The reason for the saying, “I seek refuge in Allah from the word ‘I’”

Question:
May Allah reward you with good. Why do some people, when they say “I,” say, “I seek refuge in Allah from the word ‘I’”? Why do they say, “I seek refuge in Allah from the word ‘I’”? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Because this indicates self-importance and self-admiration. Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) disapproved of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) when he sought permission to enter upon him. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked, “Who is this?” Ibn ‘Umar said, “It is I.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “It is I, it is I,” as if he disliked it. Yes.