How Do I Know If I Have Arrogance in My Heart?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. To understand if arrogance has taken root in our hearts, we must look within ourselves and evaluate our behaviors and intentions against Quranic standards. Arrogance (kibr) is one of the greatest spiritual and moral diseases severely condemned in the Holy Quran. The root of arrogance often stems from ignorance of one's true station and a lack of awareness of the Lord's greatness. An arrogant person sees themselves as higher than they truly are and others as less than they are. The Holy Quran clearly describes the characteristics of the arrogant, and by applying these characteristics to ourselves, we can identify the signs of arrogance. One of the most important signs of arrogance is the rejection of truth and the inability to accept advice. Due to their pride, the arrogant cannot admit their mistakes and deny the truth, even if it is clear. Allah says in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 146: "I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it; and if they see the way of consciousness, they will not take it as a way; but if they see the way of error, they will take it as a way. That is because they have denied Our signs and were heedless of them." This verse clearly states that the arrogant, even upon seeing divine signs and proofs of truth, will not believe and will not find the path to guidance. Therefore, if someone takes a defensive stance against the truth, even when it is conveyed by others, and rejects it with self-importance, this is a sign of arrogance. Another sign is belittling others and looking down upon them. An arrogant individual considers themselves superior to others, whether in terms of wealth, lineage, knowledge, or social status. They may, through their words or actions, demean others and treat them disrespectfully. In Surah Luqman, verse 18, Allah states: "And do not turn your cheek in contempt toward people or walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like every self-deluded and boastful person." This verse advises us not to turn our faces away from people in arrogance and not to walk proudly on earth, for Allah does not love any arrogant boastful person. If we find ourselves inclined to magnify the faults of others, ridicule them, or feel an undue sense of superiority over others, we must be vigilant, as these are signs of arrogance. Arrogant behavior can also manifest in the way one walks, speaks, and even looks. The Quran forbids walking arrogantly, considering it a sign of pride and self-importance. Indeed, all of a person's actions and states can be a reflection of their inner condition. If someone always wants to be the center of attention, gets upset by criticism from others, or feels they are always right, all of these can stem from arrogance. Furthermore, one of the significant manifestations of arrogance is refusing to obey divine commands. Iblis was the first who, due to arrogance, refused to prostrate before Adam and disobeyed Allah's command. This story is mentioned in several places in the Quran, including Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 34, and Surah Sad, verse 74. Iblis saw himself as created from fire and Adam from clay, and this false perception led to his arrogance and downfall. If we are lazy in performing acts of worship, or if we use flimsy excuses to avoid fulfilling divine commands, we must examine whether inner arrogance is preventing us. To combat arrogance and purify the heart from it, we must constantly remember the greatness of Allah and know that everything comes from Him, and we are but weak servants. Humility before Allah and His creation is the best remedy for arrogance. Accepting mistakes, appreciating advice, helping the needy, and avoiding ostentation are all steps in the path of confronting arrogance. Also, contemplating death and the fact that we will all return to Allah one day and our deeds will be accounted for, can break pride and arrogance. In summary, arrogance can be identified by signs such as rejecting truth, belittling others, refusing divine obedience, and self-aggrandizement in actions and behaviors. Self-awareness and constant contemplation of intentions and actions are key to combating this spiritual ailment.