Hadith #11001

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 the final Messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما تَواضَعَ إلاّ رَفيعٌ۔

This can be translated as,

None is humble except the lofty.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words used in it.

The word (tawaḍaʿa) "تَواضَعَ" means humility or humbleness. It refers to a state of modesty, meekness, and lowliness in one's character and behavior. It is the opposite of arrogance and pride. The word (rafīʿ) "رَفيعٌ" means lofty or exalted. It signifies a high position, status, or rank.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of humility in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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 nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in wealth, lineage, or worldly status. It is the humble and righteous individuals who are truly elevated in the sight of Allah. Their humility stems from their recognition of their dependence on Allah and their submission to His will.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), where Allah says,

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 seek exaltedness or dominance in this worldly life, but instead strive for righteousness and the Hereafter, will be rewarded with the best outcome. Their humility and contentment with their position in this world are a reflection of their trust in Allah's wisdom and their focus on the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance,

None is humble except the lofty,

encapsulates the essence of these Quranic teachings. It teaches us that true humility is not a sign of weakness or insignificance, but rather a mark of greatness and nobility. Those who possess true humility are elevated in the eyes of Allah because they have recognized their true place in the grand scheme of creation and have submitted themselves to His will.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a paragon of knowledge, wisdom, and humility. His immense knowledge did not lead to arrogance or pride, but rather to a deep sense of humility before Allah. He recognized that all knowledge and wisdom ultimately come from Allah, and he humbly submitted himself to the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The consequences of embracing this teaching are profound. When individuals cultivate true humility, they become more receptive to knowledge, guidance, and growth. They are open to learning from others, acknowledging their own limitations, and seeking improvement. Humility also fosters unity and harmony among Muslims, as it eradicates the divisive tendencies of arrogance and superiority.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to strive for true humility in their lives. They should recognize that their worth lies not in worldly achievements or positions, but in their devotion to Allah and their adherence to His commands. By embodying the virtue of humility, Muslims can elevate themselves in the sight of Allah and become beacons of righteousness and guidance for others.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate true humility and may He elevate us in His sight. Ameen.