Hadith #9042

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ تَجَبَّرَ كُسِرَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who shows haughtiness is crushed.

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

The word (tajabbara) "تَجَبَّرَ" in this Hadith refers to someone who exhibits arrogance, pride, and a sense of superiority over others. It signifies an individual who considers themselves above others, disregarding the rights and dignity of fellow human beings. Such a person seeks to dominate and oppress others, failing to recognize the inherent equality and worth of every soul in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequence of this haughtiness is captured in the second part of the Hadith, (kusira) "كُسِرَ۔", which means "is crushed." This implies that those who display arrogance and pride will ultimately face humiliation and downfall. Their inflated ego and unjust behavior will lead to their own destruction and ruin.

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 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 true worth lies in piety and righteousness. By disregarding this principle and indulging in arrogance, one risks falling into the category of wrongdoers, facing the consequences of their actions.

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 but allowed arrogance to corrupt his heart. As a result, he oppressed and tyrannized the people around him. Despite his worldly possessions, his arrogance led to his ultimate downfall, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) did not favor his exultation and pride.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that arrogance and haughtiness are detestable traits in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They lead to the destruction of individuals who indulge in them, causing them to be humiliated and crushed. Muslims are reminded to cultivate humility, recognizing the equal worth of all human beings and treating them with respect and kindness. By doing so, we can strive to embody the noble qualities exemplified by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah guide us all on the path of humility and righteousness.