Hadith #6482

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أوْحَشُ الوَحْشَةِ العُجْبُ۔" which translates to

The most alienating estrangement is conceit.

In order to understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the significance of the key words used.

The word (wahsha) "وَحْشَةِ" refers to a feeling of loneliness, isolation, or estrangement. It conveys a sense of being detached from others and experiencing a deep sense of emptiness. This feeling of wahsha can be both physical and emotional, affecting our relationships with others and our connection with Allah.

The word (ʿujb) "عُجْبُ" means conceit or arrogance. It refers to an inflated sense of self-importance, where one considers themselves superior to others and looks down upon them. This arrogance leads to a sense of isolation and estrangement from others, as it creates a barrier between individuals and prevents genuine connections from forming.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of arrogance in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah says,

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 that no matter how great we may perceive ourselves to be, we are ultimately limited and powerless in the grand scheme of things.

Another verse that highlights the negative consequences of arrogance is found in Surah Luqman (31:18), where Allah says,

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse emphasizes the displeasure of Allah towards those who display arrogance and pride, as it goes against the humility and submission that is required of a believer.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith draws our attention to the fact that conceit is the most alienating form of estrangement. When we are consumed by arrogance, we distance ourselves from others and create a divide between ourselves and the rest of humanity. This estrangement not only affects our relationships with others but also hinders our spiritual growth and connection with Allah.

Conceit leads to a sense of superiority, causing us to look down upon others and belittle their worth. This attitude prevents us from truly understanding and empathizing with the struggles and experiences of our fellow Muslims. It hampers our ability to form genuine connections and build a strong and united community.

Furthermore, conceit also blinds us to our own flaws and weaknesses. It prevents us from acknowledging our mistakes and seeking forgiveness and guidance from Allah. This arrogance can lead to a false sense of self-sufficiency, causing us to rely solely on our own limited understanding and abilities, rather than turning to Allah for guidance and support.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to constantly strive for humility and self-awareness. We should strive to rid ourselves of any form of conceit and arrogance, recognizing that true strength lies in humility and recognizing our dependence on Allah.

By cultivating humility, we open ourselves up to genuine connections with others and strengthen our relationship with Allah. We become more receptive to the needs and concerns of our fellow Muslims, and we are better able to contribute positively to our communities. Let us reflect on this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to embody the qualities of humility and selflessness in our daily lives. May Allah guide us and protect us from the destructive nature of conceit.