts to perform religious rituals such as prayer, fasting, and charity, he or she may start to feel superior to others who do not perform these acts. However, this is not the right attitude, as Allah says in the Quran, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Quran 49:13)

The third cause of arrogance: Wealth

The third cause of arrogance is wealth. When a person becomes wealthy, he or she may start to consider poor people inferior and may look down upon them. However, wealth is not a sign of superiority, as Allah says in the Quran, “And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.” (Quran 20:131)

The fourth cause of arrogance: Lineage

The fourth cause of arrogance is lineage. When a person belongs to a high-status family, he or she may start to consider themselves superior to others. However, lineage is not a sign of superiority, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in his farewell sermon, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white.” (Bukhari)

The fifth cause of arrogance: Designation

The fifth cause of arrogance is designation. When a person holds a high position or designation, he or she may start to consider themselves superior to others. However, this is not the right attitude, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” (Muslim)

The sixth cause of arrogance: Achievements

The sixth cause of arrogance is achievements. When a person achieves success and becomes famous, he or she may start to feel superior to others. However, this is not the right attitude, as Allah says in the Quran, “And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful” (Quran 31:18).

The seventh cause of arrogance: Beauty and elegance

The seventh cause of arrogance is beauty and elegance. When a person is blessed with physical beauty, he or she may start to consider themselves superior to others. However, beauty is not a sign of superiority, as Allah says in the Quran, “Indeed, We have created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing. Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.” (Quran 76:2-3).

The eighth cause of arrogance: Power

The eighth reason is power. What a great power the Prophet Muhammad had, but how humble he was! The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a powerful leader and ruler of the Muslim community during his lifetime, yet he remained humble and never let his power or authority get to his head. He always put the welfare of his community first and led by example through his actions and behavior. This is evident in many of his sayings and actions, such as his emphasis on the importance of humility and his treatment of others with kindness and compassion, regardless of their social status or background.

Therefore, even if one has power or authority, it is important to remain humble and not let it lead to arrogance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is an excellent role model for all Muslims, as he demonstrated the importance of humility and compassion in leadership and how true strength lies in serving others rather than asserting dominance over them.

Conclusion

To avoid arrogance, one must understand that all blessings come from Allah, and they are a test, not a sign of superiority. One should also recognize that others may be equally blessed in different ways and that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it is essential to be humble and grateful for what we have and not look down upon others who may not have the same privileges or abilities.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us the importance of humility and the dangers of arrogance. He said, "No one who has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise." (Sahih Muslim) Arrogance is a grave sin in Islam and is considered a major obstacle to spiritual growth and development.

One way to cultivate humility is by practicing self-reflection and introspection. We should regularly examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions and assess whether they align with the teachings of Islam. We should also seek feedback from others and be open to constructive criticism.

Another way to develop humility is by serving others and putting their needs before our own. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The best of people are those who are the most beneficial to others." (Al-Mustadrak) Serving others not only helps us develop empathy and compassion but also reminds us of our own limitations and weaknesses.

In conclusion, humility is a critical trait that every Muslim should strive to cultivate. It is a vital component of spiritual growth and development and helps us maintain a healthy perspective on our blessings and abilities. By practicing self-reflection, serving others, and seeking guidance from Allah, we can overcome our ego and cultivate a spirit of humility that will benefit ourselves and those around us.

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