Hadith #9062

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

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

The actions of a haughty person are not pure [and righteous].

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (mutajabbir) "مُتَجَبِّر" in Arabic refers to someone who is haughty, arrogant, and filled with pride. This person believes themselves to be superior to others, looking down upon them and considering themselves above reproach. Their actions are tainted by this arrogance, preventing them from attaining purity and righteousness.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance and pride in numerous verses. 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 of the futility of arrogance and the insignificance of our worldly achievements. No matter how high we think we have climbed, we are still mere creations of Allah, limited in our abilities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, Allah states,

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 emphasizes that true success lies in humility and righteousness, not in seeking power and dominance over others. Those who are haughty and arrogant in their actions will not find purity and righteousness in their deeds, for their intentions are tainted by their inflated sense of self-importance.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that a person who is filled with arrogance and pride cannot perform actions that are truly pure and righteous. Their intentions are clouded by their belief in their own superiority, leading to actions that are driven by self-interest rather than sincere devotion to Allah. Their arrogance prevents them from seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt.

The consequences of such arrogance are detrimental to both the individual and society as a whole. Arrogance blinds a person to their own faults and weaknesses, preventing them from seeking self-improvement and spiritual growth. It creates divisions and conflicts within communities, as the haughty person looks down upon others and fails to recognize their inherent worth and dignity. Ultimately, their actions are devoid of true righteousness and are not accepted by Allah.

As Muslims, we are reminded by this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses to cultivate humility and guard against arrogance. We should strive to purify our intentions and actions, seeking sincerity and righteousness in all that we do. By recognizing our own limitations and acknowledging the greatness of Allah, we can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and ensure that our deeds are pleasing to Him.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of humility and righteousness, and may He grant us the wisdom to purify our actions and intentions.