What is Kibr: Kibr (کبر) is arrogance and pride — the internal feeling of superiority over others, believing that you deserve more respect, rights or status than others, whether because of knowledge, wealth, lineage or piety. The Prophet (SAW) defined it: "Kibr is rejecting the truth and looking down on people." — to be checked. Imam Ali (as) said: "Kibr is the greatest veil between a servant and Allah." — to be checked. It was the first sin in creation — Iblis refused to bow because of it.
Why Kibr is so dangerous: Kibr closes the heart to guidance and truth. It destroys relationships and trust. It leads to rejection of correction — spiritual stagnation. Even one grain of Kibr prevents entry to Jannah, as the tradition warns. Imam al-Sadiq (as) said: "There is no person who has Kibr in his heart — except that his intellect is diminished — however great or small he may be." — Al-Kafi, Vol. 2, as given in the course slides. — to be checked.
What is Hasad: Hasad (حسد) is envy — the wish that a blessing be removed from another person, combined with grief and resentment at seeing them prosper. It is different from Ghubta, which is wishing the same blessing for yourself without wishing it removed from others. Ghubta is permissible. Hasad is not. The Prophet (SAW) said: "Beware of Hasad — for it devours good deeds as fire devours wood." — to be checked.
Why Hasad destroys you: Hasad burns the envier — not the envied. It destroys good deeds, causes constant inner suffering and restlessness, and is a form of objection to Allah's distribution of blessings. Imam Ali (as) said: "Hasad corrupts faith as vinegar corrupts honey. And the envious person has no rest." — Ghurar al-Hikam, as given in the course slides. — to be checked. Imam al-Sadiq (as) said: "The root of Hasad is blindness of the heart and the rejection of Allah's blessings." — Al-Kafi, Vol. 2, as given in the course slides. — to be checked.
How to remove them: For Kibr, remember your origin daily: "I was created from clay and water." Sit with those society considers lower and feel your equality. When praised, attribute it immediately to Allah. Seek correction actively. Read the Du'a of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (as) against Kibr in Sahifa Sajjadiyya. For Hasad, when you feel it, immediately say: "Ma sha Allah — Barakallahu lak." Make du'a FOR the person you envied, sincerely. Reflect: "Allah gave this — and He has something for me too." And practise genuine joy at others' blessings — start with one person today.
Example
A teacher sees a younger colleague promoted before him. His first feeling is a pang: "Why him and not me?" That is Hasad knocking. Instead of feeding it, he says "Ma sha Allah — Barakallahu lak," and sincerely congratulates his colleague. The next week, he thanks Allah for his own blessings — his health, his students, his family. The pang fades, because envy cannot live where gratitude and prayer for others are practised.
Key Terms
- Kibr (کبر) — arrogance and pride; feeling superior to others
- Hasad (حسد) — envy; wishing a blessing removed from another person
- Ghubta (غبطہ) — wishing the same blessing for yourself, without wishing it removed from others
- Iblis (ابلیس) — the one who refused to bow out of pride; the first sin of Kibr
Quran or Hadith
Quran, Surah Al-Luqman 31:18 — "Do not turn your cheek away from people and do not walk upon the earth arrogantly." — to be checked. Allah directly forbids even the facial expression of arrogance — even the look. And Quran, Surah Al-Falaq 113:5 — "And from the evil of an envier when he envies." — to be checked. Allah placed Hasad among the evils we seek refuge from.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A heart with two weeds growing out of it, labelled "Kibr" and "Hasad", and two hands pulling them out, labelled "Humility" and "Joy for others".
- Kibr is feeling superior to others; it was the first sin — Iblis refused to bow because of it.
- Hasad is wishing a blessing removed from another; it burns the envier, not the envied.
- The cure for Hasad is to rejoice in others' blessings as if they were your own.