Surah Luqman 31:18
سُورَةُ لُقۡمَانَ · Meccan · Verse 18 of 34
وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍۢ فَخُورٍۢ
Translation
Do not turn your nose up at people, nor walk about the place arrogantly, for God does not love arrogant or boastful people.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This powerful verse, part of Luqman's timeless advice to his son, teaches us about humility in how we carry ourselves and interact with others. It begins by warning against specific behaviors that reveal an arrogant heart.
Turning Away from People
The first prohibition is, "And do not turn your cheek away from people" (وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ). The Arabic word `تُصَعِّرْ` (tusa''ir) is derived from `صعر`, which refers to a disease that twists a camel's neck. As al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur explain, using this word evokes the image of someone *deliberately* turning their face away in a manner that expresses disdain and contempt, as if afflicted by a haughty illness. It's a vivid way of describing looking down on others. Ibn Ashur notes that mentioning `لِلنَّاسِ` (for people) expands the meaning to include all forms of disrespect or belittlement, whether through facial expression, words, or actions. This advises us to approach people with an open and humble countenance, not with a dismissive gaze.
Walking with Humility
Next, Luqman advises, "And do not walk upon the earth with arrogance" (وَلَا تَمْشِ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا). The word `مَرَحًا` (marahan) describes excessive joy and conceit that manifests in one's walk. Ibn Ashur clarifies that it means an overabundance of vigor and self-admiration, causing a person to swagger or strut. The phrase `فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ` (upon the earth) is especially poignant. Since all walking is done on the earth, this seemingly obvious phrase acts as a subtle reminder. Ibn Ashur explains it hints that everyone, strong or weak, walks on the same ground. This equality should humble the one who walks proudly, reminding them that they are no different from others.
Why Allah Dislikes Arrogance
The verse concludes with a profound reason for these prohibitions: "Indeed, Allah does not like every self-deluded, boastful person" (إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍۢ فَخُورٍۢ). This powerful statement explains that such behaviors incur Allah's displeasure. The term `مُخْتَالٍ` (mukhtaal) refers to someone who is conceited and self-deluded, seeing greatness in themselves, while `فَخُورٍ` (fakhoor) denotes one who boasts excessively and proudly. As al-Razi points out, `مختال` relates to self-admiration, and `فخور` to expressing that superiority to others. Ibn Ashur clarifies that `كُلَّ` (kull) in this context means Allah dislikes *each and every* individual who possesses these traits, not just the collective group. This emphasizes that arrogance in any form, whether displayed in one's demeanor or words, is entirely contrary to what Allah loves. It encourages a constant inner check, fostering a spirit of genuine humility in our hearts and actions.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Luqman 31:18 is discussed in 11 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Luqman 31:18 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.