Hadith #8322

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against contesting with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in His greatness. The word (musamaat) "مُساماةَ" in the Hadith refers to engaging in a contest or rivalry with Allah. It is a reminder to avoid any form of arrogance or pride that may lead us to challenge the authority and power of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Ultimate and Supreme Being, and it is futile for anyone to try and compete with His greatness. This is because Allah, the Most High, possesses absolute power and authority over all creation. He is the One who controls the destinies of individuals and nations, and no one can challenge or undermine His sovereignty.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (Quran 14:42)

And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].

This verse highlights that Allah is fully aware of the actions of the wrongdoers and will hold them accountable in due time. No one can escape His justice and His ability to humble the arrogant.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 22:38)

Indeed, Allah defends those who have believed. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone treacherous and ungrateful.

This verse reminds us that Allah is the ultimate protector of the believers and that He does not favor those who are treacherous and ungrateful. It is a clear indication that those who challenge Allah's authority and engage in arrogance will ultimately face humiliation and disgrace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of contesting with Allah's greatness. He states that Allah

abases every tyrant and belittles every boaster.

This means that those who exhibit arrogance and pride will ultimately be humbled by Allah. The tyrants who oppress others and abuse their power will be brought low, and the boasters who boast about their achievements and abilities will be made insignificant in the eyes of Allah.

The Quran provides us with numerous examples of individuals who were humbled by Allah due to their arrogance and pride. One such example is the story of Pharaoh, who claimed to be a god and oppressed the Children of Israel. Allah humiliated Pharaoh by drowning him and his army in the sea, demonstrating that no one can challenge His authority and power.

Another example is the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth but became arrogant and boastful. Allah caused the earth to swallow him and his possessions, showing that material wealth and worldly achievements hold no value in the face of Allah's greatness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of humility and submission to Allah. We should never allow arrogance or pride to cloud our judgment and lead us to challenge the authority of Allah. Instead, we should strive to cultivate humility and recognize that all power and greatness belong to Allah alone.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid contesting with Allah in His greatness. It emphasizes the futility of challenging Allah's authority and power, as He is the Ultimate and Supreme Being. The Quranic verses mentioned provide further support to this exegesis, highlighting the consequences of arrogance and the ultimate humiliation of those who challenge Allah's greatness. May Allah protect us from arrogance and grant us the humility to submit to His will.