Hadith #3135

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the consequences of one's ineptitude and lack of knowledge. Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith and explore its deeper meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (rafi') "رَفِيع" in the Hadith refers to a person who is elevated or esteemed in society. This could be due to their position, wealth, or other worldly attributes. On the other hand, the word (qubh) "قُبْحُ" means ugliness or degradation. It signifies the loss of respect, honor, and dignity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the fact that many individuals who are initially considered elevated or esteemed can be brought down and degraded due to their ineptitude. This ineptitude refers to a lack of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. It is the inability to make sound judgments and decisions, and the failure to acquire beneficial knowledge.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

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 elevation in the sight of Allah is not based on worldly attributes, but rather on righteousness and piety. It is the knowledge of Allah's guidance and the application of that knowledge in one's life that truly elevates a person.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that guidance is solely in the hands of Allah. No matter how elevated or esteemed a person may appear to be, if they lack the guidance of Allah, they are prone to fall into ineptitude and degradation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning us against relying solely on worldly attributes for our sense of self-worth and elevation. True elevation lies in seeking knowledge, understanding, and implementing the teachings of Allah. It is through acquiring knowledge and wisdom that we can make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of ineptitude.

The consequences of ineptitude can be far-reaching. It can lead to poor decision-making, harmful actions, and the loss of respect and honor in the eyes of others. Moreover, it can distance us from the path of righteousness and prevent us from attaining true success in this world and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and continuously striving to improve ourselves. We should not be content with superficial attributes of elevation, but rather focus on cultivating our intellect, understanding, and wisdom. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of ineptitude and degradation, and instead attain true elevation in the sight of Allah.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to seek beneficial knowledge and protect us from the ugliness of ineptitude. May He elevate us through our righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.