Signs You May Be an Arrogant Muslim (May Allah protect us)The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Anyone who carries even the slightest trace of pride in their heart will not be admitted into Paradise." — Sahih Muslim
Here are signs to reflect upon — not to judge others, but to check ourselves sincerely:
1. Looking Down on Other Muslims
(a) Believing you are better than others because of your knowledge, prayer, clothing, or background.
(b) Mocking or belittling Muslims who sin, struggle, or are learning.
Reminder: Deeds are judged not by people, but by Allah, who knows what is in the hearts.
2. Rejecting Advice or Correction
(a) Reacting with irritation or defensiveness when someone offers sincere advice for the sake of Allah.
(b) Rejecting your mistakes even when the truth is clearly presented.
3. Showing Off Your Worship (Riya)
(a) Praying, fasting, or giving charity mainly to be praised or noticed.
(b) Frequently mentioning your own righteous actions to others.
Reminder: Sincerity is the soul of worship.
4. Harshness in Da’wah or Judgment
(a) Using religion to attack, insult, or shame others harshly.
(b) Issuing religious rulings (fatwa) without proper knowledge or acting as if you are the sole voice of Islam.
5. Being Proud of Religion, Lineage, Ethnicity, or Group
(a) Arrogance (kibr) — thinking you're better than others simply because you're Muslim.
(b) Self-righteousness — believing you're guaranteed Paradise and others are not.
(c) Looking down on non-Muslims or less practicing Muslims.
(d) Thinking you are superior because of your tribe, country, race, or school of thought.
(e) Dividing the Ummah based on labels.
6. Feeling Self-Righteous
(a) Thinking you’re guaranteed Jannah because of your acts.
(b) Forgetting to ask for Allah’s mercy and fearing your own shortcomings.
7. Ignoring Your Own Sins While Exposing Others
(a) Always pointing out other people’s faults.
(b) Quick to judge others, yet unwilling to acknowledge your own faults.
A True Believer:
(a) Weeps over his own sins
(b) Makes excuses for others
(c) Fears hypocrisy and prays for sincerity
Iblis was destroyed by arrogance — not ignorance.
He worshiped Allah for thousands of years, but one act of arrogance ("I am better than him") caused his downfall.
Make this du'a often:
8. Using Religious Knowledge to Boast, Not to Benefitاللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ المُتَّقِينَ، وَنَجِّنِي مِنَ الكِبْرِ وَالرِّيَاءِ وَالعُجْبِ
"O Allah, make me among the righteous, and save me from arrogance, showing off, and self-conceit."
(a) Quoting Qur'an, Hadith, or scholars only to win arguments, not to guide or learn.
(b) Studying Islamic sciences for recognition, fame, or status, rather than sincere closeness to Allah.
(c) Making others feel ignorant or unworthy when discussing religion.
9. Refusing to Apologize or Admit Wrongdoing
(a) Never saying "I was wrong" or "I'm sorry," even when clearly at fault.
(b) Blaming others to protect your ego or reputation.
(c) Viewing apologies as weakness rather than strength of character.
10. Seeking Praise and Attention for Religious Work
(a) Feeling upset if people don’t recognize your efforts or praise your good deeds.
(b) Constantly needing validation or applause for your charity, Islamic projects, or online posts.
11. Despising Criticism While Criticizing Others
(a) Harshly criticizing scholars, imams, or du’at (preachers) for small errors, while not accepting any feedback yourself.
(b) Making mockery or memes of religious figures who differ with your opinion.
12. Thinking Others Can Never Be Guided
(a) Believing that sinful or misguided Muslims have no hope.
(b) Forgetting that the worst sinners can become the best believers by Allah's mercy.
13. Treating Acts of Worship as a Burden
(a) Thinking that salah, fasting, or hijab are “favors” you're doing for Allah.
(b) Comparing your worship with others to boost your ego, not to seek inspiration.
14. Speaking as If You're Already Saved
(a) Claiming or implying you're among the guided and others are astray.
(b) Forgetting that even the Prophet ﷺ constantly made du'a for steadfastness.
15. Becoming Harsh After Gaining Guidance
(a) Looking down on who you once used to be.
(b) Using your journey of reform as a weapon against those still struggling.
These additions aim to deepen self reflection while promoting sincerity, humility, and mercy — which are qualities loved by Allah and embodied by the Prophet ﷺ. Let every reminder be a mirror for our souls.
Let us all sincerely ask:
اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الإِيمَانِ، وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ، وَنَقِّنَا مِنَ الكِبْرِ وَالرِّيَاءِ وَسُوءِ الظَّنِّ : O Allah, beautify us with the beauty of faith, make us guides who are guided, and purify us from arrogance, showing off, and ill thoughts.”