Hadith #8319

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاحُمْقَ أعْظَمُ مِنَ الفَخْرِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no foolishness greater than arrogance.

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

The word "lahumq" in Arabic refers to foolishness or ignorance. It signifies a lack of understanding, wisdom, and insight. On the other hand, "fakhr" means arrogance or pride. It is the feeling of superiority and self-importance that blinds a person to their own shortcomings and prevents them from recognizing the truth.

The Quran repeatedly warns against the perils of arrogance and emphasizes the importance of humility. In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 powerful or knowledgeable we may think we are, we are still limited beings in the grand scheme of creation.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman (31:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 that arrogance is not only detrimental to our own spiritual growth but is also displeasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, highlights the foolishness of arrogance. Arrogance blinds us to our own faults and prevents us from seeking knowledge and guidance. It hinders our ability to learn from others and grow as individuals. It leads to a false sense of superiority and ultimately distances us from the truth.

Arrogance also has severe consequences in our relationships with others. It creates divisions and fosters a sense of superiority over others, leading to oppression and injustice. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.

This verse reminds us to treat others with respect and humility, recognizing that superiority lies not in wealth, lineage, or appearance, but in piety and righteousness.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of cultivating humility and avoiding arrogance. True wisdom lies in recognizing our limitations and seeking knowledge with an open heart and mind. Let us strive to overcome the foolishness of arrogance and embrace the humility that leads to growth, unity, and the attainment of true knowledge. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of humility and grant us the wisdom to recognize and overcome our own shortcomings.