Imam Birgivi

Seven qualities are said to be causes of pride: education and knowledge; religious piety; the fame and nobility of one’s family and ancestors; physical attractiveness or physical strength; wealth; achievement; and the number of one’s admirers and followers. In reality, none of these qualities necessarily produces arrogance. On the contrary, they are positive values for which every person strives. The real cause of arrogance is stupidity, and the inability to comprehend what is offered as knowledge. Yet there is no other medicine but knowledge for curing this stupidity.

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Published in Imam Birgivi, The Path of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.): A Book on Islamic Morals and Ethics. Interpreted by Shaykh Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti. World Wisdom, 2005. Republished here with thanks.