Hadith #6487

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Conceit is the symbol of foolishness.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ʿujb) "عُجْبُ" in Arabic refers to conceit or self-admiration. It is the feeling of being excessively pleased with oneself, often accompanied by a sense of superiority over others. This self-centered attitude blinds individuals to their own shortcomings and prevents them from recognizing the wisdom and knowledge of others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes it as the (ʿunwān) "عُنْوانُ", which means a symbol or sign. This implies that conceit is not only a characteristic but also a clear indication of foolishness.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns against the destructive nature of arrogance and conceit. In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah says,

Do not walk on the earth with insolence and arrogance. You can neither tear the earth apart nor reach the mountains in height.

This verse reminds us that no matter how great our achievements may be, they should not lead us to arrogance. We must humbly recognize our limitations and acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman (31:18), Allah advises,

Do not turn your cheek in contempt towards people, nor walk arrogantly on the earth. Surely, Allah does not like anyone who is arrogant and boastful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and humility, regardless of our own accomplishments. Arrogance not only distances us from Allah but also alienates us from our fellow human beings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the correlation between conceit and foolishness. When one becomes consumed by their own self-importance, they lose sight of reality and fail to recognize their own limitations. This leads to poor judgment, irrational decisions, and a lack of wisdom. Such individuals become blind to their own faults and are unable to learn from the knowledge and experiences of others.

For instance, we can observe this in the story of Pharaoh in the Quran. Despite witnessing the miracles of Prophet Musa (Moses) and being warned by his own advisors, Pharaoh's arrogance and conceit led him to reject the truth and ultimately brought about his downfall. His foolishness blinded him to the signs of Allah and prevented him from seeking guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate humility and guard against the trap of conceit. True wisdom lies in recognizing our own limitations, seeking knowledge from diverse sources, and acknowledging the wisdom of others. By humbling ourselves before Allah and His creation, we open ourselves to growth, learning, and the attainment of true wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that conceit is not only a negative trait but also a clear sign of foolishness. It is through humility and the recognition of our own limitations that we can attain true wisdom. Let us strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), by cultivating humility and rejecting the destructive path of conceit. May Allah guide us all on the path of wisdom and righteousness.