Hadith #10980

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التَّواضُعُ يَنْشُرُ الفَضيلَةَ" which translates to

Humility spreads [one’s] virtue.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of humility in our lives and its impact on the spread of our virtuous qualities.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (humility) "التَّواضُعُ" refers to the act of lowering oneself, recognizing one's own limitations, and submitting to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of modesty, meekness, and humbleness in one's demeanor and actions. (spreads) "يَنْشُرُ" means to extend, disseminate, or propagate. And (virtue) "الفَضيلَةَ" encompasses all praiseworthy qualities, such as righteousness, kindness, generosity, patience, and justice.

To understand the significance of humility in spreading virtue, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness, not in wealth, lineage, or worldly status. When we humble ourselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), recognizing that all our virtues come from Him, we become more receptive to His guidance and are inclined to spread goodness. Humility allows us to connect with others, regardless of their backgrounds, and fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims.

Another verse that supports the concept of humility is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 the ultimate reward lies in the Hereafter for those who do not seek worldly fame, power, or dominance. Instead, they remain humble and focused on their pursuit of righteousness. By embodying humility, they are able to spread their virtuous qualities and inspire others to follow suit.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the transformative power of humility. When we approach others with humility, we create an environment that encourages the growth and manifestation of virtuous qualities. Our humility allows others to feel comfortable and valued, fostering a sense of trust and respect. As a result, they are more likely to embrace and emulate the virtues we embody.

Moreover, humility also serves as a protection against arrogance and self-centeredness. When we recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, we are less likely to become arrogant or boastful about our virtues. This self-awareness keeps us grounded and prevents us from seeking praise or recognition for our good deeds.

Furthermore, humility enables us to learn from others and accept constructive criticism. It opens the doors for personal growth and self-improvement. When we approach situations with humility, we are more open to different perspectives and willing to acknowledge our own mistakes. This willingness to learn and adapt helps us to continuously refine and enhance our virtuous qualities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound impact of humility in spreading virtue. By embodying humility, we create an environment that fosters the growth and manifestation of virtuous qualities. Humility allows us to connect with others, learn from them, and inspire them to embrace righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to cultivate humility in our lives and spread virtue among our fellow Muslims.