Hadith #9058

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,

مَنْ كانَ مُتَكَبِّراً لَمْ يَعْدِمِ التَّلَّفَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is arrogant will not be devoid of loss [and injury].

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (mutakabbiran) "مُتَكَبِّراً" refers to someone who is arrogant, proud, and considers themselves superior to others. It is derived from the root word (kabira) "كَبِرَ", which means to be great or to magnify oneself. The term (lam yadim) "لَمْ يَعْدِمِ" means

will not be devoid of

or

will not be free from.

And finally, (at-tallaf) "التَّلَّفَ" refers to loss, harm, or injury.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83:

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse highlights the contrast between those who are humble and those who are arrogant. The arrogant ones seek exaltedness and corruption in this world, while the righteous ones strive for the eternal abode of the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 146, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of arrogance:

I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. And if they see the way of consciousness, they will not adopt it as a way; but if they see the way of error, they will adopt it as a way. That is because they have denied Our signs and they were heedless of them.

From these Quranic verses, we can understand that arrogance leads to spiritual blindness and a rejection of the signs of Allah. It prevents individuals from recognizing the truth and following the path of righteousness. Arrogance blinds a person to their own faults and prevents them from seeking guidance and improvement.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the consequences of arrogance in this Hadith. He emphasizes that those who are arrogant will not be devoid of loss and injury. This loss can manifest in various ways, both in this world and in the Hereafter.

In this world, arrogance can lead to strained relationships, isolation, and a lack of personal growth. When a person considers themselves superior to others, they close themselves off from learning and benefiting from the knowledge and experiences of others. This hinders their personal development and prevents them from forming meaningful connections with those around them.

Moreover, arrogance can lead to unethical behavior and a disregard for the rights of others. When one believes they are above others, they may exploit and oppress those who they perceive as inferior. This not only causes harm to others but also tarnishes their own character and reputation.

In the Hereafter, the consequences of arrogance are even more severe. The arrogant ones will be deprived of the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They will be held accountable for their actions and will face the consequences of their arrogance. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 9:

And among the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we must strive to cultivate humility within ourselves. We should recognize that all blessings and abilities come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that any superiority lies in righteousness and piety. By humbling ourselves, we open our hearts and minds to growth, knowledge, and the guidance of Allah. We should strive to treat others with kindness, respect, and fairness, acknowledging their worth and value as fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of arrogance. It warns us of the losses and injuries that accompany such a mindset. By reflecting on the Quranic verses and understanding the consequences of arrogance, we are encouraged to strive for humility, righteousness, and a deep connection with our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the trap of arrogance and guide us on the path of humility and righteousness.