Hadith #9012

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الْكِبْرُ يُساوِرُ القُلُوبَ مُساوَرَةَ السُّمُومِ القاتِلَةِ

which translates to

Arrogance grips the hearts just like a fatal poison.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of arrogance and its impact on the human heart.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used. "الْكِبْرُ" refers to arrogance, pride, or haughtiness. It is the state of considering oneself superior to others and looking down upon them. "يُساوِرُ" means to grip tightly or to envelop. "القُلُوبَ" refers to the hearts, the center of human emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. "مُساوَرَةَ" means to accompany or to be in close proximity. "السُّمُومِ" refers to poison, while "القاتِلَةِ" means fatal or deadly.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of arrogance and its consequences. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:146), Allah says,

I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it.

This verse emphasizes that arrogance blinds individuals from recognizing the signs of Allah and prevents them from attaining true faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah states,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse highlights that those who do not desire exaltedness or arrogance in this world will be granted a place in the eternal abode of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) comparison of arrogance to a fatal poison is a powerful metaphor. Just as poison slowly destroys the body, arrogance gradually corrupts the heart, leading to spiritual decay and distance from Allah. Arrogance prevents individuals from acknowledging their own flaws and weaknesses, hindering personal growth and development.

Arrogance also hinders interpersonal relationships, as it creates a sense of superiority and disdain towards others. This attitude contradicts the teachings of Islam, which emphasize humility, compassion, and unity among believers. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah reminds us,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of arrogance and the importance of cultivating humility in our hearts. It urges us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes, striving to purify our hearts from the poison of arrogance. By doing so, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah and foster harmonious relationships within the Muslim community.

May Allah protect us from the destructive nature of arrogance and grant us the humility to recognize our own shortcomings. May we strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and humility. Ameen.