Definition of ‘arrogance’

Arrogance or haughtiness is that, one holds the belief about his/her qualities - those are his/her own abilities and (proves his/her) completeness and doesn’t pay attention to Allah Taala’s Bounty & Blessing and looks down upon others - thinks others’ inferior (i.e. believes s/he is superior to others).

However, to deny one’s qualities by oneself is not politeness or modesty; for instance, for a Hafiz-a Quran, it is permissible to believe that he is a Hafiz of Quran and believe that is Allah Taala’s Bounty on him.

[Hazrat Thanvi (R)'s Malfooz from Anfas-e Isa in Islahi Majalis of Mufti Taqi Usmani (DB)]

The way or means to get rid of arrogance is Shukr - Express Gratitude

To get rid of arrogance is that whenever any own quality comes forth, one should express gratitude towards Allah Taala and say, O Allah! You have provided me so and so and I was not at all eligible for this - it is for Your Kindness and Mercy I achieved it. Such thought will inshallah uproot arrogance.

Hazrat Thanvi (R) has stated in the definition of arrogance, that ‘one takes his/her qualities as own abilities’ in fact, no quality is of own; all are Allah Taala’s Bounty.

Just stating that ‘I am a wretched and distressed’ doesn’t prove one’s politeness

If one states that I am wretched and distressed - this doesn’t prove that s/he is free from arrogance. If someone else tells him/her that ‘indeed, you are a wretched and distressed fellow’ - the impression or reaction in him/her expresses the real state. Many people want to claim by the words, ‘I am wretched and distressed’ - s/he is free from arrogance. However, when they are testified, i.e. when others say that ‘yes, you are truly such’ - the person becomes sad and it becomes hard for his/her nafs to bear the pain.

But those who possess a pure heart, has reformed and rectified themselves under a spiritual mentor, gradually attains the quality of being polite and modest, when they say that ‘I am wretched and distressed’ - they really mean it. If such people are tested, they pass.

[From Islahi Majalis, Mufti Taqi Usmani (DB) - abridged]

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admin on September 23rd, 2009 | File Under Tasawuf | -