Hadith #10971

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of humility and forgiveness, even when one possesses high rank or power. Let us delve into the exegesis of this beautiful saying, drawing upon the teachings of the Quran.

The word (tawāḍuʿ) "تَوَاضُع" in the Hadith refers to humility, which is the act of recognizing one's own limitations and submitting oneself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a quality that is highly regarded in Islam, as it reflects the true essence of servitude to Allah. Humility allows individuals to acknowledge their weaknesses and seek improvement, while also treating others with kindness and respect.

On the other hand, the word (rifʿah) "رِفْعَة" in the Hadith refers to high rank or status. It signifies a position of authority or influence that one may possess. While having a high rank is not inherently negative, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that humility should accompany such positions. This means that even if one holds a position of power, they should not let it cloud their judgment or lead to arrogance.

To further understand the significance of humility, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in worldly ranks or positions.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), we find the story of Prophet Moses (Musa) and the Pharaoh. Despite being a powerful ruler, the Pharaoh displayed arrogance and refused to submit to the truth. In contrast, Prophet Moses (Musa) remained humble and steadfast in his mission, even though he possessed the power to punish the Pharaoh. This serves as a powerful example of humility in the face of power.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of forgiveness. The word (ʿafw) "عَفْوِ" in the Hadith refers to forgiveness, which is the act of pardoning someone for their mistakes or wrongdoings. It is a quality that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself possesses and encourages us to emulate.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and highlights that those who forgive others are beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages believers to be forgiving and generous, reminding us that Allah's forgiveness is abundant and that we should strive to emulate His qualities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of humility and forgiveness. It teaches us that regardless of our positions or abilities, we should always remain humble and treat others with kindness and respect. It also reminds us that forgiveness is a virtue that should be practiced, even when we have the power to seek retribution.

By embodying these qualities, Muslims can foster unity, harmony, and compassion within their communities. Humility and forgiveness create an environment of empathy and understanding, allowing individuals to grow spiritually and collectively. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues and follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran.