What is the ruling on praising oneself?

Question:
This questioner from Riyadh says, "O Shaykh, what is the ruling on praising oneself, as if a person speaks about himself?"

Answer:
He should not praise himself; rather, he should suspect himself, disparage himself, and strive to obey Allah and His Messenger. However, if there is a need for him to inform people about something regarding himself, without praising himself and without showing off, only when there is a need, such as if he is asked about his prayer or his fasting, he may inform them that he prays in such-and-such a mosque, and that, by the praise of Allah, he maintains the congregation, or if there is a need to inform them that he fasts three days, or that he fasts one day and breaks the fast the next, when there is a need and not with the intention of showing off, there is nothing wrong with it, just as 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr informed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). As for him speaking about this with showing off and seeking fame, it is not permissible.