The Nature of Pride and Its Satanic Essence
Pride is the most insidious and destructive of heart diseases. It is when a person considers themselves superior to others, exalts their ego, and feigns grandeur against truth. Farīd al-Dīn ʻAṭṭār states decisively, “Whoever believes that his nafs has value will have no share in humility,” clearly expressing that pride can never coexist with humility. Boasting about one’s worship, deeds, or knowledge is the most well-known trap of Satan; for Iblis also disobeyed the command due to his confidence in his own creation.
Hidden Arrogance Stemming from Trust in Deeds
Some people may avoid outward sins, but a hidden pride settles into their hearts due to the worship they perform. This is far more dangerous than outward sin. According to what Sadi Shirazi narrates, a ignorant person who does not fear his sin (but knows his mistake) may be better than a scholar who considers himself flawless and is proud of his worship; for one commits sins out of ignorance while the other falls into a well with open eyes. True gnostics see even their greatest acts of kindness and worship not as coming from themselves, but as a grace of Allah. Instead of saying, “I did it, I achieved it,” they don the cloak of humility by saying, “My Lord granted me.” A person who attributes existence and power to himself damages sincerity.
How Humility Exalts Humanity
Humility is the realization of one’s own nothingness and absolute helplessness before their Lord. The greatest humility is to uproot pride from one’s heart and conquer one’s anger. A humble person does not consider anyone beneath them, but accepts everyone they encounter as superior and more innocent than themselves. Shaykh Geylani advises treating elders like children, and being compassionate towards the young and the people. While pride humbles a person in this world and the hereafter, the servant who shows humility for the sake of Allah is exalted by Him directly. It should be remembered that an empty stalk stands erect, while a full stalk bows its head; just as spiritually perfected people bow their heads with humility.