Page 33 - The Arrogance of Satan

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Effects of Arrogance on the Soul

They Cannot Stand Criticism

Being subject to criticism is something an arrogant person

dislikes immensely. When criticised, his facial muscles tense
up, and his expression dulls. Concerned about damage to his
prestige, he is dismayed. He assumes that, if he makes a
mistake, he will be ridiculed or humiliated by others, just as
he is accustomed to reprove others in similar situations. He
believes that being subject to criticism or admonition is
degradation. To adopt such a state of mind is detrimental
both in the spiritual and physical sense. Their tone of voice
fluctuates, they are impaired by twitching, and in their face,
you will not find signs of sincerity. Ultimately, they never
find peace and comfort.
They maintain goals such as being "the most beautiful,"
"the most clever" or "the most qualified." Such pursuits place
them under constant pressure. Seeing themselves as so

perfect or superior, (or rather that they aim to prove
themselves to be so), even a minor admonishment suffices to
infuriate them. However, there is a point on which they are
forgetful; they may seek to present themselves as perfect and
infallible, and in some cases even succeed at doing so. Yet, on
the Day of Judgment, they will be confronted with all their
wrongdoings, whether minor or grave. As Allah informs us
in the Qur' an, "Do they not know that Allah knows what
they keep secret and what they make public?" (Surat al-
Baqara: 77), everything about them is known to Allah, the
Almighty. But being forgetful of their Lord and the Day of

Judgment, they only deceive and humiliate themselves.