Hadith #2787

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنِ اخْتالَ في وِلايَتِهِ أبانَ عَنْ حَماقَتِهِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

One who becomes vain in his rule exhibits his stupidity.

Let us now delve into the exegesis of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (ikhtala) "اخْتالَ" in this Hadith refers to someone who becomes arrogant, boastful, or conceited. It is derived from the root word (khatala) "خَتَلَ", which means to be proud or haughty. When a person is given authority or power, they may sometimes let it get to their head, leading them to exhibit arrogance and a sense of superiority over others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that such behavior is a clear sign of stupidity or foolishness. The word (hamāqatih) "حَماقَتِهِ" in the Hadith refers to one's lack of wisdom, intelligence, or understanding. It signifies a person's inability to comprehend the consequences of their actions and the detrimental effects of their arrogance.

To further understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 31:18)

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 importance of humility and warns against arrogance and pride. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) dislikes those who are self-deluded and boastful, as they have lost sight of their own limitations and the fact that all power and authority ultimately belong to Him. Arrogance blinds a person to their own faults and prevents them from seeking guidance and wisdom.

Another verse in Surah Al-Hadid states: (Quran 53:32)

So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.

This verse reminds us that true purity and righteousness come from fearing Allah and humbling ourselves before Him. Claiming superiority or purity based on worldly positions or achievements is futile and only serves to expose our ignorance and lack of wisdom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims, regardless of sect, that humility and wisdom should be the guiding principles in any position of authority or power. When leaders become consumed by their own ego and fail to recognize their own limitations, they not only harm themselves but also those under their rule.

History is replete with examples of leaders who became vain in their rule and brought about disastrous consequences for their nations. Their arrogance blinded them to the needs and aspirations of their people, leading to oppression, corruption, and the erosion of justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a timeless reminder for leaders to remain humble, seek wisdom, and always prioritize the well-being of those they govern. It is a call to reflect on the consequences of arrogance and to strive for self-awareness and self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the dangers of arrogance and pride in positions of authority. It highlights the importance of humility, wisdom, and self-awareness. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize these virtues, we are reminded of the dire consequences of becoming vain in our rule. May Allah guide us all to be humble, wise, and just leaders, and protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance.