signs, symptoms and cures of the spiritual diseases of the heart
Vanity is known in Arabic as 'ujb, which is related to arrogance. According to Imam al-Ghaza̅lı̅, arrogance requires two people for its outward manifestation: the arrogant one and the one to whom the arrogance is shown. The possessor of vanity, on the other hand, does not need a second person, as he is impressed with himself; he admires his own talents, possessions, looks, and status, and he considers himself better than others. He exults, for example, when looking at himself in the mirror or gazing upon his accomplishments or property. Imam Mawlu̅d says 'ujb is a nefarious kind of vanity in which a person rejoices in the blessings he has but forgets the source of these blessings.
The word "vanity" comes from the Latin word vanus, which means "empty," implying that the source of our vanity is void of substance and will vanish.
Vanity originates from one's ignorance of two matters: God alone is the Fashioner and the Giver of Blessings, and we human beings are incapable of accomplishing anything without God's will and blessings.
The fact that someone has talent and is able to develop it into a higher skill or craft and achieve remarkable things does nothing to diminish the obvious—it still is a gift from God. It is part of the sunnah of God in creation, that divine order woven in the fabric of existence, that one must toil to refine his or her skills or talent. It is God who is the bestower of success and talent.
In reality, God is the creator of the marvels that people admire and attribute to the glory of humankind, forgetting that it is God who created the ones who produced these marvels. Realizing that God is the source of all blessings prevents vanity from entering the heart.
A person will always find someone with more talent and more knowledge.
There is foolishness in being vain about what one has accomplished, given its ephemeral nature. But when one is thankful to God and acknowledges and praises Him as the source of this goodness, then the accomplishment outlasts our earthly lives and memories of people, for God preserves it.
If one accomplishes something, one should remember God and be grateful, and not swagger with haughtiness, for if we do not humble ourselves, God will humble us.
Imam Mawlu̅d says that to rid oneself of vanity or to prevent it from entering one's heart, one should reflect long and hard on the fact that all blessings are entirely from God and that one cannot produce any benefit or harm without His permission.
"God makes every maker and what he makes" (The Prophet ﷺ, from Imam al-Bayhaqı̅).
"Above all those who have knowledge is the All-Knowing" (QUR'AN, 12:76).
When the Roman emperor triumphed in a battle, he put on a victory celebration in which the general of the battle paraded through the street. Behind him on his chariot a slave would hold a victory laurel and whisper in the general's ear, "All is vanity," thus reminding the general of the perils of vanity.
"O God, as You have made my countenance most excellent, make my character most excellent" (The Prophet ﷺ).