Narcissism: The Disease of Arrogance
At its core, narcissism is arrogance—whether subtle or overt. It is the same toxic pride that led Iblis to his downfall. Narcissism is not just about self-importance or vanity; it is a deeply rooted disease of the heart, one that blinds a person to their own faults while making them feel inherently superior to others.
The Arrogance of Iblis: A Reflection of Narcissism
When Allah commanded Iblis to bow to Adam AS, his refusal was not based on ignorance or misunderstanding. It was pure arrogance. He believed he was better than Adam AS because he was created from fire while Adam AS was created from clay. This sense of superiority, entitlement, and refusal to acknowledge his own wrongdoing is the essence of narcissism.
Narcissists carry this same arrogance in their relationships and interactions. They refuse to take accountability, believing themselves to be above correction or criticism. They manipulate, belittle, and control, convinced that they deserve special treatment. And just like Iblis, they can mask their arrogance behind a façade of piety, kindness, or charm, making it difficult to see their true nature until the damage is done.
The Disease of the Heart
Narcissism is not just a personality flaw; it is a spiritual disease. The Prophet ﷺ warned against arrogance, saying:
“No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Jannah.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This is because arrogance blinds a person to truth. It prevents them from seeking forgiveness, from treating others with humility, and from recognizsng their own weaknesses. It hardens the heart, making it incapable of true repentance and growth.
Subtle vs. Overt Narcissism
Narcissism doesn’t always present itself in an obvious way. Some people are openly arrogant, demanding recognition and power, while others express their narcissism through subtle means—victimhood, manipulation, or passive-aggressiveness. Whether loud or quiet, the disease remains the same: an inflated sense of self that refuses to submit to truth and accountability.
The Cure: Humility and Sincerity
The opposite of arrogance is humility—recognizing that everything we have is from Allah and that we are all in need of His mercy. Healing from narcissism (whether in ourselves or from the wounds of dealing with a narcissist) requires sincere self-reflection, repentance, and a commitment to purifying the heart. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to constantly seek refuge from arrogance, making du’ā for Allah to soften our hearts and guide us away from self-deception.
If arrogance was enough to expel Iblis from Allah’s mercy, then unchecked narcissism can lead a person down a dangerous spiritual path. The cure is to return to sincerity, accountability, and a heart grounded in humility before Allah.