Hadith #9051

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قَدْ يَذِلُّ المُتَجَبِّرُ۔" which translates to

At times the haughty one is humiliated.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences faced by those who display arrogance and pride.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first understand the important words used. The word (mutajabbir) "مُتَجَبِّرُ" refers to someone who is arrogant, proud, and considers themselves superior to others. This person looks down upon others and believes they are above reproach. The word (yadhil) "يَذِلُّ" means to be humiliated, debased, or brought down from a position of power or pride.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the consequences of arrogance and pride. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (28:55)

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 displaying arrogance and pride, as it is displeasing to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (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 highlights the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from belittling or ridiculing them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that arrogance and pride can lead to humiliation and downfall. When a person considers themselves superior to others and looks down upon them, they are setting themselves up for a fall. History is replete with examples of individuals who were once powerful and arrogant, only to be humiliated and brought low.

One such example is the story of Pharaoh in the Quran. Pharaoh was a tyrannical ruler who considered himself a god and oppressed the Children of Israel. However, his arrogance and pride ultimately led to his downfall. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (10:92)

So today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless.

This verse highlights how Pharaoh's body was preserved as a sign for future generations, a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and oppression.

In another example, the story of Qarun is mentioned in the Quran. Qarun was a wealthy man who flaunted his riches and considered himself superior to others. However, his arrogance led to his destruction. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (28:81)

So We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves.

This verse serves as a warning that no matter how powerful or wealthy one may be, arrogance and pride can lead to a swift downfall.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us of the importance of humility and modesty. It serves as a cautionary reminder that no matter how high we may rise in this world, we should never forget our true place before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Arrogance and pride blind us to our own faults and prevent us from seeking forgiveness and guidance from Allah.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the qualities of humility and modesty, following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt. We should treat others with respect and kindness, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and pride and attain true success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the perils of arrogance and pride and grant us the humility to recognize our own weaknesses and seek His forgiveness. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.