Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi) mentioned that the pride of Abu Jahl was even worse than the pride of Fir’oun. At the time of his death, Fir’oun’s heart softened to some extent, even though his imaan was not accepted. On the other hand, Abu Jahl’s pride exceeded all limits, to such an extent that even at the time of his death he was proud. Thus he expressed his regret upon being slain by a farmer (and not being slain by a person of high status and position as this would have been a means of honour after his death). He lamented since the person responsible for killing him was a youngster from the Ansaar who were well-known farmers.
Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi) further says that I had heard from my Ustaad that when the Sahaabi was about to sever the head of Abu Jahl from his body, he (Abu Jahl) desired that his throat be cut more closer to his chest in order that his head stands out from the rest of the heads of the kuffaar when they are placed in line after their death. There are no limits to this pride. Nevertheless, when his head was brought before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said that the Fir’oun of this Ummah has died. Thereafter Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi) said that even in today’s times, we find people with the outlook and mindset of Fir’oun. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 10/ 54)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za