Hadith #9400

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May 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: "اللَّجَاجُ يَكْبُو بِرَاكِبِهِ" which can be translated as

Stubbornness causes its rider to stumble.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their personal and spiritual journeys.

Let us first analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (al-lajaj) "اللَّجَاجُ" refers to stubbornness or obstinacy. It signifies a state of being unyielding, inflexible, and resistant to change. The word (yakbu) "يَكْبُو" means to stumble or fall down, indicating the negative consequences of stubbornness. Finally, (bi-rakibihi) "بِرَاكِبِهِ" refers to the rider or the one who is carrying the burden of stubbornness.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility, openness, and willingness to accept guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), 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 need for humility and the avoidance of stubbornness. When we become stubborn and refuse to accept guidance, we risk causing corruption and straying from the path of righteousness. Just as a stubborn rider is likely to stumble and fall, a stubborn individual is prone to making mistakes and facing the consequences of their actions.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not burden us with challenges that are beyond our capacity to handle. However, when we stubbornly resist the lessons and guidance that Allah presents to us, we may find ourselves overwhelmed and stumbling in our journey towards Him.

Stubbornness can manifest in various aspects of our lives. It can be seen in our relationships, where we refuse to listen to the perspectives and needs of others, causing conflicts and misunderstandings. It can also be seen in our spiritual journey, where we resist the teachings of Islam and fail to seek knowledge and guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of stubbornness. By highlighting the consequences of stubbornness, he encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes and behaviors. Are we open to learning and growth, or do we cling stubbornly to our own opinions and desires?

The Hadith serves as a reminder that true success lies in humility, openness, and a willingness to learn and adapt. When we let go of our stubbornness and embrace the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), we can navigate through life's challenges with grace and wisdom. We can avoid stumbling and falling, and instead, progress steadily towards our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and overcome our own stubbornness, and may He guide us on the straight path. Ameen.