The Reality and Evils of Bragging

 

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said:

One of the characteristics of the pre-Islamic days of ignorance is bragging even if it is deservedly. They used to brag about their deeds and the deeds of their forefathers. This is prohibited, because bragging about one’s deeds leads to self-admiration and contempt for others. This is prohibited as it is one of the actions of the pre-Islamic days of ignorance.

Therefore, it is not permissible for a Muslim to brag, because no matter what he sacrifices and does, he will be falling short; and he cannot discharge everything Allaah has enjoined upon him. The right of Allaah is great; the right of parents is great and the right of relatives is great. There are great rights upon him. So, why should a person boast when he does something good or performs some good deeds despite the fact that he only did something little? This is with respect to bragging regarding that which is between him and the creatures. But if he brags with his deeds that is between him and Allaah, then this is worst, because it will lead to being amazed with the deed and to consider the deeds much; and this nullifies the deed.

So, it is obligatory upon a person to always consider himself as falling short in regard to that which is between him and Allaah. This is clear. [Similarly, he should also consider himself falling short] in that which is between him and the creatures. This is because if he considers himself falling short in his deed, such will spur him to be humble and increase in doing deeds. However, if he considers himself as being perfect and that he has fulfilled the obligation, this would make him desist from doing good deeds and think that he has attained the utmost degree, and thus refrain from doing good deeds.

Source: Sharh Masaa’il al-Jaahiliyyah, p. 247-248 by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan. Transl. by Abdus-Samee Abdus-Salaam.