Defining arrogance

Arrogance is to consider oneself superior and others inferior.

The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Arrogance is to oppose the truth and consider people inferior.”^[1]

Imam Rāghib Iṣfahānī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه writes, “Arrogance is to consider yourself greater than others.”^[2]

Whoever has arrogance in their heart is known as a مُتَکَبِّر.

How to avoid arrogance

To avoid arrogance, we can keep the excellences and benefits of humility in mind and think about them deeply. In other words, say to yourself:

On the Day of Judgement, everybody will have to give account of their deeds before Allah Almighty, including me. If Allah Almighty is displeased with me due to my arrogance, and I am thrown into Hellfire, what then shall I do? How will I withstand this punishment?

Taking account of yourself this way will be greatly affecting in avoiding arrogance – اِنْ شَآءَ اللہ.

Similarly, making dua is another method of protecting yourself from evils like this, because dua is the weapon of a believer.

Make dua and say:

O Allah Almighty! I want to become pious! I want to rid myself of arrogance and all over evils. My nafs and Satan are always