Hadith #10692

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,

أجَلُّ النّاسِ مَنْ وَضَعَ نَفْسَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The loftiest of people is the one who humbles himself.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ajallu) "أجَلُّ" is derived from the root word (jalla) "جَلَّ", which means to be high, great, or lofty. It refers to someone who possesses noble qualities and is held in high esteem. The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" means oneself or one's own self. And the word (wada'a) "وَضَعَ" means to humble or lower oneself.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of humility in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the true nobility lies in righteousness, not in worldly status or wealth. It is the one who humbles themselves before Allah and strives to do good deeds that is truly elevated in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), 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 reminds us that those who do not seek power, status, or worldly recognition are the ones who will attain the ultimate success in the Hereafter. They are the ones who prioritize their relationship with Allah and strive to live a life of humility and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith beautifully encapsulates these Quranic teachings. It teaches us that true greatness and nobility are not measured by one's wealth, social status, or worldly achievements. Rather, the loftiest of people are those who possess the humility to lower themselves before Allah and recognize their own weaknesses and shortcomings.

When a person humbles themselves, they acknowledge their dependence on Allah and seek His guidance and mercy. They are not arrogant or boastful, but rather, they are modest and compassionate towards others. This humility leads to a greater sense of self-awareness and self-improvement. It allows individuals to recognize their own faults and work towards rectifying them.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of selflessness and serving others. When we humble ourselves, we are more inclined to help and support those in need. We prioritize the well-being of others over our own desires and ego. This selflessness is a key characteristic of the noblest individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true greatness lies in humility. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and to constantly strive for self-improvement. By humbling ourselves, we not only attain the pleasure of Allah, but we also inspire others to do the same. May Allah grant us the ability to embody this noble quality and may He elevate us in His sight.