Hadith #10991

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 completeness of honor is [in] humility.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of humility in attaining true honor and dignity. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "tamam" in Arabic means completeness or perfection. It signifies the state of being whole and lacking nothing. "Sharaf" refers to honor, nobility, or dignity. And "tawadu'" means humility, modesty, or humbleness.

Humility is a quality that is highly regarded in Islam. It is the opposite of arrogance and pride, which are condemned in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true honor and nobility are not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather on righteousness and piety. The one who possesses humility and righteousness is the one who attains true honor in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83):

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse highlights that those who do not seek to elevate themselves above others or engage in corruption will be granted a place in the eternal abode of honor and dignity, which is Paradise. Their humility and righteousness will be rewarded with the ultimate honor and completeness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true honor lies in humility. When a person humbles themselves before Allah and recognizes their own weaknesses and limitations, they become more receptive to guidance and growth. They acknowledge that all blessings and abilities come from Allah, and they are grateful for them.

Humility also enables individuals to treat others with kindness, respect, and fairness. It fosters unity and harmony within society, as people do not seek to elevate themselves above others or exploit them for personal gain. Instead, they strive to uplift others and contribute to the well-being of the community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified humility through his profound knowledge and wisdom. Despite being the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and possessing immense knowledge, he always remained humble and approachable. He would readily listen to the opinions of others, even if they were younger or of lower social status.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their own behavior and strive to cultivate humility in their lives. It reminds us that true honor and dignity are not achieved through arrogance or self-promotion, but through sincere humility and righteousness. By embodying the qualities of humility, we can attain completeness and true honor in the sight of Allah.

May Allah guide us all to embrace humility and grant us the ability to attain true honor and dignity. May He bless us with the wisdom and understanding to implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives. And may we all strive to follow the path of righteousness and humility, seeking the pleasure of Allah in all that we do.