I am the best, better than the rest

by Ali Asger Sheikh

Pride or vanity is one of 33rd of the Greatest Sins as mentioned by Imam Reza (A.S) narrated by Fazl ibn Shaazaan. In both Christianity and Judaism there is significant burden on this sin. In Christianity, it is one of the seven deadly sins as told by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th Century AD, and in Judaism it is mentioned in the Torah:

“Nor let arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." (I Samuel. 2:3).

From Satan to Firon, both have suffered from this great sin. There are three main types of pride: (1) Pride against Allah, (2) Pride against the Prophets and the Imams, (3) Pride against people.

Pride against Allah is where a person has the feeling of being powerful. They attribute all their achievements to their own capability and are oblivious of the supremacy of Allah. Their pride is expressed in words like “I have done this”, and “I will do that”. This person will refuse to recognize Allah’s supremacy.

The second type is the pride towards anything associated with Allah. For example, the pride
towards Ramadan or a mosque. One should not insult or disregard anything related to the Almighty.

The third type is towards people. To act superiorly and consider others lowly. For example people who are rich may prefer not to stand besides the ordinary people during congregational prayer or even mix with them.

The remedy for pride is that the person should contemplate upon his creation.

"So let man consider of what he is created, he is created of water poring forth" (Surah Tariq 86:5-6)

One should not forget he was born weak and helpless and whatever strength given is by almighty Allah. One should recite the ayat below:
“And your lord says, call upon me, I will answer you, surely those who are too proud for my service shall enter hell abased” (Quran 40:60)

In the above verse Allah has assured whoever seeks his help will receive an immediate response, according to Tafseer Kashaf.

Pride is a major sin and a one-way street to hell so it is important to contemplate upon creation and realize that Allah Almighty has the power and not you, and everything you have achieved is because of Allah’s blessings. So be careful and remember:

“It shall be said: enter the gates of hell to abide therein: so evil is adobe of the proud.” (Quran 39:72)

References :
BOOK: GREATER SINS VOLUME 3
AUTHOR: AYATULLAH ABDUL HUSAIN DASTAGHAIB SHIRAZI