Page 41 - The Arrogance of Satan

39
Hidden Arrogance

prefer to hide their arrogance, and thereby, not lose their
approval. They are well aware that being modest is
recognised as a virtue and thus they pretend to be so.
These people believe that they are the "most intelligent"

and "the most upright." They deify themselves. Making a
mistake or appearing incompetent hurts their pride. This
being the case, they strive to maintain a perfect image in the
eyes of people. That is why they do not want to be known as
arrogant and feel ashamed if they sense that people have
formed such an opinion about them. They fear losing the
approval of others rather than fearing Allah and seeking His
good pleasure alone.
One thing they enjoy is secretly mocking others. This is
one way to satisfy their lower desires. Yet, they also pay
meticulous attention not to make others notice this
wickedness of theirs.
Their method of concealing their arrogance is quite
devious; primarily, they try to put forth themselves as ideal
people. It is essential for them to be known as "virtuous,"
being the reason why they aim to present themselves as

"perfect" and "innocent." Earning the adulation and approval
of others, to be admired by them, and thus, assuaging their
arrogance becomes their main pursuit.
The arrogant boast continually, trying to bring attention
with their qualities. People with hidden arrogance, however,
avoid such overt attempts. Their schemes are more subtle, or
more precisely, more wicked. They tend to create the
appropriate conditions that will lead others to praise them.
Such a type of arrogance is dangerous; it is something like
an iceberg. (About 90 percent of its mass is below the surface