Shaikh Ibn ul-‘Uthaymeen rahimahullah said in explaining the term Abu Shibr:

He is arrogant [in the first stage] because he does not know himself in reality. In the second stage, he is humble, however he sees himself as a Scholar. In the third stage, he sees himself as ignorant. However, is this last stage praiseworthy or not? If you see yourself ignorant, know you will not see yourself resolved to give verdict. Like that, you see some students do not give a certain answer. They say: That which is apparent…it is possible…etc.

As long as Allah opened for you knowledge and you are a true Scholar, then consider yourself a Scholar…be certain in the issue and do not make the questioner ridden with possibilities. Otherwise, you did not benefit the people. As for a person who does not have knowledge and ability, then it is necessary that he sees himself other than a Scholar.

[Sharh Hilyatul Talib ul-Ilm pg. 175-176]

Translated by

Faisal Ibn Abdul Qaadir Ibn Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan