Narcissism is excessive self-love, self-centeredness, arrogance, manipulative tendencies and a lack of empathy, which Islam considers a spiritual disease. It contradicts virtues like humility, sincerity, and submission to Allah.
Some psychologists have identified it as a disorder (Narcissistic Personality Disorder – NPD) and have had negative effects on fatherhood, motherhood, children upbringing, friendship and societal interactions. The NPD can be treated medically, though not all cases are treatable. We will delve into this expose in subsequent publication.
ISLAMIC CONCEPT
1. ARROGANCE IS DESPISED BY ALLAH:
“Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant and boastful.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:36)
Arrogance leads to a sense of superiority, which Islam condemns.
2. THE SIN OF PRIDE:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“He who has, in his heart, an atom’s weight of pride will not enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim, 91)
Pride is one of the key characteristics of narcissism.
3. HUMILITY IS COMMANDED:
“And do not walk upon the earth exultantly…”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:37)
This verse highlights the importance of humility and rejecting arrogance.
4. SELF PURIFICATION AND MODESTY:
“So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.”
(Surah An-Najm, 53:32)
Narcissists often display self-righteousness, which Islam warns against.
5. REJECTING BOASTFULNESS:
“Do not be like those who came out of their homes boastfully and to be seen by people…”
(Surah Al-Anfal, 8:47)
Islam warns against seeking validation and showing off.
6. NARCISSISM DESTROYS BROTHERHOOD:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“You must be humble so that no one oppresses another or boasts over another.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2865)
7. SHAYTAN – THE ARCHETYPE OF NARCISSISM:
Shaytan’s refusal to bow to Adam-PBUH (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:12) stems from arrogance:
“I am better than him; You created me from fire and him from clay.”
8. NARCISSISM BREEDS HYPOCRISY:
Hypocrites are described as people who:
“…show off to people and do not remember Allah except a little.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:142)
9. ACCOUNTABILTY TO ALLAH (TWT):
“To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and to Him is [due] worship constantly.”
(Surah Maryam, 19:93)
Narcissism denies the accountability every soul has to Allah.
10. SEEKING ALLAH’S PLEASURE ABOVE PEOPLE’S VALIDATION:
Believers are reminded to seek Allah’s pleasure and not live for worldly admiration:
“Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar.”
(Surah Ghafir, 40:28)
11. NARCISSISM PREVENTS TRUE WORSHIP:
Excessive self-focus can distract from recognizing Allah’s greatness:
“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion.”
(Surah Al-Bayyinah, 98:5)
12. NARCISSISM LEADS TO INJUSTICE:
When people focus solely on themselves, they often oppress others.
“And Allah does not like the wrongdoers.”
(Surah Aal-E-Imran, 3:140)
13. CULTIVATING GRATITUDE AS THE ANTEDOTE:
Gratitude to Allah and others counters self-centeredness:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].”
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)
14. REMEMBERING THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT:
Narcissists often forget the reality of accountability:
“And be humble before Allah, and fear a Day when you will be returned to Him.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:281)
Narcissism, as a manifestation of arrogance and self-obsession, is strongly condemned in Islam. Instead, humility, gratitude, and submission to Allah are emphasized as pathways to righteousness.
WRITTEN BY:
ABDULMALIK KING SULEIMAN
PROJECT DIRECTOR, AMDC