Hadith #6495

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Conceit manifests [one’s] shortcoming.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (conceit) "عُجْبُ" refers to excessive pride or arrogance, which causes one to have an inflated sense of self-importance. It is a negative trait that blinds a person to their own faults and shortcomings. The word (shortcoming) "نَقِيصَةَ" refers to deficiencies or flaws within an individual's character or actions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of humility and warns against belittling or mocking others. It reminds us that we should not judge others based on superficial criteria, as they may possess qualities or virtues that we lack. By displaying conceit, we not only expose our own shortcomings but also engage in behavior that is condemned by Allah.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of conceit is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and power but allowed his conceit to lead him astray. Despite his material possessions, his arrogance caused him to oppress others and disregard the guidance of Allah. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the destructive consequences of conceit.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and humility. When we are conceited, we fail to recognize our own flaws and limitations. This prevents us from seeking self-improvement and hinders our spiritual growth. By acknowledging our shortcomings, we can strive to rectify them and become better individuals.

Conceit not only affects our relationship with ourselves but also impacts our interactions with others. It breeds arrogance, contempt, and a lack of empathy. It creates divisions and fosters an environment of superiority and inferiority. Islam teaches us to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status or accomplishments.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard against conceit and to strive for humility. Through self-reflection and self-improvement, we can overcome our shortcomings and become better individuals. Let us heed the wisdom of this Hadith and strive to cultivate humility in our hearts, for it is through humility that we can truly grow closer to Allah and attain His pleasure. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness.