Hadith #10985

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,

إنَّكَ إنْ تَواضَعْتَ رَفَعَكَ اللّهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Verily if you become humble, Allah will elevate you.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of humility in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (tawāḍaʿta) "تَوَاضَعْتَ" comes from the root word (wāḍaʿa) "وَاضَعَ", which means to lower oneself, to be humble, or to show humility. It implies a state of modesty, humbleness, and submission to Allah's will. The word (rafāʿaka) "رَفَعَكَ" comes from the root word (rafāʿa) "رَفَعَ", which means to elevate, raise, or uplift. It signifies Allah's act of raising someone's status, honor, or position.

To understand the significance of humility in Islam, 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 and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or wealth. Humility is a key component of righteousness, as it reflects a person's recognition of their own limitations and their reliance on Allah's guidance.

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

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 that those who do not seek worldly exaltation or engage in corruption will be rewarded with a place in the Hereafter. It encourages believers to prioritize humility and righteousness over seeking power or material gains.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt humility in their daily lives. When we humble ourselves before Allah, acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking His guidance, we open ourselves up to His blessings and mercy. Humility allows us to recognize our dependence on Allah and encourages us to strive for righteousness and piety.

Practicing humility has numerous benefits. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah by fostering a sense of gratitude and reliance on Him. When we humble ourselves, we acknowledge that all our abilities and achievements are ultimately bestowed upon us by Allah's grace. This realization helps us maintain a humble attitude and prevents arrogance or pride from taking root in our hearts.

Secondly, humility allows us to build better relationships with others. When we approach others with humility, we treat them with respect, kindness, and empathy. This fosters a sense of unity and harmony within the Muslim community and promotes a culture of compassion and understanding.

Moreover, humility helps us overcome challenges and obstacles with patience and perseverance. When we recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, we are more likely to seek help from Allah and seek guidance from His teachings. This reliance on Allah's strength and wisdom enables us to navigate through difficulties and emerge stronger in our faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of humility in Islam. By humbling ourselves before Allah, we invite His blessings and mercy into our lives. Humility strengthens our relationship with Allah, fosters unity among Muslims, and enables us to overcome challenges with patience and reliance on Allah's guidance. Let us strive to cultivate humility in our hearts and actions, seeking Allah's pleasure and the elevation of our souls. May Allah grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain His blessings and mercy.