Hadith #10984

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

التَّواضُعُ مِنْ مَصائِدِ الشَّرَفِ

which translates to

Humility is one of the snares [for capturing] of honour.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of humility as a means to attain honor and dignity.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (humility) "التَّواضُعُ" refers to the act of lowering oneself, recognizing one's own weaknesses and insignificance in the presence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of modesty and humbleness that reflects a person's acknowledgement of their dependence on Allah and their submission to His will. (snares) "مَصائِدِ" refers to traps or devices used to capture or ensnare something. And (honour) "الشَّرَفِ" signifies respect, dignity, and nobility.

To understand the significance of humility in attaining honor, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes that true honor and nobility are not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status, but rather on righteousness and piety. It is the level of one's faith, character, and actions that determine their true worth in the sight of Allah. And humility plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining these qualities.

Humility allows us to recognize our own shortcomings and weaknesses, leading us to seek improvement and guidance from Allah. It prevents arrogance and pride from taking root in our hearts, which are detrimental to our spiritual growth. 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 reminds us of our limited capabilities and the insignificance of our worldly achievements. It encourages us to adopt a humble attitude towards ourselves and others, recognizing that true honor lies in our relationship with Allah and our adherence to His commands.

Humility also enables us to interact with others in a respectful and compassionate manner. In Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the servants of the Most Merciful, saying,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse teaches us that true honor is displayed through patience, kindness, and forgiveness, even in the face of ignorance or hostility. Humility allows us to respond to such situations with grace and dignity, reflecting the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of humility in attaining true honor and dignity. It is through recognizing our own weaknesses, seeking guidance from Allah, and treating others with respect and compassion that we can elevate ourselves in the sight of Allah. May we all strive to embody the qualities of humility and righteousness, and may Allah grant us the honor of His pleasure in this world and the Hereafter.