The Dual Nature of Kibr (كبر)§
Kibr (كبر) is a complex term in Islamic thought referring to “pride” or “haughtiness.” It possesses a dual connotation: an undesirable trait in humans and an esteemed attribute of Allah (SWT).
📚 Comprehensive Definition§
Definition: In humans, Kibr signifies the negative aspect of pride, including arrogance and a sense of superiority over others. Conversely, when attributed to Allah, it is sacred and denotes His greatness and majesty as Al-Kabīr, “the Great One.”
🏛️ Etymology and Background§
Etymology: The word kibr is derived from the Arabic root ك-ب-ر (k-b-r), meaning “to be great” or “to become significant.” The root is also found in other significant words like kabīr (great), thus indicating the broad application of concepts related to greatness and magnitude.
🌍 Cultural Differences and Similarities§
The idea of pride as a vice isn’t unique to Islam. Christianity, particularly through the Biblical proverb “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18), and other religions/eastern philosophical traditions also admonish against arrogance. However, Islam uniquely frames Kibr when attributing it to Allah (SWT) to signify His utmost grandeur.
Linguistic Reflections§
- Synonyms: Takabbur (تَكَبُّر), I’jab (إِعْجَاب)
- Antonyms: Tawaadu’ (تَوَاضُع) – humility, Khushu’ (خُشُوع) – submissiveness
- Related Terms:
- Al-Kabeer (الكبير): This name of Allah (SWT) means “the Most Great” or “the Incomparably Great.”
- Ujb (عجب): self-admiration, closely related to arrogance.
- Isaaf (إسَافُ): exalting oneself over others.
🌟 Exciting Facts§
- Significant Impact on Ethics: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim).
- Paradigms of Hubris: The story of Iblis (Satan) in the Qur’an is a quintessential example of destructive Kibr, illustrating pride leading to rebellion against divine command.
- Divine Attribute Al-Kabeer: Understanding Allah’s name Al-Kabīr magnifies His endless greatness and reminds believers that only Allah deserves such majesty.
📜 Quotations from Notable Writers§
- Ibn Taymiyyah once observed, “Pride renders one forgetful of his origins and heedless of his end.”
- In Al-Ghazali’s works, kibr is intricately discussed and criticized as a blockade to spiritual progress.
📘 Suggested Literature§
- Al-Ghazali’s The Book of Knowledge discusses Kibr at length.
- “Revival of Religious Sciences” by Imam Al-Ghazali, particularly the volume on the Negative Virtues.
- “On the Path to God” by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, covering the ethics of humility and arrogance.
ℹ️ References§
- The Qur’an, several surahs address the evil of arrogance.
- Sahih Muslim - Collection of hadith about pride and humility.
Thought-Provoking Farewell 🌹§
Let us strive to cultivate a deep sense of humility in our hearts, realizing that it is only through acknowledging our own littleness that we can truly appreciate the grandeur of the Divine.
Farah Al-Sadri
October 03, 2023
“The real journey of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes to see. Let your heart be the compass, guided humbly by the awe of divine grandeur.”
