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How can one be saved from the arrogance and pride that afflict the heart after performing a righteous deed?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Joy in obedience is a blessing, but feeling arrogance or conceit after performing good deeds is "ujb" (self-admiration), and it is among the major sins. Ujb is the act of viewing one's worship as grand and significant, and it is forbidden because it is a lack of proper reverence towards Allah, occurring after the act of worship, unlike ostentation (riyaa'), which occurs concurrently with it and invalidates it. Its cure lies in continuing good deeds while keeping the intention of seeking Allah's Face, reflecting on one's shortcomings and sins, feeling grateful for Allah's blessings and divine enablement, fearing their removal, and realizing that Allah deserves more. Moreover, a believer must not be pleased with his deeds for Allah and should always accuse himself of falling short.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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