Hadith #9059

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ تَجَبَّرَ حَقَّرَهُ اللّهُ ووَضَعَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the consequences of arrogance and pride. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (tajabbara) "تَجَبَّرَ" refers to an individual who displays arrogance and superiority over others. It is an act of considering oneself to be superior and looking down upon others. This arrogance stems from a sense of self-importance and a lack of humility.

The word (haqqarah) "حَقَّرَهُ" means to belittle or humiliate someone. It signifies the act of diminishing the status and worth of an individual. When someone displays arrogance, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) responds by belittling and humiliating that person.

The word (wada'ahu) "وَضَعَهُ" means to abase or degrade someone. It refers to lowering the status and position of an individual due to their arrogance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) brings down those who exhibit haughtiness and pride.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of not belittling or ridiculing others. It reminds us that we should not judge others based on our own perceptions, as they may be better than us in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By showing arrogance and looking down upon others, we are going against the teachings of Islam and inviting the displeasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was bestowed with immense wealth and power but became arrogant and tyrannical. His people warned him against his haughtiness, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not favor those who exult in their superiority. Qarun's arrogance led to his downfall and punishment from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid arrogance and pride. Arrogance not only distances us from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it also leads to the degradation of our character and the deterioration of our relationships with others. It is essential to cultivate humility and treat everyone with respect and dignity.

When we humble ourselves and recognize our own weaknesses and limitations, we open the doors to personal growth and spiritual development. By embracing humility, we become more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding towards others. We build bridges of harmony and unity within the Muslim community and society at large.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to eradicate arrogance from our hearts. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive consequences of pride and bless us with true humility. May we always seek to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and humility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.