FROM ESCAPE TO AWAKENING

Arrogance is found in one who disdains to worship God, by forgetting his weaknesses, despising others, and feeling proud. However, man is a weak creature. He depends upon God’s power to exist and sustain his existence. God is the sole Power Who has created man from nothing, imparted him with spirit, sheltered and fed him, caused him to breathe, and bestowed countless other blessings upon him. God is the Lord of the universe. In spite of the clarity of this truth, one who thinks of himself as a being independent of Him, and believes his qualities and abilities to result from himself, is evidently suffering from a grave delusion. In fact, one has no right to be proud. The truth that God could take back all blessings bestowed upon him when He pleases is sufficient evidence. From time to time, we all observe the harm caused by one who behaves proudly on account of their physical beauty, knowledge, ability, wealth or social status. We can also observe what becomes of them when they suddenly lose these for any reason. If such qualities had resulted in the person from their own doing, then there would be no reason for them to lose them. Likewise, many situations of afflictions and difficulties arise in this worldly life to help people understand this truth. He tests humankind through many frailties, such as ageing and illness. In the Quran, God defines the influence of arrogance in this manner: When he is told, ‘Have fear of God,’ he is seized by pride which drives him to wrongdoing. Hell shall be enough for him. A dreadful resting place (2: 206) What is truly befitting a believer is to put aside his arrogance and lower-self, and behave according to that which is pleasing to God. The following verse reads: But there are others who would dedicate themselves to seeking the pleasure of God. God is compassionate to His servants. (2: 207) It is possible to observe the damage done by arrogance on one’s sincerity in every phase of one’s life. One claiming to be superior to others is closed against all kinds of criticism, warning or advice coming from them. Even if the other were to remind him of a point he had not considered, he would be influenced adversely by his sense of superiority. Instead of surrendering to truth, he will defend his views, even if they are wrong. Therefore, he becomes insincere, and is ruled by his lower self. However, what exemplifies ABANDONING ARROGANCE Be a Realistic Person