Hadith #8321

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,

Boastfulness stems from the smallness of [one’s] status [and worth].

This Hadith highlights the negative trait of boasting or being arrogant, which arises from a person's perception of their own insignificance or lack of worth.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (boastfulness) "الاِفْتِخَارُ" refers to an attitude of pride and arrogance, where an individual excessively praises themselves and belittles others. It is a manifestation of vanity and self-centeredness.

The phrase (from the smallness of [one’s] status [and worth]) "مِنْ صِغَرِ الأقْدَارِ" emphasizes that this boastful behavior stems from a person's perception of their own lowly position or lack of importance. It is a defense mechanism employed by individuals who feel inadequate or inferior, attempting to compensate for their perceived shortcomings by boasting about their achievements or qualities.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against such arrogance and pride. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah 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.

This verse reminds us not to belittle or mock others, as we do not know the true worth or potential of individuals.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman (31:18), Allah advises,

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse cautions against walking arrogantly on the earth and displaying a sense of superiority over others. It reminds us that Allah dislikes those who are deluded by their own self-importance and boastfulness.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that boasting arises from a lack of self-confidence and a need to compensate for one's perceived inadequacies. It is a destructive trait that not only harms the individual's character but also creates division and animosity among people. Boasting can lead to envy, resentment, and a sense of superiority, which are all detrimental to the unity and harmony of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us against falling into the trap of boastfulness. He teaches us that true worth and status are not determined by external factors such as wealth, power, or social standing. Rather, true worth lies in one's character, piety, and humility before Allah.

By recognizing our own limitations and acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and humility. This humility allows us to appreciate the strengths and achievements of others without feeling threatened or the need to boast. It fosters a sense of unity and cooperation among Muslims, as we recognize that each individual has unique talents and contributions to offer.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against the destructive trait of boastfulness. It teaches us to cultivate humility, appreciate the worth of others, and recognize that true status lies in piety and character. May Allah protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance and guide us on the path of humility and righteousness.