Hadith #9031

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,

بِكَثْرَةِ التَّكَبُّرِ يَكُونُ التَّلَفُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Through increased arrogance, loss [and ruin] comes about.

To understand the impactful message behind this Hadith, it is important to delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (takabbur) "تَكَبُّرِ" refers to arrogance or pride, which is an inflated sense of self-importance that leads one to belittle others and reject the truth. The word (talafu) "تَلَفُ" means loss, ruin, or destruction.

This Hadith highlights the destructive consequences of arrogance. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of allowing arrogance to take hold in their hearts and actions. Arrogance is a spiritual disease that distances one from the path of righteousness and leads to ruin in both this world and the hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the negative consequences of arrogance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:146), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it.

This verse highlights how arrogance blinds individuals from recognizing and accepting the signs of Allah, preventing them from attaining true faith and guidance.

Another verse in Surah Al-Qasas (28:39) states,

And Pharaoh said, 'O eminent ones, I have not known you to have a god other than me. Then ignite for me, O Haman, [a fire] upon the clay and make for me a tower that I may look at the God of Moses. And indeed, I do think he is among the liars.'

This verse illustrates the arrogance of Pharaoh, who considered himself to be a god and rejected the existence of any other deity. His arrogance ultimately led to his downfall and the destruction of his kingdom.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a warning against the destructive nature of arrogance. When individuals become consumed by their own self-importance, they become blind to the truth and are unable to recognize their own faults and shortcomings. This arrogance leads to the loss of humility, empathy, and the ability to learn and grow.

Arrogance also creates division and discord among people. When individuals believe they are superior to others, they treat them with disrespect and disdain. This not only damages relationships but also hinders the progress and unity of the Muslim community as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns Muslims against falling into the trap of arrogance. He encourages us to cultivate humility, recognizing that true knowledge and wisdom come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. By humbling ourselves before Allah and acknowledging our own limitations, we open ourselves up to growth, guidance, and the mercy of our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against arrogance. It highlights the destructive consequences of allowing pride to take hold in our hearts and actions. By cultivating humility, we can strive for personal growth, unity within the Muslim community, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah protect us from the dangers of arrogance and guide us on the path of righteousness.