Hadith #9023

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التَّكَبُّرُ عَيْنُ الحِمَاقَةِ", which translates to

Arrogance is the same as foolishness.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the close relationship between arrogance and foolishness. To better understand the meaning and implications of this Hadith, let us delve into the Quranic verses that shed light on this topic.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive nature of arrogance in several verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 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 emphasizes the futility of arrogance, as it reminds us that no matter how proud or haughty we may become, we are still limited beings in the grand scheme of creation.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman, verse 18, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse explicitly condemns arrogance and highlights that Allah dislikes those who are self-deluded and boastful.

The connection between arrogance and foolishness becomes apparent when we reflect on the consequences of arrogance. Arrogance blinds a person to their own shortcomings and prevents them from seeking knowledge, guidance, and improvement. It leads to a false sense of superiority and a disregard for the wisdom of others. This mindset hinders personal growth and prevents one from benefiting from the experiences and insights of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that arrogance is not a sign of wisdom or intelligence but rather a manifestation of ignorance and foolishness. A truly knowledgeable person recognizes their limitations and humbles themselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was renowned for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his humility was a testament to his true understanding of the world and his place in it.

Arrogance not only hampers personal growth but also damages relationships and communities. It creates divisions, fosters animosity, and prevents meaningful dialogue and cooperation. In contrast, humility and the absence of arrogance allow for open-mindedness, empathy, and the willingness to learn from others. This fosters unity, harmony, and progress within society.

As Muslims, it is crucial for us to reflect on the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses that warn against arrogance. We should strive to cultivate humility in our hearts, recognizing that true wisdom lies in acknowledging our limitations and seeking knowledge and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and foolishness, and instead, grow in wisdom, understanding, and righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of humility and grant us the wisdom to recognize the destructive nature of arrogance. May we strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran in our lives.