Concern about criticism: Arrogance

A murid complained that when people talk negatively about you it hurts me and my heart aches.

Hakim al Umma Mawlana Shah Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) replied;

‘There are a multitude of people who talk badly about Allah, His messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and the  scholars (mujtahideen). Have you done any thing to stop that?

If not, then why does it hurt you when poor Ashraf Ali is censured.  And you feel concerned about stopping this?

There is nothing in this attitude except kibir (arrogance).

It annoys you when your seniors are censured. You feel humiliated at this. This is a hidden deception of nafs (ego/lower self).

Suppose, even if it is not kibir (arrogance). Then I ask, why did you feel concerned about anyone  saying any thing good or bad (regarding my seniors).

What harm did it cause to you?

If you had focused on the goal (of tareeq, i.e. seeking perpetual pleasure of Allah SWT) you could not have time to waste on these petty issues.

Hakeemul Ummat ra kay hayret-angez waqiyat, page 81