Hadith #10983

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, "Al-tawāḍuʿ sullam al-sharaf," which translates to

Humility is the ladder of honor.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of humility in attaining true honor and success in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "Tawāḍuʿ" refers to humility, modesty, and humbleness. It is the act of recognizing one's own limitations and weaknesses, and submitting oneself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). "Sullam" means ladder or staircase, which symbolizes a means to ascend or progress. And "sharaf" signifies honor, dignity, and nobility.

To understand the significance of humility as the ladder of honor, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 are not based on one's lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather on righteousness and piety. The one who humbles themselves before Allah, acknowledging their dependence on Him and striving to fulfill His commands, is the one who attains true honor in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of humility in various other verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah says,

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse reminds us that no matter how high we may perceive ourselves to be, our true worth lies in our humility and submission to Allah.

Another verse that highlights the significance of humility is found 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 teaches us that those who do not seek worldly power and dominance, but instead remain humble and focused on the Hereafter, will ultimately achieve the best outcome.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic teachings. Humility serves as a ladder of honor because it allows us to rise above our ego, arrogance, and pride. When we humble ourselves before Allah, recognizing our weaknesses and seeking His guidance, we open the doors to spiritual growth and development.

Humility enables us to acknowledge the greatness of Allah and our own insignificance in comparison. It helps us to treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy, regardless of their social status or background. By practicing humility, we cultivate a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims, fostering a harmonious society based on mutual love and respect.

Moreover, humility safeguards us from falling into the traps of arrogance, self-righteousness, and entitlement. It keeps us grounded and prevents us from becoming consumed by worldly desires and pursuits. Instead, it directs our focus towards the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, reminding us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and achievements.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that humility is the ladder of honor. By embodying humility in our thoughts, words, and actions, we can ascend the ranks of righteousness and attain true honor in the sight of Allah. Let us strive to cultivate humility in our lives, seeking the pleasure of Allah above all else, and may He grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.