Why Does the Quran Strongly Criticize the Arrogant?

The Holy Quran, the divine word of God, repeatedly and emphatically criticizes and condemns arrogance and the arrogant. This strong condemnation is deeply rooted in the monotheistic worldview of Islam and can be attributed to several profound reasons. Arrogance, defined as self-aggrandizement, conceit, and looking down upon others, stands in stark contrast to humility and servitude, which are the very essence of faith in Almighty God. From a Quranic perspective, arrogance is not merely a moral vice; it is a form of disobedience and rebellion against divine majesty and grandeur, and it actively obstructs the path to guidance and salvation. This reprehensible trait is the source of much evil and corruption, both individually and socially, and for this reason, it incurs divine wrath. One of the most significant reasons for the Quran's criticism of the arrogant lies in the historical and Quranic origin of this characteristic in the disobedience of Iblis (Satan). The first and greatest act of defiance against a divine command was the arrogance of Iblis. When God commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam, they all prostrated except Iblis, who, out of arrogance and a sense of superiority, refused this command, saying: "I am better than him; You created me from fire and created him from clay." (Al-A'raf: 12). This event illustrates that arrogance was the first sin committed in creation, leading to Iblis's expulsion from divine presence and his transformation into the accursed Satan. Therefore, arrogance is not a minor transgression; it is the root cause of rebellion and disbelief that deviates a person from the path of servitude and submission. Another reason is the fundamental incompatibility of arrogance with the principle of Tawhid (monotheism). In Islam, absolute greatness and grandeur belong solely to God. The name "Al-Mutakabbir" (The Supremely Great, The Possessor of All Grandeur) is one of Allah's beautiful names, signifying boundless majesty and might. When a human claims arrogance, they are essentially placing themselves in God's position, attempting to usurp an attribute that is exclusively befitting the Divine Essence. This act is a subtle or even overt form of polytheism (shirk), as the arrogant individual perceives themselves as the center of the universe, superior to others, and even above divine commands. The Holy Quran explicitly states that Allah does not love the arrogant (An-Nahl: 23). This divine disapproval stems from the arrogant individual's denial of their true place in relation to their Creator. Humanity is intrinsically poor and dependent on God, and any power, knowledge, or wealth they possess is a gift from Him. Arrogance is a denial of these blessings and a forgetfulness of this fundamental truth. Arrogance also acts as a significant barrier to guidance and the acceptance of truth. An arrogant person, due to perceiving themselves as superior to others, is unwilling to listen to truth from someone they deem inferior. They resist logical arguments and proofs, and their hearts become sealed against divine verses. The Quran states: "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." (Al-A'raf: 146). This verse illustrates that arrogance itself is a veil that comes between a person and the comprehension of truth, preventing them from seeing divine signs. Many previous nations, including the people of Pharaoh, perished due to their arrogance and defiance towards prophets and divine signs. Pharaoh, in his arrogance, stood against Moses (peace be upon him) and was ultimately drowned; Qarun, too, due to his arrogance concerning his wealth, was swallowed by the earth with his possessions. These are clear Quranic examples of the dire fate of the arrogant. From a social perspective, arrogance leads to corruption and ruin. An arrogant person cannot establish healthy and respectful relationships with others. They transgress the rights of others, oppress the weak, and are incapable of admitting mistakes or apologizing. This trait causes division, envy, and enmity in society, weakening the foundations of solidarity and empathy. Luqman the Wise, in his advice to his son, warns against arrogance, saying: "Do not turn your cheek in contempt toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like every self-deluded and boastful person." (Luqman: 18). This verse points to the behavioral aspect of arrogance, how it manifests in one's gait and gaze, and its negative impact on social interactions. Finally, the destiny of the arrogant in the Hereafter is described as extremely painful. God explicitly declares that Hellfire is the abode of the arrogant. "It will be said: 'Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein.' And how wretched is the residence of the arrogant." (Az-Zumar: 72). On the Day of Judgment, the arrogant will be resurrected in humiliation and disgrace, their faces darkened and contorted, with no refuge for them. This stands in stark contrast to the immense reward of humility; for Paradise is prepared for the humble and modest servants. Therefore, the Quran's strong condemnation of arrogance is a serious warning to humanity to shun this destructive characteristic and, through humility before God and love for His creatures, embark on the path of salvation and strive towards perfection.