In the twenty-first century, the world is a global village where people are connected. The distance of years has reduced into yards due to mobile and internet. This rapid transformation caused cultural flow and the introduction of new terminology and cultural terms. It is necessary to understand the actions and religious intervention in those practices. Narcissism is one of those foreign terminologies.
There is a need to understand these concepts. Why? Because your child may ask you a question about this which he learned from his peer group. You might be practicing this without the knowledge of Islamic views about it. It means you are committing a sin and you need to understand this topic in the context of religion. Let me assist you in understanding this concept. I am hopeful that this blog will help you.
What does the term Narcissism mean?
Narcissism is the name of excessive delight in one's self. It is over-obsession with one's self. The narcissist focuses on himself all the time and is conscious of his image. He considers himself superior over others and image consciousness is one of the dominating characteristics of his personality. For instance, many celebrities and kings use this term very commonly and entitle them with names full of narcissistic behavior. As an illustration, "the great", "Unachievable" etc. These words sound illogical but still, narcissists utter these.
Concept of Islam regarding Narcissism:
Islam does not support narcissistic behavior on any front. Quran, Hadith, and Sunnah negate this concept of narcissism. Islam talks about community than individualism. Although, one should take good care of his body and should follow societal norms and traditions. Excess in everything is bad. Apart from this, a narcissist takes care of the body but ignores the soul. It is also important to take care of the soul and the body. The soul needs connection with Allah but over-obsessed man can’t do this. Therefore, Islam forbids it. It is stated in Surah Nisa that
"And worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. And (show) fairest (companionship) to parents, and to the near kinsman, and the orphans and the indigent, and the neighbor who is near kinsman, and the neighbor who is a stranger, (i.e., not of the family or creed or "nationality") and the companion at your side, and the wayfarer, and what your right hands possess. Surely Allah does not love whoever has been conceited (and) constantly boastful".
Pride and arrogance find no place in Islamic practices and history. The Holy Prophet (PBUH)was kind and humble towards others. He never compromised his humbleness in front of the most arrogant people. For instance, Abu Jahil, Abu Sufiyan, etc. Other prophets of Allah also did the same and it is evident from the clues of history. For example, Hazrat Musa never lost the softness and humbleness of his character in front of the ever-brutal person, the Pharoah.
Islam is against pride and arrogance. No one can truly practice religion while possessing these two evils. The following Hadith of Holy Prophet (PBUH) forbids show off and feeling of superiority in these words:
"He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise. A person (amongst his hearers) said: Verily a person loves that his dress should be fine, and his shoes should be fine. He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: Verily, Allah is Graceful and He loves Grace. Pride is disdaining the truth (out of self-conceit) and contempt for the people".
It is good to have nice clothes and shoes but it is not okay to forget your community in the race of materialistic things. Some people confuse self-love with narcissism but this is not the case. In respecting self-esteem and doing self-love, you are considering yourself important. And you do not undermine yourself. In narcissism, you do consider others inferior. The race to portray and maintain fake images exhausts you mentally and physically.
You can make a final decision by reading the following verse of the Holy Quran:
"And do not turn your cheek away haughtily from mankind, and do not walk in the earth merrily. Surely Allah does not love everyone (who is) always conceited, (and) constantly boastful".
