Islam is a religion that honors every human being. It teaches humility, respect, and compassion. No matter someone’s status, wealth, tribe, background, or level of knowledge no Muslim has the right to belittle another person. Arrogance is a disease of the heart, and looking down on others is one of its worst symptoms.
Allah reminds us clearly in the Qur’an:
“And do not turn your cheek in contempt toward people, nor walk proudly upon the earth. Indeed, Allah does not like anyone self-deluded and boastful.”
Surah Luqman (31:18)
The believer understands that honor and worth come only from Allah not from appearance, wealth, or social status. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“It is enough evil for a person to belittle his Muslim brother.”
(Muslim)
This means that even if a person prays, fasts, and gives charity but treats others with arrogance and mockery, their character is corrupted. Islam teaches us that how we treat people reflects who we truly are inside.
Arrogance Destroyed Iblis
The first sin ever committed was not related to wealth or desire it was arrogance. Iblis was cursed because he looked down on Adam عليه السلام. He said, “I am better than him.” That one sentence cost him Jannah forever. When we belittle others, we imitate Iblis not the believers.
No One Knows Who Is Better Before Allah
The one you look down on today may be better than you in the sight of Allah. They may pray in secret, repent sincerely, or give sadaqah quietly. Perhaps they cry in sujood at night when no one is watching. Meanwhile, the one who judges others may be full of hidden sins.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”
(Muslim)
So before assuming superiority over others, ask yourself: What does Allah see in my heart right now humility or pride?
Judging by Sin Is Also Wrong
Someone may sin openly. Someone may struggle with hijab, salah, or addictions. Someone else may have doubts, anger, or emotional pain. Do not mock people for sins that you were protected from. Guidance is a gift from Allah, and if He willed, our positions could be reversed in a moment.
Ibn Al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:
“Look at yourself first. Fix your own flaws before pointing out the flaws of others.”
Correcting someone should come from love and mercy not ego or humiliation.
Humility Is the Path to Jannah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise.”
(Muslim)
And he also said:
“No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”
(Tirmidhi)
So dignity in Islam comes from humility, not superiority. The best believers lift others up—they don’t push them down.
How to Purify the Heart From Arrogance
Reflect on these actions daily:
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Remember your origin created from dust.
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Avoid comparing yourself to others.
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Respect every person equally rich or poor.
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Break pride by serving others.
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Make dua for humility:
“O Allah, make me humble and keep arrogance far from my heart.”
Conclusion
Looking down on others is a betrayal of Islamic manners and a sign of spiritual weakness. A true Muslim lives with humility, treats people with dignity, and remembers that honor belongs only to Allah. If we want Jannah, we must purify our hearts from arrogance and see others with mercy not judgment.
Because in the end, we will not be judged by how we looked at others but how we treated them.
