Hadith #10976

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,

َالتَّواضُعُ يَرْفَعُ، اَلتَّكَبُّرُ يَضَعُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Humility elevates, pride abases.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (tawāḍuʿ) "تَوَاضُع" refers to humility, modesty, and humbleness. It is the act of recognizing one's own limitations and submitting oneself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (takabbur) "تَكَبُّر" means pride, arrogance, and haughtiness. It is the opposite of humility, as it involves considering oneself superior to others and rejecting the truth.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against arrogance in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse teaches us that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or wealth. It encourages us to recognize the equality of all human beings and to treat each other with respect and humility.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 reminds us that true success and honor are attained through righteousness and humility, not through seeking power or dominance over others. Those who are humble and content with what Allah has provided for them will be rewarded in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Humility elevates, pride abases,

reflects the profound wisdom and guidance found in the Quran. When a person humbles themselves before Allah and acknowledges their dependence on Him, they are elevated in the sight of Allah and in the eyes of others. This elevation is not in terms of worldly status or material possessions, but rather in terms of spiritual rank and closeness to Allah.

Humility allows us to recognize our own flaws and weaknesses, leading to self-improvement and personal growth. It enables us to seek knowledge, guidance, and forgiveness from Allah. It also fosters compassion, empathy, and a sense of unity with our fellow Muslims. By being humble, we become more receptive to the truth and more open to learning from others.

On the other hand, pride and arrogance lead to spiritual downfall and distance from Allah. Arrogance blinds a person to their own faults and prevents them from seeking forgiveness and guidance. It creates divisions and animosity among people, as it fosters a sense of superiority and entitlement. Pride leads to a false sense of self-importance and a disregard for the rights and feelings of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a reminder for all Muslims to cultivate humility in their hearts and actions. It urges us to constantly strive for self-improvement, to recognize our own limitations, and to treat others with kindness and respect. By doing so, we elevate ourselves in the sight of Allah and contribute to a harmonious and compassionate society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the virtue of humility and protect us from the destructive path of pride. May we all strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and unparalleled humility. Ameen.