Hadith #8318

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us against two destructive traits: pride and arrogance. He warns us not to boast about achievements that we have attained without putting in any effort or using any means, and not to be arrogant about positions or ranks that we have attained without deserving them. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that relying solely on circumstances or entitlement will ultimately lead to the destruction of what has been built.

To understand the depth of this hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (hala) "حالة" refers to a state or condition, while (balaghtaha) "بَلَغْتَها" means to reach or attain. The term (ala) "آلَة" is translated as a device or means, indicating the importance of exerting effort and utilizing resources to achieve a certain state. The word (martabah) "مَرْتَبَة" refers to a rank or position, and (manqabah) "مَنْقَبَة" signifies merit or deservingness.

To support the exegesis of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of striving and working hard to attain success. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the need for effort and reliance on Allah in all our endeavors.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Najm, verse 39, Allah reminds us,

And that man can have nothing but what he strives for.

This verse reinforces the idea that our achievements are directly proportional to our efforts. We should not take credit for something that we have attained without putting in the necessary work.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice also aligns with the Quranic teachings on humility and the dangers of arrogance. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 23, Allah warns,

That you may not grieve for what has escaped you, nor be exultant at what He has given you.

This verse cautions against being proud and arrogant about the blessings and successes bestowed upon us by Allah.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 76, Allah describes the consequences of arrogance, stating,

Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a sector among them, slaughtering their [newborn] sons and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters.

This verse serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of arrogance and the harm it can cause to individuals and society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice in this hadith urges us to reflect on our actions and intentions. It reminds us that true success is not measured by external circumstances or entitlement, but by the effort, merit, and deservingness we put forth. We should strive to attain our goals through hard work, utilizing the means available to us, and seeking the pleasure of Allah.

This hadith also serves as a reminder to remain humble and grateful for the blessings and positions we have achieved. We should never let pride or arrogance cloud our judgment and lead us astray. Instead, we should always attribute our success to the grace and guidance of Allah, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of all achievements.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise words in this hadith serve as a timeless reminder for Muslims to avoid pride and arrogance. We should strive to attain success through hard work and deservingness, while remaining humble and grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and protect us from the destructive traits of pride and arrogance.