Introduction: One Sin That Destroyed Everything
Not every sin looks the same. Some sins come from weakness, while others come from arrogance. The Qur’an presents one of the clearest examples of this difference through the story of Iblees.
Iblees did not deny Allah’s existence. He did not reject Allah’s command openly. Yet a single disease of the heart — pride — caused his complete downfall. This incident is a timeless warning for every believer who wants to protect their faith and humility before Allah.
The Divine Command That Changed Everything
When Allah created Prophet Adam (AS), He honored him with knowledge and dignity. Allah then commanded the angels to prostrate as a sign of respect.
Allah says:
“And when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’ they all prostrated except Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:34)
This was not a difficult command. It was a test of submission. The angels obeyed instantly. Iblees did not.
Why Did Iblees Refuse?
Allah questioned Iblees about his refusal. Instead of repenting or seeking forgiveness, Iblees justified himself:
“I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.”
(Surah Al-A‘raf 7:12)
This statement reveals the core of arrogance:
- Comparing oneself to others
- Believing superiority based on origin
- Questioning Allah’s wisdom
Iblees measured honor by material origin, not by obedience. This mindset sealed his fate.
The Difference Between Adam (AS) and Iblees
This is one of the most important contrasts in the Qur’an.
- Adam (AS) made a mistake and repented immediately
- Iblees committed one act of disobedience and defended his ego
Adam (AS) said:
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves…” (7:23)
Iblees said:
“I am better than him…” (7:12)
One chose humility. The other chose pride.
Arrogance: A Hidden Destroyer of Iman
Arrogance does not always appear as loud pride. Sometimes it looks like:
- Refusing advice
- Looking down on sinners
- Feeling spiritually superior
- Rejecting correction
- Thinking “I can never be wrong”
The Prophet ﷺ warned strongly about this disease:
“No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This shows that arrogance is not a minor flaw — it is a faith-threatening sin.
How Arrogance Leads Away from Allah
Iblees’ arrogance caused:
- Disobedience to a clear command
- Argumentation with Allah’s wisdom
- Refusal to repent
- Blaming others instead of himself
- Eternal distance from Allah’s mercy
Allah declares in the Qur’an:
“So get out of it, for indeed, you are expelled.”
(Surah Al-A‘raf 7:13)
This expulsion was not because of a slip — it was because of persistent pride.
Lessons for Our Daily Lives
1️⃣ Obedience Comes Before Logic
A believer submits first, then understands.
2️⃣ Pride Cancels Good Deeds
Iblees worshipped Allah for years, yet arrogance erased everything.
3️⃣ Never Compare Your Iman
Faith is judged by Allah, not by comparison with others.
4️⃣ Accept Correction Quickly
Correction is mercy, not insult.
5️⃣ Humility Protects the Heart
The more humble the heart, the closer it stays to Allah.
Arrogance in the Modern World
Today, arrogance appears in new forms:
- Religious superiority
- Social status pride
- Knowledge arrogance
- Online judgment of others
- Mocking sincere beginners in faith
This story reminds us that iman survives on humility, not perfection.
How to Protect Yourself from Arrogance
- Make dua for humility
- Remember your own sins
- Sit with humble people
- Accept advice, even when it hurts
- Thank Allah for guidance daily
The Prophet ﷺ used to make dua:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul.
Conclusion: One Choice Defines the Path
The fall of Iblees teaches us that arrogance can destroy faith, while humility preserves it. Allah does not reject sinners who repent — He rejects hearts that refuse to bow.
May Allah protect our hearts from pride, soften us with humility, and keep us among those who submit sincerely.
🤲 A Short Dua
O Allah, remove arrogance from our hearts, grant us humility, and keep our iman safe until our last breath.