Hadith #9038

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the Muslims to fear Allah and warns them against the dangers of arrogance. The Imam begins by addressing the believers as "servants of Allah," reminding us of our humble status before our Creator. He then urges us not to adorn ourselves with the garment of arrogance, emphasizing the importance of humility and modesty in our character.

The word used for arrogance in this hadith is (الكِبْرِ) "kibr", which refers to a sense of superiority and pride that leads one to look down upon others and consider oneself as better. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes arrogance as the

greatest trap of the Devil,

highlighting its deceptive nature and the danger it poses to our spiritual well-being. Just as a trap ensnares its prey, arrogance ensnares the hearts of individuals, leading them astray from the path of righteousness.

To further understand the gravity of arrogance, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23) that arrogance is a characteristic of the disbelievers:

So that you may not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse reminds us that whatever we possess, whether it be wealth, knowledge, or any other blessing, is ultimately from Allah. We should not become arrogant or boastful about our achievements, but rather remain grateful and humble.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of arrogance:

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 emphasizes that those who do not desire exaltedness in this world and refrain from arrogance will be rewarded with a place in the eternal abode of the Hereafter. On the other hand, those who indulge in arrogance will face the consequences of their actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares arrogance to fatal poisons that rush through the body and overcome it. Just as poison spreads throughout the body and causes destruction, arrogance corrupts the hearts and souls of individuals, leading them away from the path of righteousness. It blinds them to their own faults and prevents them from seeking forgiveness and guidance from Allah.

To illustrate the destructive nature of arrogance, let us reflect on the story of the Pharaoh mentioned in the Quran. Despite witnessing numerous miracles and signs from Allah through the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), the Pharaoh arrogantly rejected the truth and considered himself to be a god. His arrogance led to his downfall and ultimate destruction. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to humble ourselves before Allah and seek His guidance and mercy.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to fear Allah and avoid the trap of arrogance. It highlights the importance of humility and modesty in our character, and warns us of the destructive consequences of arrogance. May Allah protect us from the snare of arrogance and grant us the humility to recognize our true status as His humble servants.