Hadith #9409

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اللَّجَاجُ عُنْوَانُ الْعَطَبِ" which translates to

Stubbornness is the symbol of destruction [and ruin].

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of being stubborn and inflexible in one's beliefs and actions.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "اللَّجَاجُ" refers to stubbornness, obstinacy, or rigidity. It implies a refusal to accept alternative viewpoints or adapt to changing circumstances. "عُنْوَانُ" means a symbol or sign, indicating that stubbornness is a clear indication or marker. And finally, "الْعَطَبِ" refers to destruction or ruin, suggesting that stubbornness leads to negative outcomes and consequences.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the concept of stubbornness and its consequences. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the arrogance and obstinacy of the Children of Israel:

(Quran 2:60-61)

And [recall] when Moses prayed for water for his people, so We said, 'Strike with your staff the stone.' And there gushed forth from it twelve springs, and every people knew its watering place. 'Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.' But they denied him and the earth swallowed them up for their wrongdoing.

This verse highlights the consequences of the Israelites' stubbornness and denial of Prophet Moses' (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) miracles and guidance. Their refusal to accept the truth and their persistence in wrongdoing led to their destruction.

Another example can be found in the story of Pharaoh and his people. Despite witnessing numerous signs and miracles from Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Pharaoh remained stubborn and refused to submit to the truth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yunus:

(Quran 10:90-91)

And We certainly seized the people of Pharaoh with years of famine and a deficiency in fruits that perhaps they would be reminded. But when good came to them, they said, 'This is ours [by right].' And if a bad [condition] struck them, they saw an evil omen in Moses and those with him. Unquestionably, their fortune is with Allah, but most of them do not know.

These verses illustrate how Pharaoh and his people persisted in their arrogance and stubbornness, attributing the blessings to themselves and blaming the hardships on Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Their refusal to acknowledge the truth ultimately led to their downfall and ruin.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to all Muslims of the dangers of stubbornness. It urges us to be open-minded, humble, and willing to accept the truth, even if it challenges our preconceived notions or desires. Stubbornness hinders personal growth, prevents positive change, and can lead to disastrous consequences both in this world and the hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate the qualities of flexibility, humility, and open-mindedness. We should be willing to listen to differing opinions, seek knowledge, and adapt our beliefs and actions accordingly. By doing so, we can avoid the destructive path of stubbornness and instead embrace personal growth, unity, and harmony within the Muslim community.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the perils of stubbornness. Ameen.