The Hidden Face: Dorian Gray’s Mirror and the Sins of the Ego

The Qur’an pays great attention to a person’s inner attitude, and in particular it warns against arrogance, one of the most harmful behaviors for the heart and for society. Verse 17:37 invites us to reflect on our relationship with others and with the world: no material or social height can justify pride.

Walking with arrogance means believing oneself superior, treating others with contempt, and ignoring one’s own limits. The Qur’an uses a simple but powerful image: you will never split the earth open nor reach the mountains in height. No wealth, power, or physical strength makes a person greater or more important in the eyes of God.

This verse is not only a warning but also practical guidance: those who wish to live with balance must cultivate humility, respect, and awareness of their own limitations.

Humility does not mean weakness; it means recognizing that every success, every achievement, is temporary and relative when compared to the vastness of creation and divine justice.

In an age in which personal protagonism and competition are often exalted, the Qur’an reminds us that authentic greatness is not measured by height, power, or status, but by the ability to walk with respect and kindness, preventing the ego from turning life into a stage of vanity.

Verse 17:37 calls for daily reflection: “And do not walk upon the earth with arrogance.” The choice is individual—one can walk with modesty or otherwise—but humility leads us to true inner and social harmony.

Not everyone is willing to listen or to change. The Qur’an gives us clear guidance on how to behave in the presence of arrogance:

1.     Protect your heart – Do not let another person’s ego drag you into anger or contempt. Maintain your integrity.

2.     Respond with kindness and wisdom – The Qur’an invites us to “invite to the way of Allah with wisdom and good exhortation” (16:125). Your righteous behavior is often more effective than a thousand words.

3.     Apply justice or forgive consciously – You are not required to forgive immediately. As verse 42:40 states, proportional justice is legitimate, but whoever chooses forgiveness receives a special reward.

4.     Cultivate patience (ṣabr) – Be patient, for “Allah is with the patient” (8:46). Calmness and perseverance protect the heart and allow you to face arrogance without harming yourself.

The Qur’an teaches us that we cannot change everyone, but we can control our reactions, preserve our integrity, and respond with wisdom. Walking with humility and righteousness, even in the face of others’ wickedness, is the true greatness that verse 17:37 seeks to teach us.