Degrading

We must be honest enough not to pretend to know what we do not know. We should have the decency to refer to someone who knows if we do not know. We should not consider it as dishonour because in reality dishonour is in making false pretensions. Pretending to know that which we do not know is a grimace. And we know very well who makes grimacess. In any case, it is not the manner of a serious person.

It is dishonesty to pretend to know that which we do not know. If this occurs in medicine, it is our Jaan (life) which will be in danger. What is more serious is when this repulsive manner concerns our Deen as then it is our Imaan that will be in danger. This repulsive manner emanates from an illness called Hubb-ul-Jaah which means the love of grandeur. A materialist or Dunyadaar may not oppose this and may accept /digest it. But Deenwise, it is a repulsive manner which is very degrading and disgusting. Sometimes it is so strong in a person that it degrades him to a level where Insaaniyat ends. Pharaoh declared to know and to be capable of what he was not to such an extent that he declared himself as "Rabb". It is a very advanced degree of Jahaalat and ignorance which leads a person to such a situation where he degrades himself in the search of grandeur and honour. Without knowing, he has fallen into lowliness by declaring himself superb and great in front of an Allah who is incomparable and unequal.

Jaah or greatness belongs to Allah Ta'ala. Whoever wants to acquire it is like someone who wants to rival with Allah Ta'ala. Rivalry makes a person so detestable that it can lead to his total destruction or even cost him his life. What will be the state of a person who does this with Allah Ta'ala who has power and capacity over everything?

The consequence of this person is much more grave and serious than that which a person can expect from his rival in the Dunya. As for Aakhirah, according to a Hadith of Saheeh Muslim, Allah Ta'ala will throw him into hell. And according to a Hadith of Tirmizi, he will be presented in front of Allah Ta'ala in the dimension of an ant on the day of Qiyaamah. And he will get the pus of the Jahannami to drink. A tiny particle of this bad manner will suffice to prevent him from entering Jannah.

[English version of "Dégradant" – Al Jamiat – Vol.7 No.7]