Think about the last time you scrolled through social media. How often do you see people flexing their wealth, status, or looks? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’re better than others. This can be due to our intelligence, style, or even our level of religiosity. But here’s the truth: Arrogance (kibr) is a silent poison. It can destroy our connection with Allah. It also harms the people around us.

What is Arrogance in Islam?

The Prophet ﷺ defined arrogance as two things:

1. Rejecting the truth – When we refuse to accept what’s right because it doesn’t fit our ego.

2. Looking down on others – When we belittle people, thinking we’re superior somehow.


The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“No one with an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim)

This isn’t about wearing nice clothes or wanting to look good—Allah loves beauty. The problem starts when we start thinking our status, achievements, or opinions make us better than someone else.

The Dangers of Arrogance

Arrogance doesn’t just affect our attitude—it affects our relationship with Allah. Look at Iblis. He was once among the honored ones, but his arrogance led him to defy Allah’s command. He thought he was better than Adam (AS) because he was made of fire while Adam was made of clay. That one act of arrogance led to his downfall.

Even in today’s world, arrogance creates barriers. It makes us reject advice, refuse to admit mistakes, and distance ourselves from people. It turns us into people who crave validation but lose genuine relationships.

How Can We Keep Our Hearts Humble?


1. Remember where you came from – Allah reminds us in the Quran that we were created from dust. No matter how rich, smart, or talented we are, we all return to the same ground.


2. Acknowledge your flaws – No one is perfect. The moment we think we have nothing to improve, we’ve already lost.


3. Give credit to Allah – Every blessing—our knowledge, talents, or success—comes from Him. Humility means recognizing that without Allah’s mercy, we have nothing.


4. Treat others with respect – The Prophet ﷺ was the most humble person despite being the best of creation. He greeted everyone, helped the needy, and never made anyone feel inferior.

Arrogance isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s hidden in the way we think about others. It might be in our refusal to take advice. Or it could be in how we carry ourselves. The key is to check our hearts regularly and remind ourselves that true greatness comes from humility, not pride.

So next time you’re tempted to look down on someone, ask yourself: Would the Prophet ﷺ have acted this way? If the answer is no, it’s time for a heart check.

arrogance in Islam

Steps to Overcome Arrogance:

To avoid arrogance, we must cultivate humility by constantly reminding ourselves that all blessings—knowledge, wealth, status, or lineage—come from Allah. Pride distances us from the truth and ultimately from Allah’s mercy. Instead, we should strive for sincerity in our actions. We must ensure that our religious knowledge cleanses our hearts. It should not inflate our egos.

  • Self-Reflection & Sincerity: Regularly examine our hearts to find arrogance and seek Allah’s guidance in overcoming it. True knowledge should lead to humility, not superiority.
  • Gratitude & Recognition of Allah’s Gifts: Acknowledge that our achievements are not solely our own but are bestowed by Allah. Gratitude fosters humility.
  • Seeking Forgiveness & Repentance: The Prophet ﷺ emphasized seeking Allah’s forgiveness, as even unintentional arrogance can corrupt our sincerity.
  • Avoiding Comparison & Looking Down on Others: Kibr often stems from comparing ourselves with others. Instead, we should focus on our own spiritual growth and character development.
  • Practicing Kindness & Service: The Prophet ﷺ, despite his high status, was the most humble. Serving others and treating everyone with kindness helps eradicate arrogance.
  • Surrounding Ourselves with Humble Company: Being around those who are sincere and God-conscious influences our character positively.

Arrogance, whether religious or worldly, destroys sincerity and can lead to downfall. The Prophet ﷺ warned against boasting about lineage, wealth, or knowledge, as it mirrors the arrogance of Jahiliyyah. We should not allow our religious knowledge to make us look down upon others. Instead, we should use it to purify our hearts. This will bring us closer to Allah. Ultimately, true honor lies not in arrogance but in submission, humility, and righteousness. May Allah help us and forgive us for being proud of ourselves. In the end, we all have to return to him, as He is our one and only Creator.