Hadith #9032

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "تَكَبُّرُ المَرْءِ يَضَعُهُ۔" which translates to

The arrogance of a man abases him.

This concise statement holds immense wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (takabbur) "تَكَبُّرُ" refers to arrogance or pride, which is the feeling of superiority and self-importance. It is a negative trait that leads one to belittle others and consider oneself superior. (al-mar'i) "المَرْءِ" means a person, indicating that this Hadith is addressing all individuals, regardless of their gender or social status. (yada'uhu) "يَضَعُهُ" means to abase or humiliate oneself. It signifies that arrogance not only harms others but also brings about the downfall and humiliation of the arrogant individual.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the danger and consequences of arrogance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth apart, and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse reminds us that no matter how powerful or important we may think we are, we are merely creatures of Allah, limited in our abilities. Arrogance blinds us to our own weaknesses and limitations, leading to our own downfall.

Another verse that highlights the negative consequences of arrogance is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and power but became arrogant and oppressive towards others. Ultimately, his arrogance led to his destruction and humiliation.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us profound lessons. Arrogance is a destructive trait that not only harms our relationships with others but also brings about our own downfall. When a person is filled with arrogance, they become blind to their own faults and weaknesses. They fail to recognize the blessings and guidance of Allah, thinking that they are self-sufficient and superior to others.

Arrogance also hinders personal growth and prevents us from seeking knowledge and guidance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. His humility and willingness to learn from others allowed him to attain such a high level of understanding. In contrast, an arrogant person closes themselves off from learning, thinking that they already possess all knowledge and wisdom.

Furthermore, arrogance leads to the mistreatment and oppression of others. When we consider ourselves superior, we may disregard the rights and dignity of those around us. This goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of justice, compassion, and humility towards all individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to guard against arrogance. It warns us of the destructive consequences of this negative trait and encourages us to cultivate humility, self-awareness, and a sense of gratitude towards Allah. By recognizing our own limitations and treating others with kindness and respect, we can strive to embody the true teachings of Islam and attain success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah protect us from the perils of arrogance and guide us on the path of humility and righteousness.