Hadith #9026

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May the blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التَّكَبُّرُ أُسُّ التَّلَفِ۔" This can be translated as,

Arrogance is the basis of ruin.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (takabbur) "تَكَبُّرُ" refers to arrogance or pride. It is the act of considering oneself superior to others, looking down upon them, and belittling their worth. This attitude is condemned in Islam as it goes against the principles of humility, equality, and justice. The word (us) "أُسُّ" means the foundation or basis, and (talaf) "التَّلَفِ" means destruction or ruin.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the dangers and consequences of arrogance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Isra (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 powerful or influential we may think we are, we are still limited beings in the grand scheme of creation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), 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 to elevate themselves above others or engage in corrupt practices will be rewarded in the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims about the destructive nature of arrogance. When a person becomes arrogant, they distance themselves from the teachings of Islam and the path of righteousness. Arrogance blinds individuals from recognizing their own flaws and weaknesses, leading them to overlook the importance of humility and compassion towards others.

Arrogance can have severe consequences both in this world and the Hereafter. It creates divisions among people, fosters a sense of superiority, and hinders personal growth and development. Arrogant individuals often fail to acknowledge their mistakes, refuse to seek forgiveness, and disregard the rights of others. This behavior not only harms their relationships with others but also damages their own spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, warns Muslims about the dangers of arrogance. He reminds us that arrogance is the root cause of ruin, as it leads to the destruction of relationships, communities, and ultimately, one's own soul. By recognizing the importance of humility and striving to eradicate arrogance from our hearts, we can foster unity, compassion, and righteousness within ourselves and our society.

Let us reflect upon this profound Hadith and strive to cultivate humility in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the destructive path of arrogance and guide us towards the path of righteousness. May we always remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek to emulate his noble qualities of knowledge, wisdom, and humility.