Hadith #9055

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ تَكَبَّرَ مُقِتَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who shows arrogance is loathed.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the repulsive nature of arrogance and its consequences.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the important words used. The word (takabbara) "تَكَبَّرَ" is derived from the root word (kabira) "كَبِرَ", which means to be arrogant or to show pride. It refers to an inflated sense of self-importance, looking down upon others, and considering oneself superior. The word (muqita) "مُقِتَ" means to be loathed, despised, or detested. It signifies the strong aversion and dislike that people have towards those who display arrogance.

The Quranic verses provide us with a deeper understanding of the concept of arrogance and its consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance in numerous verses, emphasizing its detrimental effects on individuals and society. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, 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 highlights that those who do not seek exaltedness or arrogance in this world will be rewarded in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 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 much power or authority one may possess, it does not grant them the right to walk arrogantly upon the earth. We are all equal in the sight of Allah, and arrogance only leads to destruction and humiliation.

Arrogance not only distances us from Allah but also creates divisions among people. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, Allah 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. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse teaches us the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from belittling or mocking them based on our own perceived superiority.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against arrogance in all aspects of life. Arrogance not only harms our relationships with others but also hinders our spiritual growth. It blinds us to our own faults and prevents us from seeking forgiveness and guidance from Allah. It is a quality that is despised by both Allah and His creation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate humility and modesty in our hearts. We should recognize that any talents, knowledge, or blessings we possess are gifts from Allah, and they should be used to benefit others rather than to elevate ourselves. By doing so, we can foster unity, harmony, and love within the Muslim community and beyond.

May Allah protect us from the trap of arrogance and grant us the wisdom to humble ourselves before Him and His creation. May we always strive to follow the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.