Semerkand İngilizce Dergi Sayı: 27 - Mart 2024

Semerkand English magazine February issue navigates the concept of ujb, also known as self-admiration, with its feature article, “Self-Admiration: The Distorted Mirage Within.”

Discussing the issue of self-admiration and its effects on human behavior at length with an adaptation of the relevant section from Imam Ghazali’s (rahmatullahi alayh) renowned work Kimya-i Saadat, the article focuses on the layers of self-admiration hidden in acts like worship, charity, and leadership, emphasizing that these virtues can become vices when distorted by the ego. The article urges introspection, a vigilance against self-deception, and a return to humility. It's a reminder that what we perceive as our achievements or inherent, commendable qualities are, in reality, divine blessings, and our pride in them is nothing but a mirage.

The article presents vivid illustrations of how self-admiration infiltrates various aspects of life – from lineage and physical attributes to acts of worship and leadership. It also provides a detailed perspective on how this character flaw causes personality disorders and defects in a person.

This issue's lead article, "Why This Misguided Pride?", illuminates the Quranic wisdom on humility and the dangers of pride. This multifaceted exploration begins with Allah’s command to worship Him alone, extend kindness to all, and eschew arrogance. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) defines pride as denying truth and scorning others, highlighting its dual nature – the visible arrogance in actions and the more insidious, internalized pride that silently erodes one's relationship with Allah.

This insightful piece delves into the complexities of pride, tracing its roots in everyday life – from social media to our homes, workplaces, and even our self-perceptions. It emphasizes how pride disrupts not only our connection with Allah but also fragments the unity among Muslims, turning potential bonds of kinship into burdensome ties of discord. The article invites readers to reflect on their own hearts and actions, urging us to strive for a character marked by humility and piety, embodying the essence of wheat stalks, heavy with grain, yet bowing in humility.