Takabbur in Islam:
In Islam, Takabbur means arrogance, pride or conceit, and it is a blameworthy moral vice that involves looking down others and considering one self superior. It's an attribute that us often associated with unless( Shatan) and us strongly condemned in the Quran Kareem and Hadith,as Allah SWT dislikes the arrogant and considers magnificence his own exclusive attribute.
Key aspects of Takabbur:
- Outward manifestation of inner pride:
While " Kibr" refers to the inner feelings of superiority, Takabbur is the act of demonstrating this pride through one's actions, such as walking insolently or disrespecting others.
- Rejection of truth and others:
A core respect of Takabbur is the rejection id the truth and the act id belittling or looking down on people.
- Sinful attribute:
Takabbur is considered a serious in Islam, and the Prophet Muhammad SAW stated that no one with even an atom's weight of arrogance in their heart will enter Paradise.
- Specific examples of actions:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW clarified that arrogance includes disliking good clothes or shoes but explicitly defines it as rejecting the truth and looking down on people.
Examples of Takabbur:
Mere brief in superiority and inferiority greatness and smallness is not Takabbur. For example: an old man regarding an infant to be small without the notion of contempt for it. But , the one who intentionally considers himself better than others, becomes arrogant.
Takabbur (تَكَبُّر) is an Arabic term that refers to arrogance, pride, or haughtiness — specifically when a person elevates themselves above others and looks down on them. It is considered a serious spiritual disease in Islam and is condemned in both the Qur'an and Hadith.
Here are some clear examples of Takabbur (arrogance) in daily life:
1. Rejecting the Truth Because of Ego
Example: A person is shown clear evidence that they are wrong (in religion, knowledge, or behavior), but they refuse to accept it just because it came from someone "below" them — like a younger person or someone of a different social class.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Pride is rejecting the truth and looking down on people.”
— Sahih Muslim 91
2. Looking Down on Others
Example: Belittling someone because of their job (e.g., cleaner, driver), clothes, race, language, or lack of education — and considering yourself better than them.
3. Showing Off in Worship (Riya)
Example: Performing extra prayers or giving charity just so people will admire you or call you "pious" or "righteous".
This is spiritual arrogance — acting as if you're closer to Allah than others, just for status.
4. Refusing to Apologize
Example: You hurt someone or wronged them, but your pride keeps you from saying “sorry” — even when you know you're at fault.
5. Interrupting or Ignoring Others in Conversation
Example: Thinking your words or opinions are more important, so you cut people off, don't let them finish, or act like their input is meaningless.
6. Expecting Special Treatment
Example: Believing that rules don’t apply to you, or that you should be served first or treated better because of your status, wealth, or knowledge.
7. Mocking Others’ Simplicity or Weakness
Example: Laughing at someone’s simple clothes, accent, lack of English/Arabic fluency, or how they practice Islam.
8. Feeling Spiritually Superior
Example: Looking down on others who may sin publicly, thinking you are more righteous — forgetting that only Allah knows the true state of the hearts.
9. Not Seeking Knowledge Due to Ego
Example: Avoiding learning from someone younger, from a different culture, or with less formal education — just because you think you already know enough.
10. Blaming Others, Never Yourself
Example: Always finding faults in others but never reflecting on your own flaws. Acting as if you're always right.
Qur'an on Takabbur:
“Indeed, He does not like the arrogant.”
Surah An-Nahl
Types of Takabbur:
There are three different levels of Takabbur.
- Ujub.
- Kibr
- Takabbur
Takabbur (arrogance or pride) is a spiritual disease condemned in Islam. It is when a person considers themselves superior to others, leading to disdain or rejection of truth. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"No one who has an atom's weight of pride in his heart will enter Paradise." (Sahih Muslim)
1. Ujub:
Brief Note on Ujub (Self-Admiration):
Ujub refers to self-admiration or being impressed with one's own abilities, achievements, or qualities. It is an internal spiritual disease where a person sees themselves as inherently superior without acknowledging Allah’s favor.
