Hadith #11002

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

مَا اكْتُسِبَ الشَّرَفُ بِمِثْلِ التَّواضُعِ۔

This can be translated as,

Nothing earns honor like humility.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of humility in attaining true honor and dignity.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (sharaf) "شَّرَفُ" refers to honor, dignity, or nobility. It encompasses the idea of being esteemed and respected by others. (tawāḍuʿ) "تَّواضُعِ" means humility, modesty, or humbleness. It is the act of recognizing one's own limitations and submitting oneself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of humility in Islam, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 emphasizes that true honor and nobility are not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly achievements, but rather on righteousness and piety. The one who is most honorable in the sight of Allah is the one who possesses the highest level of taqwa (God-consciousness) and righteousness. And humility is an essential characteristic of a righteous person.

Another verse that supports the concept of humility is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 worldly power, status, or dominance, but instead remain humble and focused on the Hereafter, will be granted the best outcome. By prioritizing humility over arrogance, they earn the honor and reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that true honor is not achieved through arrogance, pride, or self-importance. Rather, it is attained through humility and recognizing our own weaknesses and limitations. When we humble ourselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we acknowledge His greatness and our dependence on Him. This humility allows us to develop a strong connection with our Creator and seek His guidance and mercy.

Practicing humility also has profound consequences in our interactions with others. When we approach others with humility, we treat them with respect, kindness, and empathy. This fosters harmonious relationships and builds a sense of unity within the Muslim community. Moreover, humility helps us to avoid arrogance, envy, and pride, which are destructive traits that can lead to conflicts and divisions.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating humility in our daily lives. By embodying humility, we not only earn the honor and pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also contribute to the betterment of our society and the unity of the Muslim ummah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice humility and attain true honor in this world and the Hereafter.