Hadith #10998

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ تَواضَعَ رُفِعَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who has humility is elevated.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of humility in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the key words used. (tawāḍaʿa) "تَواضَعَ" refers to the act of humbling oneself, showing modesty, and acknowledging one's own limitations and weaknesses. It is an attitude of humility and submission before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (rufiʿa) "رُفِعَ" means to be elevated, raised, or exalted by Allah's grace and favor.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of humility and its rewards. 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 reminds us that true nobility lies in righteousness, not in worldly status or wealth. It is the humble and pious individuals who are truly elevated in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 or engage in corruption are the ones who will be granted a high status in the Hereafter. Their humility and righteousness will be rewarded with eternal elevation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that true elevation and success come through humility. When a person humbles themselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), acknowledging their weaknesses and seeking His guidance, they are granted divine elevation. This elevation can manifest in various ways, such as an increase in knowledge, wisdom, spiritual growth, and even worldly success.

For example, consider the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Quran. Despite being sold into slavery and facing numerous trials, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained humble and steadfast in his faith. As a result, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) elevated him to a position of authority and honor in Egypt. His humility and trust in Allah's plan led to his ultimate success and the preservation of his family.

In our own lives, practicing humility allows us to recognize our dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His guidance and mercy. It helps us to avoid arrogance, pride, and self-centeredness, which are traits that distance us from Allah's blessings. When we approach our relationships, work, and worship with humility, we open ourselves up to the immense blessings and elevations that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His humble servants.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that humility is the key to elevation in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By humbling ourselves and submitting to Allah's will, we are granted divine elevation and success. Let us strive to cultivate humility in our hearts and actions, seeking Allah's pleasure and the ultimate elevation in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody true humility and be among those who are elevated in His sight.