Hadith #5801

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

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

والصَّلاةَ تَنْزيهاً عَنِ الكِبْرِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

And prayer [was prescribed] as a purification from arrogance.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their significance. The word (salah) "صَلاةَ" refers to the ritual prayer that Muslims perform as an act of worship and communication with Allah. It is a comprehensive act of devotion that encompasses physical movements, recitation of Quranic verses, and supplications. The word (tanzihan) "تَنْزِيهًا" means purification or cleansing, indicating that salah serves as a means to purify oneself from impurities and sins. Finally, the word (al-kibr) "الكِبْرِ" refers to arrogance or pride, which is a negative trait that distances one from the path of righteousness.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or arrogance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 the rejection of arrogance in seeking the rewards of the Hereafter.

When we connect these Quranic verses with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that salah serves as a means to purify our hearts from the disease of arrogance. Through the physical movements and spiritual connection with Allah during prayer, we are reminded of our humble position before our Creator. The act of prostration, where the highest part of our body is brought down to the lowest position, symbolizes our submission and humility before Allah.

By regularly performing salah with sincerity and humility, Muslims are reminded of their true purpose in life and are encouraged to abandon arrogance and pride. Salah acts as a spiritual antidote that cleanses our hearts and purifies our souls. It serves as a constant reminder of our dependence on Allah and our need for His guidance and mercy.

The consequences of neglecting this purification from arrogance can be detrimental. Arrogance blinds individuals to their own faults and prevents them from seeking forgiveness and improvement. It creates divisions and animosity among people, hindering unity and cooperation. Moreover, arrogance leads to a false sense of superiority, which ultimately distances individuals from the path of righteousness and humility.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of self-reflection and self-correction. We must strive to purify our hearts from arrogance through the regular practice of salah and by embodying the teachings of the Quran. By humbling ourselves before Allah, we can cultivate a sense of humility, empathy, and compassion towards others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that salah is not merely a physical act of worship, but a means of purifying ourselves from arrogance. Through the practice of salah, we are reminded of our humble position before Allah and are encouraged to abandon pride and embrace humility. By purifying our hearts from arrogance, we can strive towards righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all on the path of humility and righteousness.