Avoiding Arrogance in Worship

Arrogance (kibr) is one of the gravest spiritual diseases, particularly when it manifests in acts of worship. Worship is the ultimate expression of humility and submission to Allah, designed to purify the soul and draw the servant closer to the Creator. However, when arrogance infiltrates worship, it corrupts its essence, turning it from an act of devotion to a means of self-glorification.

Allah warns against arrogance in the Qur’an:

إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُسۡتَكۡبِرِينَ
“Indeed, He does not like the arrogant.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:23)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further clarified the dangers of arrogance, saying:

لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مَنْ كَانَ فِي قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ مِنْ كِبْرٍ
“No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim 91)

This introduction sets the stage to explore the nature of arrogance in worship, its dangers, and how one can strive for humility and sincerity to ensure that their acts of worship are pleasing to Allah and free from pride. By understanding the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith, believers can protect themselves from this destructive trait and achieve closeness to Allah.

The Definition of Arrogance in Worship

Arrogance, or kibr, is defined in Islam as rejecting the truth and looking down on others. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

الْكِبْرُ بَطَرُ الْحَقِّ، وَغَمْطُ النَّاسِ
“Arrogance is rejecting the truth and looking down on people.” (Sahih Muslim 91)

In the context of worship, arrogance arises when a person becomes boastful about their acts of worship, sees themselves as superior to others, or performs acts of devotion to gain recognition or praise. This behavior contradicts the very purpose of worship, which is to humble oneself before Allah.

The Danger of Arrogance in Worship

Rejection by Allah

Allah does not accept worship that is tainted with arrogance or performed for show. The Qur’an warns against such behavior:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخۡتَالٖ فَخُورٍ
“Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant and boastful.” (Surah Luqman, 31:18)

Acts of worship are meant to be pure and solely for Allah’s sake. When arrogance seeps in, it nullifies the sincerity required for worship to be accepted.

The Example of Shaytan

Shaytan (Satan) was cast out of Paradise due to arrogance. He refused to bow to Adam out of pride, claiming superiority over him:

قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيۡرٞ مِّنۡهُ خَلَقۡتَنِي مِن نَّارٖ وَخَلَقۡتَهُۥ مِن طِينٖ
“He said, ‘I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.'” (Surah Sad, 38:76)

This incident serves as a stark reminder that arrogance, even in the context of worship, can lead to destruction.

Loss of Reward

The Prophet ﷺ warned that those who seek to show off in their worship will be punished on the Day of Judgment:

مَنْ سَمَّعَ سَمَّعَ اللَّهُ بِهِ، وَمَنْ يُرَائِي يُرَائِي اللَّهُ بِهِ
“Whoever does deeds to show off, Allah will expose him (to disgrace), and whoever does deeds to be seen, Allah will expose him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6499, Sahih Muslim 2986)

Signs of Arrogance in Worship

• Belittling Others: Feeling superior to others who may appear less pious or knowledgeable.
• Seeking Praise: Performing acts of worship for recognition or admiration from others.
• Neglecting Sincerity: Losing focus on pleasing Allah and prioritizing outward appearances.
• Rejecting Advice: Refusing to accept guidance or correction regarding worship practices.

Qur’anic and Prophetic Guidance on Avoiding Arrogance

Sincerity in Worship

Allah commands believers to worship Him with pure intentions:

وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓاْ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مُخۡلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ حُنَفَآءَ
“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth.” (Surah Al-Bayyinah, 98:5)

Humility in Prayer

The Qur’an describes successful believers as those who approach prayer with humility:

قَدۡ أَفۡلَحَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ. ٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ فِي صَلَاتِهِمۡ خَٰشِعُونَ
“Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:1-2)

The Example of the Prophet ﷺ

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, despite his elevated status, remained humble in worship. He would often pray until his feet swelled, and when asked why, he replied:

أَفَلَا أَكُونُ عَبْدًا شَكُورًا
“Should I not be a grateful servant?” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1130, Sahih Muslim 2819)

Practical Steps to Avoid Arrogance in Worship

Renew Intentions Regularly

Before engaging in any act of worship, remind yourself that it is solely for Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said:

إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
“Actions are judged by intentions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1, Sahih Muslim 1907)

Focus on Your Own Shortcomings

Avoid comparing yourself to others. Reflect on your own flaws and seek Allah’s forgiveness and guidance.

Engage in Private Worship

Perform acts of worship in private to avoid the temptation of showing off. This includes offering voluntary prayers (nawafil), giving charity discreetly, and fasting on days outside of Ramadan.

Be Grateful and Acknowledge Allah’s Favor

Recognize that the ability to worship is a blessing from Allah. Be grateful and humble for this opportunity. Allah says:

وَمَا تَوۡفِيقِيٓ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ
“And my success is not but through Allah.” (Surah Hud, 11:88)

Seek Forgiveness and Protection

Regularly ask Allah to purify your heart from arrogance. The Prophet ﷺ taught a powerful supplication:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ شَيْئًا أَعْلَمُهُ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لَا أَعْلَمُ
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do unknowingly.” (Musnad Ahmad 4/403)

The Rewards of Humility in Worship

• Acceptance of Deeds
• Allah accepts the deeds of those who approach Him with humility and sincerity:

إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ
“Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:27)

• Elevation in Rank
  The Prophet ﷺ said:

وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ لِلَّهِ إِلَّا رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ
“No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him in status.” (Sahih Muslim 2588)

• Entry into Paradise
  Humility in worship paves the way to Paradise, as Allah says:

تِلۡكَ ٱلدَّارُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةُ نَجۡعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوّٗا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا فَسَادٗاۚ وَٱلۡعَٰقِبَةُ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ
“That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.” (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:83)

Conclusion: Avoiding arrogance in worship

Arrogance in worship undermines the purpose of devotion and risks the rejection of deeds by Allah. True worship requires humility, sincerity, and a focus on pleasing Allah alone. By following the Qur’anic and Prophetic guidance, believers can purify their hearts and maintain humility in their acts of worship.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ أَوْحَى إِلَيَّ أَنْ تَوَاضَعُوا حَتَّى لَا يَفْخَرَ أَحَدٌ عَلَى أَحَدٍ وَلَا يَبْغِيَ أَحَدٌ عَلَى أَحَدٍ
“Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble so that no one boasts over another and no one oppresses another.” (Sahih Muslim 2865)

May Allah purify our hearts, accept our worship, and make us among His humble servants who are free from arrogance.