Hadith #9017

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The ugliest character is arrogance.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the repugnant nature of arrogance and its detrimental effects on an individual's character and relationships. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word used in this Hadith to describe arrogance is (التَّكَبُّرُ) "takabbur". Takabbur refers to an inflated sense of self-importance, accompanied by a disdainful attitude towards others. It is a manifestation of pride that blinds individuals to their own faults and prevents them from acknowledging the worth and dignity of others.

The Quran repeatedly condemns arrogance and emphasizes the importance of humility. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Luqman (31:18),

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse reminds us that Allah dislikes those who display arrogance and pride, as it goes against the essence of true faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from belittling or mocking them. Arrogance leads to such behavior, which is not befitting of a true Muslim.

Arrogance not only damages one's character but also hinders personal growth and spiritual development. It prevents individuals from recognizing their own flaws and seeking improvement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83),

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 lies in humility and righteousness, rather than seeking superiority over others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the destructive nature of arrogance. He himself was a paragon of humility, always placing the needs of others before his own. His humility was reflected in his actions, words, and interactions with people from all walks of life. By highlighting the ugliness of arrogance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of cultivating humility in our hearts and striving to emulate his noble example.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to shun arrogance and embrace humility. Arrogance is a repugnant trait that hinders personal growth, damages relationships, and goes against the teachings of Islam. By embodying humility, we can foster a sense of unity, compassion, and respect within ourselves and towards others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to purify our hearts from arrogance and grant us the ability to cultivate humility in our lives.