The Qur’an and Hadith repeatedly warn us that proud people will be punished, crushed, and debased. In contrast, Messenger ﷺ assures us that whoever humbles themselves for Allah ﷻ, Allah ﷻ will elevate them. The reality of pride is that we see ourselves as more perfect, thus more divine, than others. Pride is inflated—without substance. Pride manifests itself in our actions and attitudes. Among the signs of pride are feeling irritated when others do not initiate greetings and being harsh when admonishing others, but disliking to be reprimanded.
Proud people possess three blameworthy traits: (1) they contend with Allah regarding an attribute that is unique to Him, as haughtiness and mightiness suit Allah alone; (2) they deny the truth and disdain creation, unaware that any of the creation of Allah could be His close friend; (3) they are unable to love for people what they love for themselves.
Pride can be treated in two ways. The first is by knowing one’s own true nature, that we were nonexistent, then originated from impurity, then will eventually become a deceased corpse — the recognition of which leaves no room for being prideful. And secondly, by recognizing the reality of the four qualities most people have pride over: 1) Knowledge, which is a gift from Allah ﷻ and does not necessarily entail a person will die in a good state; 2) Outward piety, which in no way ensures true inward piety; 3) Lineage, which is only a praise of people that came before you and has nothing to really do with you; 4) Worldly possessions, which are temporary and ultimately meaningless.
If an individual recognizes pride within themselves, they must rectify their hearts. However, it is difficult to decipher on one’s own which deeds are prideful or not. Therefore, a person should consult a teacher of the spiritual sciences to best deal with the issue.
