This week’s Friday sermon struck a deep chord with me. The topic was Ujub — self-admiration — a subtle disease of the heart that creeps in quietly when we least expect it.
At first glance, ujub sounds like something only the arrogant or boastful need to worry about. But the truth is, it hides behind many of our everyday successes. It shows up when we quietly think, “I did this on my own strength.” It whispers when we compare our efforts to others’ and feel secretly superior — whether it’s in our health, intellect, wealth, or even our piety.
How Ujub Shows Up Today
For most of us, ujub doesn’t look like bragging or arrogance. It’s much subtler — and sometimes even disguised as confidence or self-discipline.
It appears when:
- We take credit for success but forget that the outcome was by Allah’s permission.
- We dismiss another person’s idea because we think we “know better.”
- We feel that our way of worship or doing good deeds is somehow “more correct.”
And yes, I’m not immune either. Sometimes as a leader, it’s easy to think, “If I hadn’t stepped in, things wouldn’t have moved.” But that’s precisely how ujub starts to poison the heart — by making us believe that everything begins and ends with us.
The Cure: Humility and Gratitude
The khutbah reminded us that the cure for ujub lies in tawadhu’ — humility — and in remembering that all ability, intelligence, and opportunity come from Allah.
When we say Alhamdulillah sincerely, we shift the focus away from “I achieved” to “Allah allowed me to achieve.”
When we credit others openly and seek feedback, even from juniors, we remind ourselves that leadership is about learning, not ego.
When we do quiet good deeds — cleaning up after a meeting, checking in on someone without posting about it — we train our hearts to serve without expecting recognition.
Confidence Without Arrogance
Islam doesn’t ask us to be timid or self-doubting. It teaches balance — to act with confidence but without pride.
Confidence says: “I can do this, insha’Allah.”
Arrogance says: “Only I can do this.”
One uplifts others; the other isolates the self. The Prophet (peace be upon him) led with strength and humility, certain in his mission yet constantly seeking Allah’s help and forgiveness. That’s the model we strive for.
A Simple Daily Reflection
Before ending your day, ask yourself:
- Did I attribute today’s success to myself or to Allah?
- Did I look down on anyone — even in my thoughts?
- Did I feel grateful, or proud?
These small check-ins keep the heart soft. They remind us that everything we have — our health, our intellect, our position — are all amanah, trusts that can be taken away at any time.
Always Inculcate and Nurture Humility
The khutbah ended with a beautiful reminder:
“Always inculcate and nurture humility (tawadhu’) and always be humble.”
In a world that constantly tells us to promote ourselves, humility is a quiet act of rebellion — and of faith.
So the next time we succeed, let’s whisper “Alhamdulillah.”
The next time we stumble, “Inna lillah.”
And in all moments between, remember that every strength, every good we possess, is on loan — from the One who gave it.