Hadith #10972

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Humility is the cornerstone of intelligence and pride is the cornerstone of ignorance.

This profound statement highlights the importance of humility in acquiring knowledge and the detrimental effects of pride on one's intellect.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (تَوَاضُعُ) "Tawadhu" refers to humility, which is the act of recognizing one's own limitations and submitting oneself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the opposite of arrogance and pride. (رَأْسُ) "Ras" means the cornerstone or foundation, indicating the fundamental aspect of a concept. (عَقْلِ) "Aql" refers to intelligence or intellect, which is the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment. (تَكَبُّرُ) "Takabbur" means pride or arrogance, which is an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority over others. (جَهْلِ) "Jahl" refers to ignorance, the lack of knowledge or understanding.

To understand the significance of humility in acquiring knowledge, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the diversity among human beings. By humbling ourselves and acknowledging the value of others, we open ourselves up to learning from different perspectives and experiences.

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

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 true guidance and knowledge come from Allah alone. It is only through humility and submission to His will that we can attain true understanding and wisdom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the direct correlation between humility and intelligence. When we approach knowledge with humility, we recognize our own limitations and are open to learning from others. This allows us to expand our understanding and gain deeper insights. On the other hand, pride and arrogance hinder intellectual growth. When we think we already know everything, we close ourselves off to new ideas and perspectives, thus limiting our intellectual development.

The consequences of humility and pride are evident in various aspects of life. In the realm of religious knowledge, for example, a humble individual acknowledges that they have much to learn and seeks guidance from scholars and experts. They are open to correction and are willing to admit their mistakes. This humility allows them to grow in their understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Conversely, a person consumed by pride and arrogance may reject guidance and cling to their own opinions, even if they are incorrect. This arrogance blinds them to the truth and prevents them from benefiting from the wisdom of others. Such an individual may become stagnant in their intellectual growth and fail to attain a deeper understanding of religious teachings.

In the broader context of life, humility enables harmonious relationships with others. It fosters empathy, compassion, and the ability to listen and learn from different perspectives. It allows us to acknowledge our own shortcomings and work towards self-improvement. Pride, on the other hand, breeds division, arrogance, and a sense of superiority over others. It hinders meaningful connections and prevents personal growth.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying, we are reminded of the importance of humility in our pursuit of knowledge and in our interactions with others. By cultivating humility, we can unlock the doors of wisdom and understanding. Let us strive to be humble seekers of knowledge, always open to learning and growing, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of humility and wisdom.