Hadith #7509

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that the most despised and detested servant in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the arrogant and proud scholar. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (scholar) "عالِمُ" and (haughty or arrogant) "مُتَجَبِّرُ". The term "عالِمُ" refers to a person who possesses knowledge, particularly religious knowledge. This knowledge can be acquired through studying the Quran, Hadith, and other Islamic sciences. On the other hand, "مُتَجَبِّرُ" refers to someone who is arrogant, proud, and looks down upon others due to their knowledge or status.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge and scholars in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the elevated status of those who possess knowledge. However, the Hadith warns against the arrogance and pride that can accompany this knowledge.

Arrogance is condemned in the Quran in various verses. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant.

This verse clearly indicates that Allah dislikes those who exhibit arrogance. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes this point by specifically mentioning that the haughty scholar is the most despised in the sight of Allah.

The consequences of arrogance are severe and can lead to the degradation of one's character and spiritual state. Arrogance blinds a person from recognizing their own flaws and weaknesses, leading to a false sense of superiority. This arrogance can manifest in various ways, such as belittling others, refusing to accept constructive criticism, and using knowledge as a means of self-glorification rather than for the sake of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of humility in knowledge and reminds us that true knowledge should lead to humility and servitude to Allah. A true scholar recognizes that knowledge is a gift from Allah and should be used to benefit others and serve the community. They are humble in their interactions, always seeking to learn and grow, and never looking down upon others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of sincerity and humility in seeking knowledge. It serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance, which can corrupt even the most noble of pursuits. As Muslims, we should strive to acquire knowledge with the intention of pleasing Allah and benefiting humanity, while constantly purifying our hearts from the diseases of arrogance and pride.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the trap of arrogance and grant us the humility to seek knowledge for His sake alone. May He bless us with the ability to use our knowledge to serve His creation and earn His pleasure. Ameen.