Hadith #6761

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who seeks glory through [anything] other than truth, Allah humiliates him with [the] truth.

This profound statement highlights the consequences of seeking honor and glory through falsehood and deception. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (i'tazza) "اعْتَزَّ" which means "to seek glory" or

to take pride in,

(ghayr) "غَيْرِ" which means "other than," and (haqq) "حَقِّ" which means "truth." These words emphasize the importance of seeking honor and pride only through the truth, and not through any other means.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of truth in the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (8:21-22)

And do not be like those who say, 'We have heard,' while they do not hear. Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the truth, rather than blindly following others or relying on false sources of information.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (17:81)

And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of falsehood and the eternal nature of truth. It reminds us that seeking glory through falsehood is futile, as falsehood will eventually be exposed and humiliated.

The consequences of seeking honor through falsehood are severe. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Hajj, (22:55)

And those who disbelieve will not cease to be in doubt of it until the Hour comes upon them unexpectedly or there comes to them the punishment of a barren Day.

This verse highlights the uncertainty and fear that those who seek glory through falsehood will experience. They will live in constant doubt and anxiety, and their ultimate fate will be a day of reckoning and punishment.

Seeking honor and glory through the truth, on the other hand, brings about numerous benefits and blessings. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says, (17:18)

Whoever should desire the immediate - We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished.

This verse reminds us that those who seek immediate gratification and honor through falsehood will ultimately face the consequences of their actions in the form of punishment and humiliation.

In contrast, those who seek honor through the truth will be rewarded in this life and the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Qasas, (28:5)

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors.

This verse highlights that those who uphold the truth and stand against falsehood will be granted leadership and inheritance in this world and the next.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to seek honor and glory only through the truth. It warns us against the dangers of seeking fame, power, and recognition through falsehood and deception. Instead, we should strive to live our lives in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to seek honor and glory through the truth and protect us from the consequences of falsehood. May He grant us the wisdom and understanding to discern between truth and falsehood, and the strength to uphold the truth in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.