Key Characteristics of Ujub:
Feeling proud of one's deeds, knowledge, beauty, or wealth.
Forgetting that all blessings are from Allah.
Believing one's success is purely due to personal effort.
Difference Between Ujub and Takabbur:
Ujub is self-admiration — internal pride.
Takabbur is arrogance — when pride leads to looking down on others.
Ujub can exist without belittling others, but it still poisons the heart.
Dangers of Ujub:
Leads to lack of sincerity (ikhlas) in worship.
Makes one blind to personal faults.
Can cause rejection of advice or correction.
Destroys the reward of good deeds due to pride.
Cure for Ujub:
Recognize that everything is from Allah.
Make dua for humility and sincerity.
Reflect on one’s flaws and the temporary nature of this world.
Remember the righteous feared pride despite their greatness.
2. Kibr:
Brief Note on Kibr (Pride/Arrogance):
Kibr is the Arabic term for pride or arrogance. In Islam, it refers to a state where a person considers themselves superior and refuses to accept truth or belittles others.
Definition (from Hadith):
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Kibr is rejecting the truth and looking down on people.”
— (Sahih Muslim)
Types of Kibr:
1. Against Allah:
Denying His commands or acting as if one is self-sufficient.
Example: Pharaoh (Fir‘awn) claimed divinity.
2. Against People:
Looking down on others due to wealth, status, race, knowledge, etc.
Leads to unjust behavior and lack of empathy.
3. Against Truth:
Refusing to accept the truth due to ego, even when it is clear.
Consequences of Kibr:
Leads to spiritual downfall.
Prevents personal growth and repentance.
Allah detests the arrogant:
“Indeed, He does not like the arrogant.” (Qur’an 16:23)
Cure for Kibr:
Recognize human weakness and Allah’s greatness.
Practice humility in speech, actions, and appearance.
Regular self-reflection and seeking forgiveness.
Kibr is a destructive trait that distances one from Allah and people. Humility is its cure and a key to true honor in Islam.
3. Takabbur:
Brief Note on Takabbur (Arrogance):
Takabbur means arrogance or pride — when a person thinks highly of themselves and looks down on others. It is a major spiritual disease in Islam and was the sin of Iblis when he refused to bow to Adam (AS).
Definition (from Hadith):
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“No one who has even a mustard seed of pride in his heart will enter Paradise.”
— (Sahih Muslim)
Signs of Takabbur:
.
Rejecting truth due to ego
Looking down on others
Boasting about wealth, knowledge, or status
Refusing to admit mistakes
Types of Takabbur:
1. Towards Allah: Denying His commands or acting as if one is above worship.
2. Towards People: Treating others as inferior.
3. Towards Truth: Refusing to accept what is right out of pride.
Cure for Takabbur:
Reflect on your dependence on Allah.
Remember that all blessings are from Him.
Practice humility and gratitude.
Compare yourself to the humble example of the Prophet ﷺ.
Takabbur leads to spiritual ruin. Islam teaches humility as the path to honor and closeness to Allah.
Difference between pride and Takabbur:
We spoke about, " Takabbur" which means arrogance, pride or conceit particularly in a negative sense. It refers to having an inflated sense of self- importance, looking down in others , or refusing to acknowledge truth or guidance out of ego.
Takabbur in the Quran Kareem:
Just as Takabbur ( show of greatness) is not permissible for anyone other than Allah SWT, likewise no one besides Allah's SWT, is permitted to do picture making is an implied claim of being associate with.
Difference between Takabbur and kibr:
Kibr means to be arrogant, to think of oneself better than others, and Takabbur means to act as if one is better than others. In other words, kibr means tha in one's heart one views oneself to be better than other people and Takabbur means that one actually demonstrate that kibr.
Signs of Takabbur in someone:
- This illness is very dangerous.
- Due to this sickness, a person regards himself to be greater and more superior than others in knowledge, worship, piety , wealth, honour m, intellect or any other matter, and he regards others as lowly and despicable.
