Hadith #10970

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, "التَّواضُعُ أفْضَلُ الشَّرَفَيْنِ" which translates to

Humility is the more superior of the two honours.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance and superiority of humility in comparison to other forms of honor.

The word (tawāḍuʿ) "تَوَاضُع" refers to humility, modesty, and humbleness. It is the act of recognizing one's own limitations and weaknesses, and not considering oneself superior to others. The word (sharafayn) "شَرَفَيْنِ" is the plural form of (sharaf) "شَرَف", which means honor or dignity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that humility is the more superior form of honor when compared to other types of honor.

The concept of humility is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility and its rewards. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 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 highlights that true honor lies in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or superiority.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 31:18)

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 warns against arrogance and pride, emphasizing the importance of humility in our interactions with others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds great wisdom and guidance for us as Muslims. Humility is a virtue that allows us to recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, and to treat others with respect and kindness. It is a quality that brings people closer together and fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among believers.

When we humble ourselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), acknowledging our dependence on Him and seeking His guidance, we are rewarded with His mercy and blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, (Muslim)

Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him in status

This shows that humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a means of attaining true honor and elevation in the sight of Allah.

Humility also has practical implications in our daily lives. When we approach others with humility, we are more open to learning from them and benefiting from their knowledge and experiences. It allows us to build stronger relationships and fosters a sense of empathy and compassion towards others. By practicing humility, we can avoid conflicts and misunderstandings, and promote harmony and unity within our communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified humility throughout his life. Despite his elevated status as the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he always remained humble and approachable. He treated everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their social status or background. This is a testament to the profound impact that humility can have on our character and interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the superiority of humility as a form of honor. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly highlight the importance of humility in attaining true honor and righteousness. Humility allows us to recognize our own limitations, treat others with kindness and respect, and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By practicing humility, we can cultivate strong relationships, promote unity within our communities, and ultimately attain the highest form of honor in the sight of Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the virtue of humility in our lives.