Hadith #9025

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التكبر بالدنيا قل" which translates to

Being arrogant about [one’s status in] this world is deficiency.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of arrogance and pride in worldly matters.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (takabbur) "تكبر" refers to arrogance or pride, while (ad-dunya) "الدنيا" refers to the temporal world, encompassing material possessions, wealth, and worldly status. The word (qal) "قل" means deficiency or shortcoming.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of humility and warn against the perils of arrogance. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the futility of boasting and competing in accumulating wealth and status. It reminds us that the true purpose of life lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that arrogance and pride in worldly matters are not only detrimental to our spiritual growth but also indicate a deficiency in our understanding of the true purpose of life. When one becomes consumed by the desire for material possessions and worldly status, they lose sight of the higher values and virtues that Islam promotes.

Arrogance and pride in worldly matters can manifest in various ways. It can lead to a sense of superiority over others, a disregard for the needs and struggles of those less fortunate, and a neglect of one's duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fellow human beings. Such arrogance blinds individuals to their own shortcomings and prevents them from seeking personal growth and improvement.

Moreover, arrogance in worldly matters can have severe consequences in both this life and the Hereafter. It distances individuals from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and hinders their spiritual development. In the Hereafter, it may lead to punishment and a loss of eternal bliss.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, Muslims are reminded to prioritize humility, gratitude, and contentment over the pursuit of worldly possessions and status. We should strive to cultivate a sense of detachment from material possessions and focus on developing our character, seeking knowledge, and performing acts of kindness and charity.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against arrogance and pride in worldly matters. It urges us to prioritize spiritual growth and the pursuit of virtues over material possessions and status. By embodying humility and recognizing the transient nature of this world, we can attain true success and fulfillment in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.