Hadith #3153

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, "الخُضُوعُ دِناءَةٌ۔" which can be translated as

Humility means servility [in front of Allah].

This enlightening Hadith highlights the importance of humility in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and its significance in the spiritual journey of a Muslim.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (al-khudu') "الخُضُوعُ" refers to the act of submission, surrender, and humbling oneself before Allah. It is a state of complete obedience, acknowledging one's own insignificance in comparison to the greatness of the Creator. (dinā'ah) "دِناءَةٌ" signifies servility, meekness, and lowliness. It implies recognizing one's own weaknesses and shortcomings, and willingly accepting the authority and sovereignty of Allah.

To understand the significance of humility in Islam, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of humility. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says, (Quran 22:56)

And those who humble themselves before their Lord will be admitted into Paradise in a state of honor.

This verse highlights that true humility leads to honor and success in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and describes him as a man of great humility. When Musa was chosen as a prophet and given the task of confronting Pharaoh, he expressed his concerns about his ability to convey the message effectively. Allah reassured him by saying, (Quran 20:44)

And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah].

This verse demonstrates that humility and gentle speech are powerful tools in conveying the message of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound connection between humility and servitude towards Allah. When a Muslim humbles themselves before Allah, they acknowledge their own weaknesses and limitations, realizing that they are entirely dependent on the mercy and guidance of their Creator. This humility leads to a deep sense of servitude, where the individual strives to fulfill the commands of Allah and seeks His pleasure above all else.

Humility also plays a crucial role in shaping our interactions with others. When we recognize our own shortcomings, we become more compassionate, understanding, and forgiving towards others. This fosters a sense of unity and harmony within the Muslim community, as we treat one another with kindness and respect.

Moreover, humility helps us overcome arrogance and pride, which are detrimental to our spiritual growth. Arrogance blinds us from recognizing our faults and prevents us from seeking forgiveness and improvement. On the other hand, humility allows us to acknowledge our mistakes, seek repentance, and strive for self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of humility in Islam. It teaches us that true humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a strength that enables us to submit to the will of Allah and serve Him with sincerity. By embodying humility, we can cultivate a deep connection with our Creator, foster unity within the Muslim community, and overcome the vices of arrogance and pride. May Allah grant us the ability to embrace humility in our lives and attain His pleasure.