Hadith #9027

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الكِبْرُ مَصيدَةُ إبْليسَ العُظْمى۔

This can be translated as,

Arrogance is the great trap of the Devil.

In this wise utterance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of arrogance and its association with the Devil.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "الكِبْرُ" refers to arrogance or pride, which is an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority. It is a state of considering oneself better than others and looking down upon them. "مَصيدَةُ" means trap or snare, indicating that arrogance is a cunning ploy used by the Devil to ensnare individuals. "إبْليسَ العُظْمى" refers to the Great Devil, Satan, who is the ultimate embodiment of evil and deception.

The Quran provides ample evidence of the dangers of arrogance and its association with Satan. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the arrogance of Satan when he refused to prostrate before Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Satan's arrogance led to his downfall and expulsion from Paradise. Allah says,

He said, 'I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.'

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah warns against the deception of arrogance when He 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 the false sense of power it creates within individuals.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims about the dangers of falling into the trap of arrogance. Arrogance blinds individuals to their own faults and prevents them from seeking guidance and improvement. It leads to a sense of entitlement and superiority, causing divisions and conflicts within society.

Arrogance also hinders spiritual growth and prevents individuals from humbling themselves before Allah. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:18), Allah says,

Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allah humiliates - for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allah does what He wills.

Reflecting on this verse, we understand that true honor and greatness lie in humbling ourselves before Allah and recognizing our dependence on Him. Arrogance distances us from this truth and prevents us from attaining true success and fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against arrogance and its destructive consequences. By humbling ourselves and seeking knowledge, we can protect ourselves from falling into the trap of the Devil. May Allah protect us from the snare of arrogance and guide us on the path of humility and righteousness.