Hadith #9024

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التعزز بالتكبر ذل" which translates to

Seeking honour [for oneself] through arrogance is [a cause of] humiliation.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of seeking honor and superiority through arrogance.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. "التعزز" refers to seeking honor or seeking to elevate oneself in status. It implies a desire to be recognized and respected by others. "التكبر" refers to arrogance or pride, which is an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority over others. And finally, "ذل" means humiliation or disgrace, which is the opposite of honor.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against arrogance in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 37, Allah says,

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 great our achievements may be, we should not let them lead us to arrogance, as it is futile and will only result in humiliation.

Another verse that emphasizes the consequences of arrogance is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 39. Allah says,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of humility and righteousness, as arrogance can lead to corruption and destruction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid seeking honor through arrogance. When a person seeks to elevate themselves by belittling others or considering themselves superior, they are treading a dangerous path that ultimately leads to humiliation.

Arrogance blinds individuals from recognizing their own flaws and weaknesses, preventing them from seeking self-improvement and growth. It creates divisions among people and hinders the establishment of harmonious relationships. Furthermore, arrogance distances a person from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it reflects a lack of humility and gratitude towards the Creator.

On the other hand, humility is a virtue highly praised in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, (Muslim)

Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will elevate him.

Humility allows individuals to acknowledge their limitations and seek guidance and support from Allah. It fosters unity, compassion, and empathy among people, leading to a more harmonious society.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid seeking honor through arrogance. Arrogance only leads to humiliation and disgrace, while humility is the path to true honor and elevation in the sight of Allah. May we all strive to cultivate humility in our hearts and actions, and may Allah guide us on the straight path.