The term ‘ego’ is defined as; a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance.

 

If a person is said to have a big ego, they are full of their own importance and think they are better than others. Having a big ego is also often associated with narcissistic tendencies, a superiority complex, and being self-absorbed. There is little or no heartfelt connection with other people, nature, shared values, the common good and collective purpose. 

 

The self becomes a god, one the person increasingly worships and serves, while often expecting others to do the same.

 

God warns us in the Quran there are people who worship their own ego.  

 

Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be his advocate?

~ 25:43

 

Could you be worshipping your own ego? An egotist could be unknowingly putting their own self above God if they love themselves more than they love God. 

 

Egotistic traits include; 

- Arrogant

- Ignorant 

- Boastful

- Self-centered

- Show off

- Full of pride

- Selfish

 

Following are some hidden characteristics that might mean you are an egotist:

 

Do you love material things?

The ego identifies with having more, better, and the latest. Do you identify who you are by what you have?

 

Are you a fan of gossip? 

If you find yourself engaging in lots of gossip, criticism, or condemnation of others, that is likely the ego feeding itself.

 

Do you tend to interrupt others? 

Egotistical people tend to interrupt others because they feel that what they have to say is much more intelligent or important.

 

Do you hold a position of power?

Those with large egos usually crave the attention and prestige that comes with high-ranking jobs/positions. They also live for the opportunity to boss people around because it plays into their ego’s desire for power and to be “better” than everyone else.

 

Do you hate to lose?

It’s OK to be competitive, but if you find you’d literally do anything to win, because to you (and your ego), losing is almost embarrassing. If you lose, that validates your deepest, darkest fear that you are inferior, which is why you might even lie or cheat in order to get ahead.

 

Are you super opinionated?

Egotistical people rarely consider the points of view of others because they are so self-absorbed. They focus solely on their own point of view, image, and preferences.

 

Are you never wrong? 

They hate apologizing or admitting their wrong. They are much more likely to blame others.

 

Do you always have to be in control? 

If they are not in control, they may feel as though they are being disrespected and become belligerent and angry. They have a hard time playing or working as a team. 

 

You don’t feel the need to thank others?

Egotistical people often feel that they are better than other people and therefore do not feel it necessary to thank others for their help. 

 

They also have a sense of entitlement, which can make it tough to feel grateful for the things they have or achieve.

 

If you recognize any of these habits or traits in yourself, you could be worshipping your own ego! 

 

It is not just those who reject the Quran who worship their ego, as God states those with knowledge are also to blame:

 

Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, God sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by God? Would you not take heed.

~ Quran 45:23

 

We must kill our egos if we have any chance of returning to God safe:

 

Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshiping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator." He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

~ Quran 2:54

 

It is the ego that causes the disbelievers to act arrogantly:

 

We gave Moses the scripture, and subsequent to him we sent other messengers, and we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it not a fact that every time a messenger went to you with anything you disliked, your ego caused you to be arrogant? Some of them you rejected, and some of them you killed.

~ Quran 2:87

 

Let’s remember Satan acted arrogantly and thought he was better than Adam: 

 

When we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam," they fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused, was too arrogant, and a disbeliever.

~ Quran 2:34

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Satan was considered a disbeliever by God, even though he was in front of God Himself!

 

He said, "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from clay."

~ Quran 38:76

 

Surely we do not want to follow the steps of Satan! 

 

We learn in the history of Adam’s two sons, it was his ego that caused him to kill his brother: 

 

His ego provoked him into killing his brother. He killed him, and ended up with the losers.

~ Quran 5:30

 

Those who worship their own ego must repent and change their ways if they wish to attain God’s approval in the Hereafter. True believers do not put their own self-importance at such high value. Believers do not think they are better than others. 

 

We must worship God alone under ALL circumstances. 

 

Therefore, you shall devote your worship absolutely to GOD ALONE, even if the disbelievers dislike it.

~ Quran 40:14

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Peace & God Bless