Hadith #9040

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كَفى بِالتَّكَبُّرِ ضَعَةً۔" which translates to

Arrogance is enough as an abasement.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of arrogance and its consequences.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (takabbur) "تَكَبُّر" refers to arrogance or pride. It is derived from the root word (kabara) "كَبَرَ", which means to be great or to magnify oneself. Arrogance is the act of considering oneself superior to others, looking down upon them, and belittling their worth. It is a state of inflated ego and self-importance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that arrogance is enough as an (da'ah) "ضَعَة". The term (da'ah) "ضَعَة" can be translated as abasement, humiliation, or degradation. It refers to the state of being brought low or reduced in rank or status. Arrogance leads to a fall from grace, both in the eyes of Allah and in the eyes of others. It is a self-imposed humiliation that tarnishes one's character and diminishes their worth.

To understand the gravity of this warning, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding arrogance and belittling others. Allah reminds us that we should not mock or ridicule others, as they may be better than us in the sight of Allah. Arrogance blinds us to the virtues and qualities of others, preventing us from recognizing their worth. It is a form of disrespect and disobedience to Allah, leading to a wretched state.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse advises us against walking on the earth with arrogance and pride. It reminds us of our limited capabilities and the futility of boasting about our achievements. Arrogance is a false sense of superiority that distances us from the reality of our own limitations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to shun arrogance and cultivate humility. Arrogance not only distances us from Allah but also alienates us from our fellow human beings. It hinders our ability to empathize, connect, and build meaningful relationships. It prevents us from acknowledging our own flaws and seeking improvement.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to emulate the humility of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and reject the destructive trait of arrogance. Let us remember that true greatness lies in humility, kindness, and compassion towards others. By doing so, we can avoid the abasement and degradation that arrogance brings upon us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance and guide us on the path of humility and righteousness.