Hadith #6489

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, "العُجْبُ أضَرُّ قَرين۔" This can be translated as,

Conceit is the most harmful associate.

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

The word (al-'ujb) "العُجْبُ" refers to conceit or arrogance. It signifies a sense of self-importance and superiority over others. It is a negative trait that leads to the belittlement of others and the elevation of one's own self. This Hadith emphasizes that conceit is not only harmful but also the most harmful of associates.

To understand the gravity of this statement, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against arrogance in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:37)

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 great we may perceive ourselves to be, we are ultimately limited and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman, Allah advises us, (Quran 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

This verse emphasizes the displeasure of Allah towards those who display arrogance and pride.

The consequences of conceit are far-reaching and detrimental. It creates division and animosity among people, as it breeds a sense of superiority and disdain towards others. It hinders personal growth and prevents individuals from acknowledging their own shortcomings. Moreover, conceit blinds individuals to the truth, as they become too absorbed in their own self-perceived greatness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of conceit. He highlights that this negative trait is not only harmful but also the most harmful of associates. By associating with conceit, one becomes detached from the reality of their own limitations and the needs of others.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of humility in Islam. Humility is the antidote to conceit, as it allows us to recognize our own weaknesses and appreciate the strengths of others. It fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community, as it encourages mutual respect and understanding.

As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, who exemplified humility in their actions and interactions. By cultivating humility within ourselves, we can protect ourselves from the harmful effects of conceit and develop a sense of empathy and compassion towards others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard against conceit and its detrimental effects. By recognizing the dangers of arrogance and cultivating humility, we can foster a sense of unity and harmony within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be humble and protect us from the harms of conceit.