Success, knowledge, beauty, wealth, and popularity can all be blessings. However, when these blessings make someone believe they are better than others, they can become a test for the heart.
As a young Muslim, you may excel academically, become financially independent, gain followers on social media, or develop a strong understanding of Islam. These achievements are worth appreciating, but they should never become reasons to look down on other people.
One of the greatest battles a Muslim can face is the battle against pride within the heart.
WHAT DOES ARROGANCE REALLY MEAN?
Arrogance is more than talking proudly about your achievements. It can appear in subtle ways, such as refusing to accept correction, looking down on people who have less than you, or believing that your success makes you more important than others.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explained the meaning of arrogance in a hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim 91. He said that arrogance involves rejecting the truth and looking down on people.
This explanation is important because a person can appear humble outwardly while secretly believing that others are beneath them.
For example, a student who performs well in examinations may begin to mock classmates who struggle. A young entrepreneur may treat customers rudely because the business is growing. Someone with religious knowledge may humiliate others instead of helping them learn.
These attitudes reveal a problem that goes beyond confidence. They show that pride is beginning to affect how a person treats others.
WHY SHOULD MUSLIMS BE CAREFUL OF ARROGANCE?
Allah says: “And do not turn your cheek in contempt toward people or walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.” — Qur’an 31:18
This verse reminds us not to behave as though we are superior to others.
Everything we possess comes with responsibility. Intelligence should encourage us to seek beneficial knowledge. Wealth should create opportunities for generosity. Religious knowledge should help us grow in understanding and humility.
None of these blessings gives us permission to despise another person.
We should also remember that we do not know the full condition of another person’s heart or their standing before Allah. Someone who appears less successful in the eyes of society may possess qualities and perform good deeds that we know nothing about.
Our task is not to rank ourselves above others. It is to strive to become better servants of Allah.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE NEED TO FEEL SUPERIOR
Social media can make arrogance easier to develop.
People display their achievements, lifestyles, qualifications, and possessions. Sometimes, this encourages others to compete for attention and validation.
You may begin to feel that your clothes are better, your education is superior, your religious knowledge is greater, or your lifestyle is more impressive than someone else’s.
Even religious discussions can become opportunities for pride when people use their knowledge to embarrass others or prove that they are more knowledgeable.
Correcting misinformation is important, but the way we correct others matters. A sincere reminder should aim to guide, not simply to win an argument or humiliate someone publicly.
Before you post, comment, or respond to another person, ask yourself: Am I trying to benefit someone, or am I trying to make myself look superior?
HOW CAN YOU FIGHT ARROGANCE?
Learn to accept correction. Nobody knows everything. When someone points out a genuine mistake, consider the advice instead of becoming defensive simply because you do not like being corrected.
Remember that blessings are a trust. Your achievements should lead you to thank Allah, not to believe that you are better than those who have less.
Treat everyone with dignity. A person’s financial status, appearance, occupation, or level of education should not determine whether you treat them respectfully.
Celebrate other people’s success. Someone else’s progress does not erase your own. Learn to congratulate people sincerely without turning their achievements into a competition.
Make room for what you do not know. Humility allows you to say, “I do not know,” “I was wrong,” or “Please teach me.”
HUMILITY IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH
Being humble does not mean allowing people to mistreat you or pretending that your abilities do not exist. You can be confident, pursue ambitious goals, and acknowledge your achievements without looking down on others.
The difference lies in your heart and behaviour.
A humble Muslim recognises their strengths while remaining aware of their limitations. They seek improvement without humiliating others and accept success without forgetting the One who made it possible.
HEART CHECK
Dear young Muslim, do not allow your blessings to become barriers between you and other people. Let your knowledge make you more understanding, your success make you more grateful, and your achievements make you more willing to help others.
The goal is not to become the person everyone looks up to. It is to become someone who remains humble while striving to please Allah.
May Allah protect our hearts from arrogance, grant us sincere humility, and make us among those who accept the truth and treat others with kindness. Amin.
3SIXTYISLAM
At 3SixtyIslam, we believe Islamic knowledge should reach every generation. From Hajj and Umrah guidance to practical Islamic lessons for everyday life, our goal is to help Muslims learn, grow and strengthen their connection with Islam.
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