Allah SWT in Quran Kareem:
" And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth, Allah SWT likes not any arrogant boaster.
Surah luqman:
- Get rid of arrogance from your heart. Don't ever feel the need to look down on someone, not for anything that the Almighty has given you- your wealth, power, good looks etc. Remember his might and power and how he can take away your blessings in seconds!
- May Allah SWT bless you all with success, health, happiness, patience and strength.
Effect of arrogance on the soul:
Arrogance or pride is the blameable characteristics of a person that Allah SWT disliked the most. Arrogance is the feature of Iblees and his followers in this world. We all know that the first one who showed arrogance towards Allah SWT and hua creation was the iblees. When Allah SWT commanded Iblees to prostrate to Adam he refused to do so and was arrogant and said, " I am better than his ( Adam), you created me from fire, and him you created from clay."
Allah Almighty said in noble Quran Kareem about the greatest sin arrogance in these words." ( To them) It will be said, " Enter the gates of hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant."
According to the Holy Quran arrogance is the sin that will be severely punished by Allah SWT said that pride is the disease which is the greatest sin in the sight of Allah SWT, one who is proud is arrogant. People who are arrogant will not enter Paradise. Prophet Muhammad SAW said, " One will not enter Paradise if one has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart".
Arrogance or pride is when an individual thinks too deeply about himself, and when he tends, moreover to consider others as inferior to him, that is arrogance or pride. In the contrary, when one thinks of himself as small and insignificant is known to be modest and thus characteristic is called modesty. When someone considers others as superior to himself that is called humility.
Allah love those who possess these great qualities and disliked those who in any case have the arrogance. In Quran Kareem, Allah SWT said: " ... truly he likes not the proud. " Pride or arrogance is disliked the most because it is a thick veil which hides one's shortcomings from his own view, and thus prevents him from removing them and attaining perfection .
Arrogance lead people to the sickness of mind and incorrect behavior. People who live in a state of pride and betrayal reside in a dark internal world. A world full of a science dreams of losing, making a mistake , being humiliated, stress, doubt , hatred , anger , and passion. Arrogant people's behavior's is always expected to make them appear more valuable and superior in the eyes of other people in other words they feel superior from others. Allah paak turns the arrogant people away from being guided with hua signs. For those people Allah SWT says in Holy Quran: " I will turn away from my Ayahs those who behave arrogantly on the earth, without a right, and even if they see all the Ayahs ( proofs, evidence, verses , lessons signs, revelations, etc), they will not believe in them."
The mist severe arrogance is being arrogant against Allah SWT by rejecting submission ana worshipping him. Allah paak says about these arrogant people in holy Quran Kareem" Verily, those who disdain my worship, they will surely entered hell in humiliation." The person who is arrogant or pride likes that people should stand up for him, whether on his coming while he is sitting, does not like that anyone should sit or walk beside him. An arrogant people live in a constant state if discomfort due to which they never find peace in life. When pride finds its way into the hearts of Muslims, it quickly affects the way own talk, act and treats others .
Importance about Takabbur in Islam:
Takabbur (Arabic: تَكَبُّر) refers to arrogance, pride, or haughtiness — an internal sense of superiority that leads a person to look down upon others. In Islam, Takabbur is considered a serious spiritual disease of the heart and is strongly condemned in the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Why Takabbur is Dangerous in Islam:
1. It Was the First Sin – The Sin of Iblis (Satan)
When Allah commanded the angels and Iblis to bow to Adam (AS), Iblis refused out of arrogance:
"He said, 'I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.'"
— Surah Al-A'raf (7:12)
This act of pride led to his eternal damnation. Takabbur is seen as a root cause of rebellion against Allah.
2. Allah Hates Arrogance
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.”
— (Sahih Muslim, 91)
Arrogance can be so spiritually toxic that even a trace of it can prevent a person from entering Jannah unless repented.
