Kibr — Arrogance in Islam

Kibr (arrogance, pride) is the first sin ever committed and the root cause of Iblis's (Satan's) downfall. When commanded to prostrate to Adam, Iblis refused: "He said: I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay" (Quran 7:12). This sense of superiority is the essence of kibr, and it is one of the most severely condemned traits in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "No one who has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise" (Sahih Muslim). A man asked: "But a person likes to have nice clothes and nice shoes?" The Prophet replied: "Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance is rejecting the truth and looking down upon people."

Two Components

This prophetic definition identifies two components of kibr. First, battar al-haqq (rejecting the truth): refusing to accept the truth when it comes from someone perceived as inferior in status, knowledge, or social standing. A person of kibr will reject a correct argument because it comes from a younger person, a poorer person, or someone they look down upon. Second, ghamt al-nas (despising people): viewing others as beneath oneself due to wealth, lineage, education, appearance, or any other worldly distinction. Both components are destructive: the first prevents spiritual growth, and the second poisons social relationships.

Manifestations

Kibr manifests in numerous ways: walking with an arrogant gait ("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," Quran 17:37); refusing to sit with people considered socially inferior; mentioning one's achievements, lineage, or wealth to belittle others; seeking the highest seat in gatherings; expecting others to greet first or stand for you; refusing to accept correction; and treating servants, employees, or subordinates with contempt. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the opposite of all these: he sat with the poor, mended his own sandals, milked his own goat, and was the first to greet others.

Why It Is So Dangerous

Kibr is dangerous because it is the gateway to virtually every other sin. The arrogant person rejects advice, persists in error, mistreats others, and ultimately may reject Allah's commands if they conflict with their ego. The Quran frequently associates kibr with disbelief: "Is there not in Hellfire a residence for the arrogant?" (Quran 39:60). Iblis's arrogance led to eternal damnation. Pharaoh's arrogance led him to claim divinity. Abu Jahl's arrogance prevented him from accepting the truth he privately knew was true. In each case, kibr was the barrier between the person and guidance.

The Cure: Tawadu (Humility)

The antidote to kibr is tawadu (humility). The Prophet said: "Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him" (Sahih Muslim). Humility means recognizing that all blessings come from Allah, that one's talents and achievements are gifts that could be taken away at any moment, and that every human being, regardless of their station, has inherent dignity as a creation of Allah. The Prophet washed his own clothes, accepted invitations from the poorest people, rode a donkey, and was approached by slave girls who would take his hand and lead him wherever they needed him to go (Sahih al-Bukhari). This was the greatest human being who ever lived, and he was the most humble. True greatness and true humility are inseparable.