Hadith #10475

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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 حَقَّرَ نَفْسَهُ عُظِّمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who humbles himself is honored.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (haqqara) "حَقَّرَ" in this Hadith means to belittle, demean, or consider oneself insignificant. It refers to an individual who does not boast about their achievements or seek superiority over others. Instead, they maintain humility and modesty in their actions, words, and thoughts.

The word (u'zzima) "عُظِّمَ" means to be honored, respected, or esteemed. It signifies that when a person humbles themselves, they are elevated in the eyes of Allah and the people around them. Their humility becomes a source of honor and dignity for them.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of humility and modesty in several verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 highlights that true honor and nobility lie in righteousness and piety, not in one's lineage, wealth, or social status. When a person humbles themselves and focuses on their relationship with Allah, they become closer to Him and are elevated in His sight.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), where Allah says,

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 reminds us that those who do not seek power, status, or corruption in this world will be granted a noble position in the Hereafter. By humbling themselves and avoiding arrogance, they attain a higher status in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of humility and the rewards it brings. When we belittle ourselves and avoid arrogance, we create an environment of harmony, respect, and unity. We become more approachable and compassionate towards others, fostering strong relationships and building a sense of community.

Humility also helps us in our spiritual journey. It allows us to recognize our weaknesses and seek improvement. When we humble ourselves before Allah, acknowledging our dependence on Him, we open the doors to His mercy and guidance. Our acts of worship become more sincere, and our hearts are filled with gratitude and awe for His blessings.

Furthermore, humility protects us from the destructive traits of arrogance, pride, and self-centeredness. Arrogance blinds us to our faults and prevents us from acknowledging the contributions of others. It leads to division, conflicts, and a sense of superiority over others. By practicing humility, we can overcome these negative traits and promote unity, empathy, and cooperation among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that by humbling ourselves, we attain honor and respect in the sight of Allah and our fellow Muslims. It reminds us to prioritize righteousness and piety over worldly desires and to avoid arrogance and pride. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody humility in our lives and may He elevate us in His sight.