Hadith #9410

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اللَّجاجُ يَعْقِبُ الضُّرَّ۔" This Hadith is translated as,

Stubbornness is followed by detriment.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (al-lajaj) "اللَّجاجُ" refers to stubbornness or obstinacy. It is derived from the root word (lajaja) "لَجَجَ", which means to persist in one's opinion or to be unyielding. This quality of being stubborn can lead to negative consequences and harm. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that when we become obstinate and refuse to listen to reason, we are setting ourselves up for harm and loss.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:206)

And when it is said to him, 'Fear Allah,' pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

This verse highlights the consequences of stubbornness and arrogance. When a person becomes too proud to accept advice or guidance, they are paving their own path towards destruction.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 28:81)

And We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves.

This verse tells the story of Qarun, who was arrogant and refused to listen to the warnings of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As a result of his stubbornness, he was swallowed by the earth, and there was no one to help him. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of obstinacy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of avoiding stubbornness because it can lead to detrimental outcomes. When we are unwilling to accept different perspectives, we limit our own growth and understanding. We become closed-minded and resistant to change, hindering our ability to learn and adapt.

Stubbornness can also strain relationships and lead to conflicts. When we refuse to listen to others and insist on our own opinions, we create barriers between ourselves and those around us. This can result in broken friendships, strained family ties, and a general sense of isolation.

Moreover, stubbornness can hinder our spiritual progress. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility and submission. When we are stubborn, we are essentially resisting the guidance of Allah and His messengers. This prevents us from attaining true spiritual enlightenment and reaching our full potential as Muslims.

To avoid the detrimental effects of stubbornness, we should strive to cultivate qualities such as humility, open-mindedness, and willingness to listen. We should be open to constructive criticism and be willing to change our opinions when presented with valid arguments. By doing so, we can foster healthy relationships, enhance our knowledge, and strengthen our connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the negative consequences of stubbornness. It highlights the importance of being open-minded, humble, and receptive to guidance. By avoiding stubbornness, we can protect ourselves from harm, foster harmonious relationships, and progress on the path of spiritual growth. May Allah guide us all to embody these qualities and protect us from the detriments of stubbornness.