The Difference between Arrogance and Self-Confidence: Lessons from the Stories of Iblis, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) & Fatima (RA).

Arrogance and self-confidence are distinct concepts. Arrogance stems from a false sense of superiority and the desire to put others down to elevate oneself. It is driven by insecurity and a lack of genuine self-worth. In contrast, self-confidence recognises the inherent worth and capabilities of oneself and others. It is rooted in humility, gratitude, and the acknowledgement that our abilities are blessings from Allah. By embracing self-confidence, we can appreciate the diversity and talents of others without feeling the need to belittle or compare ourselves. True self-confidence fosters unity, cooperation, and a positive outlook on oneself and others.

The comparison between the arrogance of Iblis and the humility of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) perfectly illustrates the stark difference between these two concepts. When Allah ordered the angels to prostrate to Adam, Iblis refused, claiming that he was superior because he was made of fire while Adam was made of clay. This act of arrogance, as described in Surah Al-A’raf (The Quran 7:12), led to Iblis’s expulsion from the heavens. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and a false sense of superiority.

In stark contrast, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), despite being the Last and Final Prophet, chosen by Allah to deliver His message to mankind, led a life of humility and service. He did not consider himself superior to others. As narrated in a Hadith by Anas bin Malik, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “None of you will have faith till he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 12). His life teaches us that true self-confidence is not about deeming oneself superior but about recognising one’s worth and the worth of others.

Similarly, Fatimah bint Muhammad (RA), the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), serves as an inspiring figure who epitomises the distinction between arrogance and genuine self-confidence.

Raised in a household of prophethood and revelation, Fatimah (RA) held a significant status in the Islamic community. She was the daughter of the Last Prophet (PBUH), the wife of the fourth caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), and the mother of the Prophet’s grandsons, Hassan (RA) and Hussain (RA). Despite her prestigious lineage, she led a life of simplicity, humility, and service to others, demonstrating her self-confidence and contentment with Allah’s blessings.

She worked hard in her home, looked after her family supported her husband, and even assisted him in his work. When faced with challenges, she showed strength and trust in Allah, never allowing her struggles to impact her commitment to her faith and her duties. This clear demonstration of humility and resilience, in spite of her elevated status, underlines the difference between self-confidence and arrogance.

From her life, we can derive that self-confidence is about recognising our worth and being content with what Allah has granted us. It’s about accepting ourselves, believing in our abilities, and using them to serve Allah and our community. It is not about looking down on others or believing ourselves to be superior. Rather, it involves acknowledging that all abilities and blessings come from Allah, which leads us to humility, not arrogance.

As Muslim women, we can draw significant lessons from the life of Fatimah (RA). Let’s strive to embody the humility, service, and genuine self-confidence she demonstrated throughout her life. Remember, our worth is not defined by worldly standards but by our relationship with Allah and our efforts to live a life pleasing to Him.

As women in today’s world, we often face societal pressures that can lead to unhealthy competition and comparison, potentially fueling feelings of arrogance or low self-esteem. As a Muslim life coach, I encourage you to recognise your worth and the worth of others, embracing the concept of self-confidence as depicted in Islam.

Self-confidence, from an Islamic perspective, entails recognising and appreciating the abilities and talents that Allah has bestowed upon us. It is about having the confidence to use these gifts to contribute positively to our communities without feeling the need to belittle or compare ourselves with others.

In contrast, arrogance involves a false sense of superiority and a desire to undermine others to elevate oneself. Arrogance can stem from insecurity and a lack of genuine self-worth. Islam teaches us to avoid arrogance and to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, recognising that we are all creations of Allah, each with our unique strengths and abilities.

Developing genuine self-confidence requires ongoing work and self-reflection. It involves cultivating a positive self-image, recognising our achievements, and continuously striving for self-improvement. As your life coach, my role is to guide and support you on this journey, helping you build true self-confidence while steering clear of arrogance. By aligning our understanding of self-confidence with the teachings of Islam, we can foster a robust sense of self-worth and contribute positively to our communities.