Hadith #3152

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاعِبادَةَ كَالخُضُوعِ۔" This can be translated into English as,

There is no worship like [that which is accompanied by] humility.

In this enlightening saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of humility in worship.

The word (khudū') "خُضُوعِ" in the Hadith refers to a state of complete submission, surrender, and humility before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state where one recognizes their own insignificance and acknowledges the greatness and majesty of Allah. This humility is not just an external display, but a deep internal state of the heart.

The Quranic verses provide us with guidance and support for this concept of humility in worship. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77),

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.

This verse highlights the importance of physical acts of worship, such as bowing and prostrating, as a means of expressing humility before Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:1-2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the successful believers as those who have humility in their prayers. He says,

Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.

This verse emphasizes that true success in worship comes from having a humble and submissive attitude during prayer.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that true worship is not merely a ritualistic practice, but a deeply spiritual and transformative experience. When we approach our acts of worship with humility, we open ourselves up to the immense blessings and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Humility in worship has profound consequences in our spiritual journey. It allows us to recognize our dependence on Allah and our need for His guidance and mercy. It helps us to detach from our ego and worldly desires, enabling us to focus solely on seeking the pleasure of Allah. Humility also fosters a sense of gratitude and contentment, as we acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah alone.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this quality of humility in his own worship and interactions with others. His humility was not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of his deep understanding of his own limitations and the greatness of Allah.

As Muslims, we are called to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for humility in our worship. We should approach our prayers, fasting, charity, and all other acts of worship with a sincere and humble heart. By doing so, we can deepen our connection with Allah and experience the true essence of worship.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate humility in our worship and bless us with His mercy and guidance. May we strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek to attain true success in this world and the Hereafter.