Hadith #9044

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَا اجْتُلِبَ المَقْتُ بِمِثْلِ الكِبْرِ۔

which translates to

Nothing brings hatred like arrogance does.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of arrogance and its role in fostering animosity among people.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (maqt) "مَقْتُ" refers to intense hatred or animosity. It signifies a deep-rooted aversion towards someone or something. The word (kibr) "كِبْرِ" denotes arrogance, pride, or haughtiness. It represents an inflated sense of self-importance and a disdainful attitude towards others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the destructive nature of arrogance. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, Allah says, (And We desired to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors)

وَنُرِيدُ أَن نَّمُنَّ عَلَى الَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَنَجْعَلَهُمْ أَئِمَّةً وَنَجْعَلَهُمُ الْوَارِثِينَ

Here, Allah highlights His intention to bestow His favor upon the oppressed and elevate them to leadership positions. This verse reminds us that true greatness lies in humility and serving others, rather than in arrogance and oppression.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 37, Allah warns against the destructive consequences of arrogance, saying, (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)

وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّكَ لَن تَخْرِقَ الْأَرْضَ وَلَن تَبْلُغَ الْجِبَالَ طُولًا

This verse serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful or influential one may think they are, their arrogance will never grant them control over the earth or enable them to surpass the limits set by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound truth that arrogance is a major catalyst for generating animosity and hatred among people. When individuals display arrogance, they create a sense of superiority and belittle others, leading to resentment and hostility. Arrogance blinds individuals to their own flaws and prevents them from acknowledging the worth and contributions of others. This attitude not only damages relationships but also hinders personal growth and societal progress.

To illustrate the consequences of arrogance, we can look at the example of the Pharaoh mentioned in the Quran. Despite his immense power and wealth, the Pharaoh's arrogance led him to claim divinity and oppress the Children of Israel. His arrogance not only brought about his own downfall but also caused immense suffering for his people.

Conversely, humility and modesty are qualities that are highly praised in Islam. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against arrogance. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 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)

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

This verse highlights that true nobility and honor lie in righteousness and piety, not in one's lineage, wealth, or status.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the destructive nature of arrogance and its role in fostering hatred and animosity. Arrogance blinds individuals to their own faults and prevents them from recognizing the worth and contributions of others. Islam encourages humility and modesty, as these qualities not only strengthen relationships but also contribute to personal growth and societal harmony. May Allah guide us all to embody humility and protect us from the destructive path of arrogance.