Ego is one of natural instincts invested in humans for the grooming of their personality. It can be defined as self-esteem, self-respect, self-worth and self-importance. This is an innate characteristic, which exists even at early phase of human life, as we observe that babies also react negatively to any act of hurting their ego. Therefore, it can be inferred that God considered ego to be necessary natural characteristic of human nature.
Ego plays a very influential and significant role in the health of a society. It can destroy the cohesive and collective fabric of the community, if it is allowed to remain beyond the conscious endeavors to regulate its natural inclinations. Expression of ego towards other members of the community, verbal or implied, can create negative feelings and impulses, which leaves a lasting impact on mutual relationships.
Realization to suppress ego can only stem from self-analysis and consciousness in order to be convinced of the fact that this vice is a major source of straining relationships within our circle of influence. We have to choose between becoming a source of peace and tranquility for the society or become a slave of uncontrolled ego affecting peace of the community.
Responsible and mature choice would obviously be selecting the former option. Worship is an effective way of managing and suppressing ego. This develops a righteous and profound understanding that all perfections belong to God and whatever good we have been blessed with, are merely through Divine Grace.
Enhancing our efforts in worship to develop closer relationship with God does result in more humility and suppression of any expression of ego or arrogance by making us increasingly conscious of our fallibility and vulnerability.
We are blessed to have the ultimate role model in our beloved Holy Prophet (sa), who was the best in worship and the best in humility, being given the title of Mercy for all the worlds by God Almighty.