Hadith #9019

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, "التكبر يضع" which translates to "Arrogance humiliates." This concise statement holds deep wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to avoid the destructive trait of arrogance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "التكبر" refers to arrogance or pride, which is the belief in one's superiority or importance. It is a state of inflated self-worth that leads to a disregard for others and a sense of entitlement. "يضع" means to humiliate or degrade, indicating the consequence of arrogance.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of humility and warn against the perils of arrogance. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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. It reminds us that we should not judge others based on superficial criteria, as they may possess qualities or virtues that surpass our own. Arrogance blinds us to the potential for growth and learning from those we consider beneath us.

Another verse that sheds light on the 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 resources. However, he allowed his arrogance to consume him, leading to his downfall. Qarun's people advised him against boasting about his possessions, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not favor those who exult in their worldly achievements. This serves as a warning to Muslims against the dangers of arrogance, as it can lead to the loss of blessings and divine displeasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, "Arrogance humiliates," encapsulates the profound consequences of this negative trait. Arrogance not only damages relationships and fosters division among people but also distances individuals from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It prevents personal growth, hinders the acquisition of knowledge, and obstructs the path to spiritual enlightenment.

To exemplify the consequences of arrogance, let us consider a scenario where a person believes they are intellectually superior to others. This individual, driven by their inflated ego, dismisses the opinions and ideas of those around them. Consequently, they miss out on valuable insights and perspectives that could have enriched their understanding. Their arrogance isolates them from the collective wisdom of the community and inhibits their intellectual growth.

On the other hand, a humble person recognizes the limitations of their knowledge and is open to learning from others, regardless of their social status or background. They approach discussions and debates with an open mind, willing to consider different viewpoints. This humility enables them to expand their knowledge, refine their understanding, and foster harmonious relationships with others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, "Arrogance humiliates," serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate humility and avoid the destructive path of arrogance. The Quranic verses mentioned emphasize the importance of treating others with respect, refraining from belittling or mocking them, and recognizing that true wisdom lies in humility. By embodying humility, we can foster unity, acquire knowledge, and draw closer to the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah protect us from the perils of arrogance and grant us the wisdom to embody humility in our lives.