Hadith #9049

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المُتَجَبِّرُ الظّالِمُ تُوبِقُهُ آثامُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The haughty oppressor is destroyed by his sins.

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

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "المُتَجَبِّرُ" refers to someone who is arrogant, proud, and full of self-importance. This person considers themselves superior to others and looks down upon them. "الظّالِمُ" refers to an oppressor, someone who wrongs others and transgresses the boundaries of justice. "تُوبِقُهُ" means to destroy or ruin, and "آثامُهُ" refers to sins or wrongdoings.

The Quran emphasizes the destructive nature of arrogance and oppression. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 31:18)

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse warns against the arrogance and pride that leads one to oppress and look down upon others. Allah dislikes those who are self-deluded and boastful, as they are far from the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 7:58)

And We destroyed those who were arrogant, and they were criminals.

This verse highlights the consequences of arrogance and oppression. Those who are haughty and unjust are ultimately destroyed by their own actions. Their sins lead to their downfall and ruin.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes the teachings of the Quran. It serves as a reminder that arrogance and oppression have severe consequences. The haughty oppressor, who considers themselves above others and transgresses the boundaries of justice, is ultimately destroyed by their own sins.

Let us reflect on the implications of this Hadith. Arrogance and oppression not only harm others but also bring about one's own destruction. When a person becomes consumed by their own ego and mistreats others, they distance themselves from the path of righteousness and invite the wrath of Allah. Their sins accumulate and lead to their downfall in this world and the hereafter.

As Muslims, we are called to embody the qualities of humility, justice, and compassion. We should strive to treat others with kindness and fairness, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of arrogance and oppression.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance and oppression, and grant us the strength to uphold justice and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.