The Arrogance Trap: When Good Deeds Conceal the Ego

“Do not be content with a deed if it increases your ego.” This Hikam of Ibn ʿAṭāʾillah warns that even good deeds can become spiritual poison if they feed the ego. If your charity makes you arrogant, if your prayer makes you feel superior—it is a veil, not a ladder. true spirituality humbles. The closer you are to Allah, the more you see your dependence and your flaws—not your virtues. Any feeling of superiority—because of worship—is a sign of disconnection, not proximity.

After a good deed, say: “Ya Allah, I am not better than anyone. This was Your gift—not my greatness.”

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