Practical Meaning of Kibr (Arrogance)

Kibr (Arrogance, Pride, Vanity) is despised in Islam. It is a certain way that we can condemn ourselves to hell, even if we are Muslims. Iblis believed in and worshipped Allah (SWT) but he was too arrogant to prostrate to Adam (AS) despite being commanded to by Allah (SWT). Iblis rejected the truth and looked down upon Adam (AS).

And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam they did obeisance, but Iblis (did it not). He refused and he was proud, and he was one of the unbelievers. [2:34]

He said: O Iblis! what prevented you that you should do obeisance to him whom I created with My two hands? Are you proud or are you of the exalted ones?
He said: I am better than he; Thou hast created me of fire, and him Thou didst create of dust. [38:75-76]

Iblis arrogantly claimed that he was better then Adam. He looked down upon Adam due to his physical nature. Likewise, all the nations that refused to believe in the Prophets, used to mock the Prophets and their followers. For example, Pharaoh, who is repeatedly quoted in the Quran for his arrogance, said: “O my people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me. See you not then? Am I not better than this one [Moses], who is “Mahin” [i.e. has no honor nor any respect, and is weak and despicable] and can scarcely express himself clearly?” [43:51-52]

Thus our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has aptly given a clear practical definition of this despicable characteristic of Kibr.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, “No one who has the weight of a seed of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.”
Someone said, “But a man loves to have beautiful clothes and shoes.”
The Prophet said, “Verily, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty.
Arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 91

The second part of this definition is what the Muslim and the believer need to beware. Even pious people can fall into thinking that they are more pious than others. Whenever it crosses our mind or conscience that we are better than others and as such deserve better treatment that we are not entitled to, we must quickly repent and seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT). We cannot allow Kibr to creep and grow in us.