Hadith #9018

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أكْثَرُ النّاسِ ضَعَةً مَنْ تَعَاظَمَ في نَفْسهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the concept of humility and warns against arrogance and self-importance. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its essence in light of the Quran.

The word (da'ah) "ضَعَةً" in this Hadith refers to someone who is lowly, insignificant, or of low status. It signifies a person who lacks humility and considers themselves to be superior to others. On the other hand, (ta'aatham) "تَعَاظَمَ" means to consider oneself great, to be arrogant, or to have an inflated sense of self-importance.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against arrogance. 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.

This verse highlights the need to avoid looking down upon others and to recognize that superiority lies in piety and good deeds, not in worldly status or self-perceived greatness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 became arrogant due to his wealth and power. It serves as a reminder that material possessions and worldly achievements should not lead to arrogance, as true greatness lies in humility and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the detrimental nature of arrogance and self-importance. When a person considers themselves to be great, they become blind to their own flaws and shortcomings. This arrogance prevents them from seeking knowledge, accepting advice, and recognizing the worth of others. It distances them from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and hinders their spiritual growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, yet he remained humble throughout his life. He recognized that true greatness lies in servitude to Allah and in benefiting humanity. His humility allowed him to learn from others, even those who were considered less knowledgeable or of lower social status. This quality of Imam Ali serves as an inspiration for Muslims to strive for humility and to avoid falling into the trap of self-importance.

Arrogance and self-importance have severe consequences both in this world and the hereafter. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 emphasizes that true success lies in humility and righteousness, not in seeking greatness or causing corruption.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's Hadith, we are reminded to constantly evaluate our own hearts and actions. We should strive to cultivate humility, recognizing that any knowledge, achievements, or blessings we possess are ultimately from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can avoid the pitfall of arrogance and self-importance, and instead, focus on seeking Allah's pleasure and serving humanity.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to embrace humility and avoid arrogance. It highlights the importance of recognizing our own limitations and the worth of others. By doing so, we can strive for true greatness in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to embody the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).