Hadith #6510

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of abandoning two negative traits: conceit (عُجْبَ) and lassitude (تَّوَانِيَ). Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, the word "عُجْبَ" refers to arrogance, pride, or self-conceit. It is the state of considering oneself superior to others and being pleased with one's own accomplishments. This attitude is condemned in the Quran, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Luqman (31:18):

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

Similarly, the word "تَّوَانِيَ" denotes laziness, sluggishness, or a lack of motivation. It refers to the state of being inactive or negligent in fulfilling one's responsibilities. The Quran emphasizes the importance of diligence and perseverance, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Imran (3:200):

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that if we abandon these negative traits of conceit and lassitude, we will be protected from adversity. This means that by humbling ourselves and being proactive in our actions, we can avoid falling into undesirable situations and experiencing hardships.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us reflect on some Quranic verses. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

That is because Allah is the Protector of those who have believed and because the disbelievers have no protector.

This verse reminds us that Allah is the ultimate protector of the believers. When we abandon conceit and lassitude, we are demonstrating our trust in Allah's guidance and protection, and thus, we are more likely to be shielded from adversity.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the importance of relying on Allah's guidance rather than our own self-conceit. When we abandon arrogance and acknowledge our dependence on Allah, we open ourselves up to His guidance and protection, leading to a more righteous and successful path.

In practical terms, abandoning conceit and lassitude means cultivating humility and actively seeking to improve ourselves. It means recognizing that our abilities and accomplishments are gifts from Allah and not a result of our own superiority. It also means being diligent in our responsibilities, whether they are personal, professional, or religious. By doing so, we can avoid complacency and laziness, and instead, strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

The consequences of abandoning conceit and lassitude are profound. We will find ourselves more connected to Allah, more receptive to His guidance, and more protected from adversity. We will also experience personal growth and success, as we become more focused, motivated, and proactive in our endeavors. Ultimately, by embodying the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, we can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life as Muslims.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to abandon conceit and lassitude, and may He protect us from adversity. Ameen.