Last updated: 2026-05-01
Is Pride and Arrogance Haram?
Quick Answer
Yes, pride and arrogance is considered grave sin in Islam.
Author: IsItASin Editorial Team · Last updated:
Yes, pride and arrogance is considered grave sin in Islam. Quran 2:34 — 'When We said to the angels, prostrate before Adam, they prostrated except for Iblis. He refused and was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.' This is a grave sin matter in Islam with clear guidance for believers.
What Islam Teaches About Pride and Arrogance
Islam considers Pride and Arrogance to be a sin — a grave matter in the quranic tradition.
Wondering what other faiths teach?
The fact that you're reading this is a sign.
For questions this important, going back to the source matters. The Study Quran — the definitive English translation with 1,500+ pages of commentary by leading scholars — provides the depth these questions deserve.
What Islam Teaches About Pride and Arrogance
In Islam, arrogance (kibr) is the sin of Satan himself. When Allah commanded the angels to bow before Adam, Iblis (Satan) refused — not out of disbelief in Allah, but out of pride. He considered himself superior because he was created from fire while Adam was created from clay. This origin story makes arrogance uniquely demonic in Islamic theology. The Prophet Muhammad gave a precise definition: pride is 'denying the truth and looking down on people.' Islam makes a distinction between kibr (arrogance, which is sinful) and reasonable self-respect (which is healthy). Loving beautiful things, wearing nice clothes, and having self-confidence are not arrogance. Arrogance is specifically the belief that you are inherently better than others and the refusal to accept truth when it contradicts your self-image.
Quranic References
- Quran 2:34 — 'When We said to the angels, prostrate before Adam, they prostrated except for Iblis. He refused and was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.'
- Sahih Muslim — 'No one who has an atom's weight of pride in his heart will enter the Garden.'
- Quran 31:18 — 'And do not turn your cheek away from people, and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.'
- Quran 16:23 — 'Assuredly, Allah knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He does not like the arrogant.'
Key Teachings
| Teaching | Scripture Reference | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| When We said to the angels, prostrate before Adam, they prostrated except for Iblis. He refused and was arrogant and became among the disbelievers. | Quran 2:34 | Remember all strength comes from Allah. |
| No one who has an atom's weight of pride in his heart will enter the Garden. | Sahih Muslim | Remember all strength comes from Allah. |
| And do not turn your cheek away from people, and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful. | Quran 31:18 | Remember all strength comes from Allah. |
| Assuredly, Allah knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He does not like the arrogant. | Quran 16:23 | Remember all strength comes from Allah. |
What You Should Do
- Examine yourself honestly — where does pride show up in your life? In your achievements? Your appearance? Your knowledge? Your religious devotion?
- Muslim: Remember that arrogance was the sin of Iblis. Practice saying 'Astaghfirullah' (I seek forgiveness from Allah) daily. Serve those below your social status.
- Find someone to be honest with about your struggles — pride thrives in isolation and secrecy.
- Serve in ways that receive no recognition. Volunteer behind the scenes. The practice of hidden service kills pride.
You Know the Truth. What You Do Next Matters Forever.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said Allah rejoices more when you return than a man who finds water in the desert. Islamic tradition holds that tawbah is always accepted for those who sincerely seek it.
Begin Your Tawbah — The Path Is Open →People Also Ask
Is self-confidence the same as pride?
No.
No. All three faiths distinguish between healthy self-respect (recognizing your God-given worth and abilities) and sinful pride (believing you are inherently superior to others or independent of God). Confidence says 'I can do this.' Pride says 'I am better than you.'
What about taking pride in your work or children?
Being pleased with accomplishment or your children's achievements is natural and good.
Being pleased with accomplishment or your children's achievements is natural and good. The sin is when this pleasure becomes an inflated sense of self, or when you look down on others whose achievements are different.
Can pride be the root of other sins?
Islam similarly teaches that arrogance was the root of Iblis's rebellion.
Islam similarly teaches that arrogance was the root of Iblis's rebellion.
