Hadith #9021

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التَّكَبُّرُ يُظْهِرُ الرَّذيلَةَ۔" This Hadith can be translated as,

Arrogance shows [one’s] depravity.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (takabbur) "تَكَبُّرُ" refers to arrogance or pride. It is the act of considering oneself superior to others and looking down upon them. This attitude is highly condemned in Islam as it goes against the principles of humility and equality that our faith promotes. The word (radheela) "رَذِيلَةَ" means depravity or wickedness. It signifies the corrupt and immoral state of a person's character.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of humility and warn against the evils of arrogance. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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 reminds us that no matter how high we may think of ourselves, we are still mere creations of Allah and should not boast or act arrogantly.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us, (Quran 31:18)

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful

This verse highlights the displeasure of Allah towards those who display arrogance and pride, as it is a sign of self-delusion and a lack of gratitude towards Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith draws our attention to the consequences of arrogance. When a person becomes consumed by their own self-importance, they lose sight of their own flaws and shortcomings. They become blind to their own moral decay and are unable to recognize their own faults. This leads to a state of depravity and wickedness, as they prioritize their ego over the well-being of others.

Arrogance also hinders personal growth and prevents individuals from seeking knowledge and guidance. It creates a barrier between them and the truth, as they are unwilling to accept advice or correction from others. This is why Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the detrimental effects of arrogance.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate humility in our hearts and actions. We should recognize that true greatness lies in our submission to Allah and our willingness to serve and uplift others. By humbling ourselves, we open the doors to self-improvement, spiritual growth, and the attainment of true righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the destructive nature of arrogance and its manifestation in depravity. It serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. May Allah guide us all to embody the qualities of humility and protect us from the perils of arrogance.