Hadith #10973

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, "اِتَّضِعْ تَرْتَفِعْ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Be humble and you will be elevated.

This short but thought-provoking saying carries a deep message for all Muslims, emphasizing the importance of humility in our lives.

The word (ittadhi') "اِتَّضِعْ" is derived from the root word (tadaa'a) "تَضَاعَ", which means to humble oneself, to be modest, and to lower oneself. It implies a voluntary act of humility, where one consciously chooses to lower their ego and submit to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This act of humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and wisdom.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 the importance of recognizing the equality of all human beings in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie not in one's lineage or social status, but in their righteousness and piety. Hence, the act of humbling oneself is a means to attain true nobility in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (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. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) dislikes those who are self-deluded and boastful. Therefore, by practicing humility, we not only please Allah but also foster harmonious relationships with our fellow Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Be humble and you will be elevated,

serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions. When we humble ourselves before Allah and recognize our own weaknesses and limitations, we open the doors for His mercy and blessings to descend upon us. By acknowledging our dependence on Allah and submitting to His will, we strengthen our connection with Him and elevate our spiritual status.

Moreover, humility has practical implications in our daily lives. It enables us to treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy. When we humble ourselves, we become more receptive to the needs and concerns of those around us. This fosters a sense of unity and compassion within the Muslim community, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

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. His humility was not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Be humble and you will be elevated,

serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims. It teaches us the importance of humility in our relationship with Allah, our interactions with others, and our personal growth. By embodying humility, we can attain true nobility in the sight of Allah and foster unity within the Muslim community. May Allah guide us all to practice humility and grant us elevation in this life and the Hereafter.