Hadith #9043

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the repugnant nature of arrogance and specifically focuses on the arrogance displayed towards one's close relatives and members of their own tribe. The Arabic word used in the Hadith to describe this form of arrogance is (takabbur) "تَكَبُّرُ", which refers to an inflated sense of superiority and pride. This arrogance is considered to be one of the most detestable forms of pride.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong ties with our relatives and treating them with kindness and respect. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 36, Allah says, (Quran 4:36)

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side...

This verse highlights the obligation to be kind and compassionate towards our relatives, as they hold a special place in our lives. By displaying arrogance towards them, we not only violate this commandment but also demonstrate a lack of gratitude for the blessings of family and kinship that Allah has bestowed upon us.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that arrogance is a destructive trait that leads to the downfall of individuals and communities. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 37, Allah warns, (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 serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful or influential a person may think they are, their arrogance will never change the reality of their limited existence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the consequences of arrogance towards close relatives and members of one's own tribe. Such arrogance not only damages relationships but also creates divisions within families and communities. When a person looks down upon their relatives or tribe members, they sow the seeds of discord and animosity, leading to a breakdown in unity and harmony.

Moreover, this form of arrogance blinds a person to the virtues and qualities of their relatives. They fail to recognize the potential and capabilities of those around them, disregarding the valuable contributions that their relatives can make to society. By harboring such arrogance, individuals deprive themselves of the opportunity to benefit from the wisdom and talents of their own kin.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid arrogance, especially towards their close relatives and members of their own tribe. By highlighting the repugnant nature of this form of pride, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to cultivate humility, kindness, and respect in our interactions with our family members. Let us strive to uphold the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness.