Reading history is very interesting for it unveils the root causes of many a phrase we much too often use in our daily conversation. For this post today, we have taken a tall claim from Al Qur'an which to every man of wisdom should be the very first explicit claim of arrogance in the human history. But before we do that, let us find out the subtle difference between pride and arrogance as these are closely related:
The core difference between pride and arrogance lies in the relationship between self-esteem and the devaluation of others. Pride is an internal sense of pleasure, satisfaction, or self-respect stemming from one’s own achievements or efforts. In contrast, Arrogance is an external, overbearing display of superiority that requires belittling others to maintain an inflated self-image. While pride can be healthy and motivating, arrogance is typically viewed as a toxic, destructive, and insecure behavior.
Now with this premise, let us share the 76th verse of Surah. 38 Ṣād. In fact this verse is a historical story — it is a template for understanding modern ideological arrogance. The Qur’an is showing a psychological and philosophical pattern that repeats in every age. Here is how one single verse explains atheism, racism, elitism, and technocracy using the same Qur’ānic formula:
قَالَ اَنَا خَيۡرٌ مِّنۡهُ ؕ خَلَقۡتَنِىۡ مِنۡ نَّارٍ وَّخَلَقۡتَهٗ مِنۡ طِيۡنٍ
(38:76) He replied: “I am nobler than he. You created me from fire and created him from clay.”
This is the answer by Iblis to a question posed by Allah when the former refused to prostrate in front of Adam, the first human being ever created. The 75th verse and its explanation is mentioned below to present the context:
(38:75) The Lord said: “O Iblis, what prevented you from prostrating yourself before him whom I created of My Two Hands. Are you waxing proud, or fancy yourself to be too exalted?”
These words have been used to point out the honor, rank and glory bestowed on man by his Creator. In other words, Allah did not get man created through his angels but created him by Himself because his creation was a highly noble task. Therefore, what is meant to be said is: What has prevented you from prostrating yourself before him whom I have made directly Myself? The answer by Iblis, the Satan, gives us a timeless arrogance equation.
Since the arrogant behaviour of Iblis to disobey his own Lord and Creator merely on grounds of superiority (him being made of fire, and Adam made of clay), which in fact was the first refusal of its kind due to arrogance, there has been no ending. Man and civilizations since time immemorial have displayed arrogance because of position, pride in forefather, cultural heritage and superiority of race and wealth has displayed his arrogance for which he and nations perished.
Ibn Kathir presents this verse as the archetype of arrogance, where Iblis relies on his own faulty logic rather than obeying the command of God, leading to his eternal downfall. In fact this verse as the climax of Iblis's arrogance and disobedience against Allah's command to prostrate before Adam. The key points of his commentary are:
- Arrogance and False Comparison: Iblis claimed superiority based on his origin (fire) over Adam's origin (clay). Ibn Kathir highlights that Iblis made a fatal error in judgment, thinking that fire is inherently superior to clay.
- Defiance of Command: By refusing to prostrate, Iblis willfully disobeyed Allah and disputed with Him, which constituted an act of disbelief (kufr).
- The Root of Evil: This statement marks the beginning of Iblis's expulsion. Due to this arrogance and envy, Allah cursed him, exiled him from His mercy, and removed him from His presence.
- Symbolism of Name: Ibn Kathir notes that Iblis is derived from Ablasa min Ar-Rahmah, meaning he "despaired of mercy," indicating there was no hope for him after this act of rebellion.
38:76 thus exposes arrogance as the disease of elevating the ego, using false standards, and placing one’s judgment above Allah’s wisdom — the same spiritual virus behind all human arrogance today.
This is a profound extension of Qur’ānic thought. Surah Ṣād 38:76 does not just explain personal arrogance — from personal domain it has sprang up to larger issues like every form of Racism, Classism, Nationalism, Ego, and ideology which echoes in this verse. This is one of the most powerful ethical insights of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is foretelling a universal spiritual disease that can inhabit any human identity, movement, or ideology.
Now let us just view our present times correlating it with the Satanic arrogance and its fallout on our future:
The Qur’ānic Formula of Satanic Arrogance
From 38:76 and related verses, the Qur’an gives a clear structure: Arrogance embodies Self-superiority, based on False criteria, by rejecting the truth and exhibiting contempt for others. This is the satanic pattern.
Let’s map this onto modern forms.
- Racism (Fire vs Clay in biological form)
- Qur’ānic root: “I am better than him — my substance is superior.”
- Racist logic: (1) “My race is superior.” (2) “My DNA/skin color/ethnicity is better.” - Both reduce human worth to biological material.
- The Qur’an explicitly demolishes this: “No Arab is superior to a non-Arab, nor a white to a black…” (Prophetic teaching, meaning established in hadith)
- So racism is Iblīs’ argument using race instead of fire.
- Classism (Fire vs Clay in economic form)
- Iblīs logic: “My nature gives me higher rank.”
- Classist logic: “My wealth makes me superior.” - That is “The poor are inferior.”
- Qur’an repeats Qarūn’s arrogance (28:78): “I was given this because of my knowledge.”
- This is repetition of same ego - same superiority.
- That is classism is combination of Iblīs mindset transformed into arrogance because of wealth.
- Nationalism (Fire vs Clay in collective identity)
- Iblīs: “I am better than him.”
- Nationalism: “My nation is superior to others.”
- This creates: Chosen peoples, Civilizational arrogance, Justification of ظلم (oppression)
- The Qur’an says nations are for: Recognition, not superiority (49:13)
- This means supremacist nationalism combines arrogance of Iblīs and flag.
- Ego (Fire vs Clay in personal psychology)
- Iblīs: “I am better.”
- Ego: “I deserve more respect.” - “I am more important.”
- This is micro-Iblīs inside the soul.
- The Prophet ﷺ said: Arrogance is rejecting truth and belittling people.
- So ego is Iblīs in the heart.
- Ideological Supremacy (Fire vs Clay in ideas)
- Iblīs: “My reasoning overrides God’s command.”
- Ideology: “My system is the ultimate truth.” - “Religion is outdated.” - “Anyone who disagrees is inferior.”
- Whether: Secularism, Marxism, Liberalism, Scientism, Ethno-supremacy, Religious extremism
- When ideology becomes: A tool to feel superior, it becomes satanic in structure — even if it uses moral language.
So any system that normalizes superiority and contempt is walking his path, even if it claims to be progressive, religious, or moral.
One-line Qur’ānic principle:
Every form of racism, classism, nationalism, ego, and ideological supremacy is satanic not because of its label — but because it reproduces Iblīs’ core sin: claiming superiority by false standards and rejecting humility before truth and human dignity. This is why Islam treats humility (tawāḍuʿ) not as a personality trait — but as a civilizational safeguard against satanic logic.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: The explanation above is for academic purpose only - readers are at liberty to absorb or negate the explanation of arrogance which is Satanic and has since rejection of God's command to prostrate Adam, has creeped into humans as individuals (like arrogance of Pharaoh and Kora / Qarun) and in nations like 'Ad, Thamud, people of Noah, Lot, Salih and the Romans. These arrogant people and nations disappeared in the history books, leaving behind their tales of rise in arrogance and fall due to arrogance.
You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 37 Ṣād - the letter ص already published. You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For verses on Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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