Hadith #9035

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst of morals is arrogance.

This Hadith highlights the detrimental nature of arrogance and its negative impact on an individual's character and behavior.

The word used in this Hadith to describe arrogance is (كِبْرُ) "kibr". Kibr refers to an inflated sense of self-importance, superiority, and pride. It is a state of considering oneself better than others and looking down upon them. Arrogance is a moral flaw that distances a person from humility, empathy, and compassion.

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

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. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse reminds us not to belittle or mock others, as they may possess qualities and virtues that are superior to our own. It encourages us to treat others with respect and dignity, acknowledging that every individual has inherent worth and potential.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman (31:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the dangers of arrogance, stating,

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 cautions us against displaying arrogance in our interactions with others and in our general demeanor. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) dislikes those who are conceited and haughty, as such behavior goes against the principles of humility and modesty.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can understand the severe consequences of arrogance. Arrogance not only damages our relationships with others but also hinders our spiritual growth. It blinds us to our own faults and prevents us from seeking improvement and guidance.

Arrogance leads to a sense of entitlement, causing us to disregard the rights and feelings of others. It creates divisions and fosters a culture of superiority, which is contrary to the teachings of Islam that emphasize unity, equality, and justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the destructive nature of arrogance. His words serve as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their own character and strive to cultivate humility and modesty in their interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that arrogance is the worst of morals. It is a quality that distances us from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and harms our relationships with fellow human beings. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize humility and warn against arrogance, we can strive to rid ourselves of this destructive trait and cultivate a character that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of humility and righteousness.