Arrogant People in Islam: 9 Traits to Avoid

 

 

Muslimkaffah - The arrogant person in Islam has 9 specific characteristics that can be readily identified, and once you become aware of them you’ll be able to spot them immediately and do your best to avoid becoming like that yourself.

 

1) Pride

Pride can be one of the most destructive emotions for a person, even if it is well intentioned. The Quran defines pride as being excessive love for oneself. It could be ambition that exceeds rational limits, or arrogance. There are nine characteristics associated with arrogant people and here they are:

1) They feel self-satisfied with their knowledge and achievements

2) They expect preferential treatment from others (and even demand it!)

3) They believe that the rules don't apply to them - they break them and justify why they should still be respected

4) In their speech, they always want to prove themselves to others

5) They don't take responsibility for their actions because they think it's someone else's fault.

 

2) Disregard the opinions of others

Muslims are told to believe in all Prophets, including Muhammad (peace be upon him), Moses, and Jesus. These Prophets were charged with the job of setting examples for Muslims on how to live their lives. However, there is one who stands out from the rest- it's the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As a human being he can make mistakes, but even when he does, his words will never contradict what Allah (God) has said. He also said that a believer should not follow his or her desires because these will lead them astray. Furthermore, he said that one of the traits of an arrogant person is hearing and rejecting - in other words they refuse to take advice from others and instead rely on themselves to do everything.

 

3) Refusal to accept criticism

Some people believe that it is arrogant to think one's opinion is better than someone else's and will refuse to accept criticism or help. The Qur'an tells us that the arrogant person rejects advice, turns away from the truth, and chooses their own desires over the guidance of Allah.

An arrogant person will often flaunt their knowledge, intelligence, or position at others; they see no need for anyone but themselves. Their arrogance could also manifest itself as a superiority complex or as inflated self-importance; they may have a sense of entitlement. For example, an arrogantly passive-aggressive coworker might come into work late on Monday morning, so on Tuesday morning you arrive at work even earlier than usual in order to avoid any additional conflict with them.

 

4) Being proud of what you don’t have

One should never boast about what he or she does not have. After all, there is always a reason for which one does not have something (either it cannot be attained at the moment or one simply doesn’t need it). An arrogant person will point to someone else’s shortcomings while they make themselves look better. They are also stubborn and unwilling to learn from other people, which can prevent them from acquiring wisdom.

 

5) Treating those who are low status with disdain

Islam teaches us to treat those who are low status with respect. The Qur'an reminds us that we should be mindful of the people's weakness and lack of power, and that we should always look at the best in them. A hadith tells us, It is enough for a person to be an arrogant sinner

 

6) Not caring about your own faults

It is easy to avoid responsibility for your own wrongdoings and shift the blame onto others when you are feeling defensive or conceited. However, practicing self-forgiveness is important because it allows you to recognize mistakes that you make and take responsibility for them.

 

7) Thinking too highly of yourself and life circumstances

1. They take a long time to respond and consider their reply carefully. They do not give hasty, sudden replies, preferring to delay their response if they think it's needed.

2. When they reply, they don't beat around the bush; they give you a straight answer and won't deceive you like others might try to do out of politeness or flattery.

8) Acting superior towards your peers and juniors

1. The arrogant person doesn't want to learn or cooperate with anyone else. He always wants to be right and isn't interested in hearing other people's perspectives, so he never takes on new information that might contradict his viewpoint.

2. The arrogant person constantly proclaims how smart he is and how dumb other people are, while boasting about how accomplished he is and the fact that others don't have the talent or intelligence to achieve what he has achieved.

 

9) Showing off your strengths

Showing off your strengths and achievements will boost your self-confidence, but it's not the same thing as being arrogant. There are nine characteristics that make someone truly arrogant.

The arrogant person looks down on others. They don't care about their feelings, and they are not compassionate or kind to people who are less fortunate than them.

Wallohua'alam.

Muslimcreed