Hadith #10474

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who considers himself to be more [important or powerful than others] becomes less.

This Hadith highlights the negative consequences of arrogance and pride, and emphasizes the importance of humility in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to better understand its meaning. The word (takabbara) "تَكَبَّرَ" refers to the act of considering oneself to be superior or more important than others. It encompasses arrogance, haughtiness, and a sense of self-importance. The word (nafsihi) "نَفْسِهِ" translates to "himself" and signifies the individual's ego or self-perception.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns against the destructive nature of arrogance and pride. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, Allah says,

Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant, the boastful.

This verse clearly conveys that Allah dislikes those who exhibit arrogance and boastfulness, as it goes against the essence of humility and submission to Him.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of arrogance is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 37:

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 perceive ourselves to be, we are ultimately limited and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Arrogance blinds us to our true place in the world and distances us from the mercy and guidance of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive trait of arrogance. When an individual considers themselves to be superior, they become less in the eyes of Allah. This decline is not merely in terms of status or worldly power, but also in terms of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

Arrogance hinders personal development and prevents individuals from recognizing their flaws and seeking improvement. It leads to a false sense of superiority, causing one to belittle others and disregard their rights. This attitude creates division and animosity within society, as individuals fail to acknowledge the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.

Conversely, humility is a virtue highly regarded in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will elevate him.

Humility allows us to recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion towards others. It enables us to appreciate the diverse talents and contributions of individuals, fostering unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against arrogance and pride. By considering oneself to be more important or powerful than others, an individual diminishes their own worth and distances themselves from the mercy of Allah. Humility, on the other hand, allows for personal growth, unity, and a closer connection with Allah. May we all strive to cultivate humility in our hearts and actions, and may Allah guide us on the path of righteousness.