CLAIMS OF SUPERIORITY AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES IN THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY QUR’AN: AN INDUCTIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study investigates manifestations of claims to superiority in the Holy Qur’an through an inductive examination of the Qur’anic passages in which such claims are explicitly articulated. The analysis identifies two principal figures associated with this phenomenon: Iblis and Pharaoh. Accordingly, the study seeks to introduce these two figures, examine the forms and contexts of their claims to superiority and elucidate the consequences resulting from such claims as presented in the Qur’anic discourse. The findings demonstrate that Iblis asserted his superiority over Adam (peace be upon him), a claim that manifested itself in arrogance, defiance of divine command and refusal to prostrate before Adam. This attitude ultimately resulted in disbelief, expulsion from divine mercy, condemnation, punishment in Hell and his characterization by disobedience, humiliation, degradation and hostility. The study further reveals that Pharaoh’s claim to superiority took a more extreme form through his assertion of lordship, his contempt for Moses (peace be upon him) and his people, his obstruction of the path of Allah and his active opposition to the message of Moses and those who believed in it. These actions culminated in the destruction of Pharaoh and his followers by drowning and in their deserving punishment in this world, the intermediate state (Barzakh) and the Hereafter, in addition to divine curse and deprivation of blessings. The study concludes that unjustified claims of superiority and exalted status constitute a significant cause of deviation from obedience to Allah and ultimately lead to punishment and destruction. By presenting the examples of Iblis and Pharaoh, the Holy Qur’an provides a cautionary paradigm that warns against arrogance, pride, self-exaltation and the false attribution of virtues or status to oneself without legitimate grounds.