Hadith #11003

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) highlights the profound concept of humility in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when a person demonstrates humility, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) elevates their status and increases their honor.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The term (tawāḍaʿa) "تَواضَعَ" refers to the act of showing humility, modesty, and humbleness. It is a state of acknowledging one's limitations and recognizing the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This humility is not just an external display but also an internal state of the heart.

The phrase (zādahu Allah taʿālā jalālah)

زادَهُ اللّهُ تَعالى جَلالَةً

translates to

Allah, the Exalted, increases his loftiness.

This signifies that when a person humbles themselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) raises their status and increases their honor in the eyes of others. It is a divine reward for their sincere humility.

The concept of humility is deeply rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility and its rewards. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 16:128)

And whoever humbles himself for Allah and is righteous - then indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights that those who humble themselves for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will be blessed with His presence and support.

Another verse that emphasizes the significance of humility is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where 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 reminds us to avoid arrogance and pride, as it is disliked by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate humility in their lives. When we humble ourselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we acknowledge our dependence on Him and recognize His infinite greatness. This humility should manifest in our actions, speech, and interactions with others.

When we demonstrate humility, we become more receptive to guidance and knowledge. We recognize that we are constantly in need of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mercy and seek His forgiveness. Humility also allows us to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us and to be grateful for them.

Furthermore, humility has a profound impact on our relationships with others. It fosters unity, compassion, and empathy. When we humble ourselves, we treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their status or background. This creates an atmosphere of harmony and cooperation within the Muslim community.

Conversely, arrogance and pride distance us from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and lead to the degradation of our character. Arrogance blinds us to our own faults and prevents us from seeking improvement. It also breeds animosity and division among people, as it promotes a sense of superiority and belittlement of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of humility in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we humble ourselves sincerely, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) elevates our status and increases our honor. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that highlight the significance of humility and warn against arrogance. As Muslims, we should strive to embody humility in our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others, seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) pleasure and the betterment of our own souls. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate true humility and bless us with His mercy and guidance.