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Arrogance, known as “kibr” in Arabic, is considered a major sin in Islam, often described as the act of rejecting truth and looking down upon others. Both the Quran and Hadith address arrogance as a behavior that alienates individuals from the grace of Allah, causing social harm and spiritual downfall. This paper aims to explore the consequences of arrogance in the light of Islamic teachings, examining how it is understood and what punishments are prescribed under Sharia.
1. Arrogance in the Quran
The Quran explicitly condemns arrogance, associating it with disbelief, disobedience, and
rebellion against Allah. Several verses serve as warnings to those who exhibit arrogance,
highlighting the ultimate punishment they face:
• Surah Al-Isra (17:37): “And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never
tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.” This verse highlights that arrogance over one’s strength or abilities is a futile delusion.
• Surah Luqman (31:18): “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.” Here, arrogance is discouraged as it disrupts social harmony and leads to
estrangement from others.
• Surah Al-A’raf (7:146): “I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the
earth without right.” This verse stresses that arrogance blinds individuals from recognizing the truth and God’s signs.
2. Arrogance in the Hadith
Prophetic teachings (Hadith) provide a more detailed understanding of arrogance, emphasizing both its spiritual and social consequences:
• Sahih Muslim: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “No one who has an
atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” This Hadith clearly warns of the
eternal consequence of arrogance, equating it with exclusion from Divine mercy.
• Sahih Al-Bukhari: The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “Arrogance means ridiculing and
rejecting the truth and despising people.” This points to the dual nature of arrogance—both as a rejection of divine truth and as social superiority over others.
3. Sharia Perspective on Arrogance
From a legal perspective, Sharia does not prescribe specific worldly punishments for arrogance in the same way it does for other sins like theft or murder. However, Sharia emphasizes the cultivation of humility as a fundamental Islamic principle, and arrogance is seen as a moral transgression that leads to spiritual decay.
In Islamic jurisprudence, arrogance can be classified under moral offenses (al-muharramat), which are addressed through spiritual and ethical correction rather than legal penalties. However, arrogance that leads to injustice, oppression, or the violation of others’ rights may be subject to legal consequences under Sharia. For instance, rulers or individuals in positions of authority who act arrogantly and oppress others may face legal repercussions, as Sharia mandates justice and fairness in governance and societal interactions.
4. Consequences of Arrogance
a. Spiritual Consequences
The most severe consequence of arrogance in Islam is spiritual ruin. Arrogance leads to:
• Rejection of Divine Guidance: Arrogant individuals often fail to heed divine signs or accept the truth, as mentioned in Surah Al-A’raf.
• Exclusion from Paradise: According to Hadith, even the smallest amount of arrogance may result in exclusion from the blessings of Paradise.
b. Social Consequences
• Social Disunity: Arrogance breeds contempt and division within the community, leading to
fractured relationships and a lack of compassion.
• Injustice and Oppression: Those in power who are arrogant often use their positions to
oppress others, violating the Quranic principle of justice.
c. Worldly Consequences
• Loss of Respect and Influence: Arrogant individuals are often despised by their peers,
leading to a loss of social standing and respect.
• Divine Retribution: The Quran mentions that those who persist in arrogance will face
humiliation in this life and severe punishment in the Hereafter (Surah Al-Ghafir, 40:76).
5. The Islamic Remedy for Arrogance
Islam offers remedies for arrogance, focusing on cultivating humility and gratitude:
• Humility: As highlighted in numerous Quranic verses and Hadith, the cultivation of humility
is a core principle in Islamic spirituality. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself is
described as the humblest of men, setting a high standard for believers to follow.
• Gratitude: A keyway to overcome arrogance is by recognizing that all blessings come from Allah, and humans are merely temporary custodians of His bounty. By expressing gratitude, one can guard against pride.
Thus, the teachings of the Quran, Hadith, and Sharia collectively emphasize that arrogance is a dangerous spiritual and moral ailment with far-reaching consequences. It alienates individuals from Allah, sows discord in society and leads to punishment in the afterlife. The remedy lies in fostering humility, gratitude, and justice, values that are central to Islamic belief and practice. By adhering to these principles, Muslims can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and attain both spiritual success and societal harmony.
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