Page 11 - The Arrogance of Satan

9
Introduction

"arrogance," or to put it in other words, "vanity." What
instilled these feelings of pride in Iblis was a vice he had
allowed to grow within himself: "Ego"…
The equivalent term of "ego" in Arabic (enaniyet) is a
derivative of the word ene. It means attributing a separate
existence to one' s self, seeing one' s existence apart from and
independent of Allah, and orienting one' s deeds, attitudes
and outlook by it.
Arrogance, on the other hand, is merely one of the
manifestations of "Ego." Once a person builds an "ego-
centered attitude," eventually he will begin to boast about the
qualities and means Allah had granted to him as blessings,

such that, these means become the presumed justification of
his flawed mindset. As the Prophet Muhammad (saas) said
in a famous hadith, "Arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting
the Truth and despising people.' (Muslim)
No matter the circumstances, such a person sees himself
superior and greatly valuable. In the Qur' an, such a person
is said to deify himself.
Consequently, arrogance and, in connection with it,
vanity, equals to associating partners to Allah and disbelief.
In fact, this vice of Iblis' is explained thus: "... Iblis who was
arrogant and was one of the disbelievers." (Surah Sad: 74)
The arrogance of Iblis, which made itself evident when he
was commanded to prostrate to Adam (as), ultimately
resulted in eternal torment for him. This account indicates
how great a danger arrogance is to those who harbour this
evil feeling in their heart.
Arrogance is Satan' s most fundamental character flaw.
Consequently, "arrogance" and "vanity," which is its