House Pulled Down

Abbas bin Abdul-Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu) built a lofty house. The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered it to be pulled down. [Ihya Ulum Id-Deen]

When Umar (radi Allahu anhu) was going to Syria he saw a lofty building. After reciting Takbeer he said: “I did not think before that any man of this people (Muslim Ummah) would construct a building like that of Haman, minister of Pharaoh.” Pharaoh said, “O Haman, burn bricks for me.” It is said that Pharaoh was the first man who constructed a building made of bricks and Haman was the first man to construct a lofty building. Thereafter tyrant kings followed him.

The home of the Hereafter is for those who do not seek superiority in this world.