3. It Leads to Injustice and Oppression
The Qur'an condemns arrogant rulers like Pharaoh (Fir'awn) and Qarun who oppressed people due to their inflated egos.
“Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant and boastful.”
— Surah An-Nisa (4:36)
Arrogance blinds people from the truth and from treating others with fairness and humility.
4. It Blocks Guidance
Allah warns that arrogant people are less likely to be guided:
"I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right..."
— Surah Al-A'raf (7:146)
A proud heart refuses to accept advice, admit mistakes, or seek forgiveness.
Islam Teaches Humility (Tawadhu') as a Virtue
The Prophet ﷺ was the most humble, despite being the best of creation.
“Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him in status.”
— (Sahih Muslim)
Difference Between Pride and Self-Respect:
Islam doesn’t prohibit self-respect or confidence. What’s condemned is pride that leads to belittling others or rejecting the truth.
Prophet ﷺ clarified:
“Arrogance is rejecting the truth and looking down on people.”
— (Sahih Muslim)
Remedies for Takabbur
1. Remember Your Origins – From dust and a drop of fluid.
2. Reflect on Allah’s Greatness – True greatness belongs only to Him.
3. Serve Others – Acts of humility kill pride.
4. Seek Knowledge – Arrogance often stems from ignorance.
5. Make Du’a – Ask Allah to purify your heart from pride.
Final Thought:
Takabbur is a hidden poison that can destroy our deeds and prevent spiritual growth. Islam strongly emphasizes humility, recognizing that all good is from Allah and that no one is inherently superior to another except by taqwa (God-consciousness).
"Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you."
Signs of Takabbur:
1. Is when you regard yourself, to view yourself as good and to only see your good attributes.
This is very easy to fall into, especially when you go and you interact will other people, you may feel like that the other person is so and so; you might not say it to anybody but in your heart you get that feeling that the other person does all these bad that things but I don't, and I have these good characteristics and qualities, etc. So it is regarding yourself as good and only seeing the Good attributes within yourself. And this is very dangerous.
2. A major sign: disliking anyone's advice or constructive criticism:
If somebody chances to give you advice. Or if somebody advises you to not do something a certain way, and that you should do it this way. Then oye reaction would probably be to think that who does she thing she is? Does she know who I am; but sometimes all you need to do is to accept it. And the way to recognize this is to say that sometimes I don't know everything.
3. A personal displays vanity. They like listening to their praise:
And if they do not get praise they feel as if that the other person does not know my stature, my rank, they don't who I am. If this is the feeling we get then we know that this is also a sign of Takabbur .
4. Another major sin is, when you have to do something small, you feel like this is a burden,
and this is something beneath me, this is not my position, it is under my dignity to do this. These are sings of Takabbur when you feel these things. These are feelings that you need to diagnose yourself of- something like a self - diagnosis.
Causes of Takabbur:
Takabbur (Arabic: تَكَبُّر) means arrogance, pride, or haughtiness — a spiritual disease where a person considers themselves superior to others and looks down on them. It is strongly condemned in Islam and considered a trait of Shaytan (Satan), who refused to bow to Adam out of arrogance (Qur'an, Surah Al-A'raf 7:12).
1. Pride in Wealth
Believing one’s wealth makes them better or more important than others.
Leads to contempt for the poor or those who have less.
2. Pride in Knowledge or Intelligence
Feeling intellectually superior and looking down on others as ignorant or naive.
Can lead to arrogance in religious, academic, or professional settings.
3. Pride in Physical Appearance or Beauty
Becoming conceited due to one's looks, body, or style.Treating others as inferior based on appearance.
4. Pride in Lineage or Race
Considering oneself superior due to family background, ethnicity, or race.
This was a key trait of the pre-Islamic Arabs and is heavily condemned in Islam.
5. Pride in Piety or Religious Deeds (Ujub & Riyā’)
Believing one's worship or religiosity makes them better than others.
Can lead to hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and spiritual arrogance.
