Page 101 - The Arrogance of Satan

99
The Modesty of Believers

does not affect them, since they do not claim superiority over
others. That is because, they do not make it their goal to
"maintain their prestige"; their only aim is to be a servant to
Allah and to please Him.
After committing an error, they immediately repent, turn
towards Allah, and show wholehearted submission to Allah.
In the Qur' an, Allah advises believers to make the following
prayer:

... Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make
a mistake! Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the
one You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not
place on us a load we have not the strength to bear! And
pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy on us. You
are our Master, so help us against the disbelieving
people. (Surat al-Baqara: 286)
We said earlier that arrogant people are greatly concerned
about committing mistakes or of having shortcomings. Not
only does criticism irritates them, but they are usually not
inclined to accepting it. Believers, however, are willing to
accept criticism or that they have made a mistake, and turn
to Allah for forgiveness. In such cases, they never become
proud, but are willing to immediately admit their failure:

Those who, when they act indecently or wrong
themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for
their bad actions (and who can forgive bad actions
except Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what
they were doing. (Surah Al ' Imran: 135)
Contrary to the conceited, believers heed warnings,
especially when they come through Allah' s signs. This
disposition of theirs is described in Surat as-Sajda, as a mark of