Hadith #2762

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

التَّكَبُّرُ فيِ الوِلايَةِ ذُلٌّ فِي العَزْلِ

which translates to

Haughtiness in sovereignty leads to disgrace in deposition.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of arrogance and pride when one is in a position of authority or power.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (takabbur) "تَكَبُّرُ" refers to arrogance, haughtiness, or pride. It is the act of considering oneself superior and looking down upon others. (wilayah) "وِلايَةِ" refers to sovereignty or authority, specifically in the context of religious leadership. (dhull) "ذُلٌّ" means disgrace or humiliation, while (azl) "عَزْلِ" refers to deposition or removal from power.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance and pride in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah says,

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse emphasizes the futility of arrogance and reminds us that no matter how powerful or influential we may think we are, we are ultimately limited by our mortality and insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman (31:18), Allah advises,

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse highlights the displeasure of Allah towards those who display arrogance and pride, emphasizing the importance of humility and modesty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims, regardless of their sect, that arrogance and pride have severe consequences, especially when one is in a position of authority or leadership. When a leader becomes consumed by their own self-importance and begins to look down upon others, they risk losing the respect and support of those they govern. This can ultimately lead to their downfall and removal from power, as mentioned in the Hadith.

History is replete with examples of leaders who fell from grace due to their arrogance and haughtiness. Pharaoh, for instance, considered himself a god and oppressed the Children of Israel. However, his arrogance led to his ultimate humiliation and defeat at the hands of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people. Similarly, the tyrannical leaders who oppressed the early Muslims, such as Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab, were eventually overthrown and met with disgrace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, warns Muslims against falling into the trap of arrogance and pride. He reminds us that true leadership is not about asserting dominance or belittling others, but rather about serving and uplifting the community. A leader who humbles themselves before Allah and treats their subjects with kindness and respect will earn the love and loyalty of their people.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the consequences of arrogance and pride, particularly when one is in a position of authority. It highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of looking down upon others. By reflecting on this Hadith and striving to embody the qualities of humility and modesty, we can become better leaders and contribute to the betterment of our communities. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the perils of arrogance.