6. Pride in Status or Authority
Arrogance due to one's position, power, or title.
Often results in oppression, injustice, or harsh behavior toward subordinates.
7. Influence of Shaytan
Satan whispers arrogance into the hearts of people.
He himself was cast out of Paradise due to Takabbur.
8. Insecurity or Hidden Inferiority Complex
Sometimes arrogance is a defense mechanism for insecurity.
A person overcompensates by pretending to be superior.
9. Lack of Humility and Gratitude
Forgetting that all blessings are from Allah.
Failing to recognize one's own flaws and dependence on God.
10. Social Environment and Upbringing
Being raised in an environment where superiority is emphasized.
Friends or society encouraging boastfulness or comparison.
Qur'anic and Hadith Warnings
“I am better than him; You created me from fire and created him from clay.”
– [Surah Al-A'raf 7:12] — Iblis (Satan) shows Takabbur.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“No one who has an atom’s weight of pride in his heart will enter Paradise.”
– [Sahih Muslim]
Verses about Takabbur in Islam:
Here are several powerful verses (Ayat) from the Qur’an that address Takabbur (arrogance, pride) and its consequences:
1. Surah Al-A‘raf (7:12-13)
About Iblis’ arrogance:
قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيْرٌۭ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِى مِن نَّارٍۢ وَخَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن طِينٍۢ
“[Iblis] said: I am better than him. You created me from fire and You created him from clay.”
قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا
“[Allah] said: Then get down from Paradise. It is not for you to be arrogant here.
Lesson: The first sin of arrogance came from Shaytan. Takabbur led to his eternal downfall.
2. Surah Luqman (31:18)
وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍۢ فَخُورٍۢ
“And do not turn your face away from people in arrogance, nor walk in pride on the earth. Surely, Allah does not like the arrogant and boastful.”
Lesson: Allah dislikes prideful behavior in both words and body language.
3. Surah Al-Isra (17:37)
> وَلَا تَمْشِ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّكَ لَن تَخْرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضَ وَلَن تَبْلُغَ ٱلْجِبَالَ طُولًۭا
“Do not walk on the earth with arrogance. Indeed, you will never split the earth apart nor reach the mountains in height.”
Lesson: Human arrogance is meaningless compared to Allah’s creation.
4. Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:23-24)
فَذَكِّرْ إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مُذَكِّرٌۭ • لَّسْتَ عَلَيْهِم بِمُصَيْطِرٍ إِلَّا مَن تَوَلَّىٰ وَكَفَرَ • فَيُعَذِّبُهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلْأَكْبَرَ
“But whoever turns away and disbelieves, then Allah will punish him with the greatest punishment. Many scholars say this refers to those who arrogantly reject reminders and truth.
5. Surah Al-Qasas (28:83)
تِلْكَ ٱلدَّارُ ٱلْءَاخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّۭا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًۭا ۚ وَٱلْعَٰقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
“That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire arrogance upon the earth or corruption. And the good end is for the righteous.”
Lesson: Paradise is for the humble, not the proud and corrupt.
6. Surah An-Nahl (16:23)
إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْتَكْبِرِينَ
“Indeed, He (Allah) does not like the arrogant.”
7. Surah Al-Mu’min (40:35)كَذَٰلِكَ يَطْبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ قَلْبِ مُتَكَبِّرٍۢ جَبَّارٍۢ
“Thus Allah seals the hearts of every arrogant tyrant.
Lesson: Arrogance leads to spiritual blindness and loss of guidance.
Conclusion:
Takabbur, or arrogance, is a destructive trait in Islam that distances a person from humility, gratitude, and the truth. It leads to pride, superiority over others, and rejection of guidance. Islam strongly condemns arrogance, reminding believers that true honor comes from humility before Allah and kindness toward creation. To attain spiritual success, one must cleanse the heart of Takabbur and embrace modesty, recognizing that all blessings are from Allah alone.