Hadith #10987

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالتَّواضُعِ تُزانُ الرِّفْعَةُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Through humility the loftiness [of a person] is measured.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tawāḍuʿ) "تَوَاضُع" refers to humility, which is the quality of being modest, unassuming, and not thinking highly of oneself. It is the opposite of arrogance and pride. The word (tuzān) "تُزَانُ" means to be measured or evaluated. And (ar-rifaʿah) "الرِّفْعَةُ" refers to loftiness or elevation.

To comprehend the essence of this Hadith, 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 nobility and loftiness are not determined by one's lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather by their righteousness and piety. It is through humility, as highlighted in the Hadith, that one's true character and worth are measured in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 reminds us that seeking exaltedness and power in this worldly life is not the ultimate goal for a believer. Instead, the true success lies in righteousness and seeking the rewards of the Hereafter. Humility allows us to detach ourselves from the desire for worldly status and focus on cultivating our relationship with Allah and serving humanity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of humility as a means of measuring one's true loftiness. When a person humbles themselves before Allah and recognizes their own weaknesses and limitations, they are able to attain spiritual elevation. This humility enables them to seek knowledge, learn from others, and grow in their faith.

Humility also has practical implications in our interactions with others. When we approach others with humility, we are more open to listening, understanding, and empathizing with their perspectives. This fosters unity, harmony, and cooperation within the Muslim community and society at large.

Moreover, humility serves as a protection against arrogance and pride, which are traits detested by Allah. In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 power and authority in this world. It cautions against arrogance and the false belief in one's superiority. By practicing humility, we acknowledge our dependence on Allah and recognize that any success or blessings we have are solely from Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true loftiness and nobility are not measured by worldly standards, but rather by humility and righteousness in the sight of Allah. Through humility, we detach ourselves from the desire for power and status, and instead focus on seeking closeness to Allah and serving humanity. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the virtue of humility in our lives.