What is the ruling on a person admiring himself, a quality he possesses, or his beauty, whether after a righteous deed or otherwise? Does that contradict sincerity (ikhlas)? What is the ruling on beautifying oneself with the intention of showing respect? And what is the proper action when relatives advise buying clothes for ostentation?

Self-admiration is a cause of destruction, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "And three are destructive: covetousness that is obeyed, stinginess that is followed, and a person's self-admiration." And his saying: "If you did not sin, I would fear for you something greater than that: self-admiration, self-admiration."

The cure for self-admiration is to know that the servant and his deeds are from Allah, and by reading books of encouragement and deterrence, and that your joy should be in the blessing of Allah, and to feel shyness and fear of not being accepted, as in the verse: "And those who give what they give while their hearts are trembling that they will be returning to their Lord."

The servant should remember the blessings and renew gratitude to Allah, and be preoccupied with the fear of the blessing being taken away rather than admiring it. He should look at the state of disbelievers and transgressors who were deprived of the blessing of faith, and at those who were afflicted by accidents, and praise Allah for well-being, and use blessings in what pleases Allah. There is no harm in people praising a believer for his deeds if he does not seek it, and there is no harm in wearing beautiful clothes and shoes, because "Allah is beautiful and loves beauty."