Hadith #2765

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "آفَةُ الرِّياسَةِ اَلفَخْرُ۔" This can be translated as,

The bane of leadership is arrogance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the teachings of the Quran.

The word (afaat) "آفَةُ" in this Hadith refers to a harmful or destructive element. It signifies something that brings about ruin or detriment. In the context of leadership, it refers to a quality or characteristic that can lead to the downfall of a leader and the community they govern.

The word (riyasa) "الرِّياسَةِ" in this Hadith means leadership or governance. It encompasses the responsibility and authority held by individuals in positions of power and influence. It includes political, social, and religious leadership.

The word (fakhr) "اَلفَخْرُ" in this Hadith refers to arrogance or pride. It signifies an inflated sense of self-importance, a feeling of superiority over others, and a disregard for their opinions and well-being.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance in several verses. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, Allah says,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of humility and righteousness in the sight of Allah, rather than seeking power and dominance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 23, Allah states,

So that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse emphasizes the need to avoid arrogance and pride, as it is displeasing to Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to all Muslims, regardless of their sect, about the dangers of arrogance in leadership. When a leader becomes consumed by pride, they lose sight of their responsibilities towards their people. They prioritize their own interests over the well-being of the community, leading to corruption, injustice, and oppression.

Arrogance in leadership can have severe consequences. It creates a divide between the leader and the people, eroding trust and unity. It stifles constructive criticism and discourages open dialogue, hindering progress and growth. Moreover, it breeds a culture of entitlement and privilege, where the needs and rights of the marginalized are ignored.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the detrimental effects of arrogance in leadership. He exemplified humility and selflessness throughout his life, prioritizing justice and compassion. His leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Muslim community, regardless of their social status or background.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon this Hadith and strive to embody the qualities of humility and righteousness in our own lives. Whether in positions of leadership or not, we should avoid arrogance and pride, recognizing that true success lies in serving others and seeking the pleasure of Allah.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be humble and righteous individuals, and protect us from the perils of arrogance. May we learn from the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and follow in his footsteps of selflessness and justice.