Hadith #10979

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Humility is the symbol of nobility.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the significance of humility in the character of a believer. To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (tawāḍuʿ) "تَوَاضُع" translates to "humility" or "humbleness." It refers to the quality of being modest, unassuming, and free from arrogance. It is the opposite of pride and self-importance. Humility is an essential virtue in Islam, as it allows one to recognize their true position in relation to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation.

The word (ʿunwān) "عُنْوَان" means "symbol" or "sign." It signifies something that represents or reflects a particular quality or characteristic. In this context, it refers to humility being a distinguishing mark of nobility and greatness.

To understand the significance of humility in Islam, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or wealth. The most honorable individuals in the sight of Allah are those who possess taqwa (God-consciousness) and strive to follow His commands. Humility is an integral part of righteousness, as it reflects a person's recognition of their dependence on Allah and their submission to His will.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of humility in various other verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), 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 to avoid arrogance and pride, as it is futile to think highly of ourselves when we are merely humble beings created by Allah.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah describes the Prophet Musa (Moses) as saying,

Indeed, I have sought refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Account.

Prophet Musa's humility is evident in his seeking refuge in Allah from the arrogance of those who deny the Day of Judgment. This serves as a reminder for us to adopt humility in our interactions with others, regardless of their beliefs or social status.

Imam Ali's statement,

Humility is the symbol of nobility,

encourages Muslims to embody this noble quality in their daily lives. Humility allows us to recognize our weaknesses and limitations, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion towards others. It enables us to treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or social standing.

Practicing humility also helps us to avoid arrogance and pride, which are detrimental to our spiritual growth. It reminds us that all blessings and achievements are ultimately from Allah, and we should be grateful for His favors. Humility allows us to maintain a balanced perspective, acknowledging our strengths while remaining aware of our flaws and seeking improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of humility in Islam. It serves as a reminder that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or wealth. By embodying humility, Muslims can strive to attain the highest levels of nobility in the sight of Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate humility in our hearts and actions, and may He bless us with true nobility in this world and the Hereafter.