Quranic Answer
In the Holy Quran, it is clearly emphasized that humility and submission before Allah and others are fundamental qualities of a true believer. If our good deeds lead us towards feelings of superiority and arrogance, it indicates a weakness in our faith and connection with Allah. Surah Luqman, verse 18 states: "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." This verse shows that arrogance and pride in front of others are considered undesirable traits. Moreover, in Surah Al-An'am, verse 152, Allah warns mankind to avoid excessive feelings of superiority and reminds them to keep their awareness of God and to ask for forgiveness for their sins. Hence, whenever we reflect on our virtues, we must always remember that any strength we have comes from Allah and focus on humility and serving others. Otherwise, we might lose our worth and fall into the trap of arrogance. Therefore, one of the most important aspects of our lives is the effort to maintain humility and avoid pride.
Related Verses
وَلا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۚ إنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ
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.
Luqman : 18
وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلَّ أُولَـٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا
And do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.
Al-An'am : 152
Short Story
A story from Saadi tells of a man who constantly sought attention for his good deeds and often boasted about them. One day, an old man told him, 'Do you truly forget yourself in your good deeds? Why do you think you are superior to others?' These words made him reflect and reminded him that goodness should reside in the heart, not on the tongue. He decided to quietly connect with Allah and avoid praising himself.