Hadith #8471

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The most foolish of people is the arrogant pauper.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (humqan) "حُمْقًا" translates to "foolish" or "ignorant." It refers to a person who lacks wisdom, understanding, and insight. The term (faqeer) "فَقِيرٌ" means "pauper" or

one who is poor.

And finally, (mutakabbir) "مُتَكَبِّرٌ" denotes "arrogant" or "proud."

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against arrogance in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:37)

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth apart, and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse highlights the futility of arrogance and the insignificance of human beings in the grand scheme of creation. Arrogance blinds a person to their own limitations and leads them to belittle others. It is a characteristic that distances one from the path of righteousness and humility.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 58:11)

Indeed, Allah raises those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the foolishness of an arrogant pauper. This Hadith serves as a reminder that true wisdom lies not in material wealth or social status, but in knowledge and humility.

An arrogant pauper is someone who lacks material possessions but is filled with pride and arrogance. They may look down upon others, considering themselves superior due to their perceived knowledge or lineage. However, this arrogance blinds them to their own ignorance and prevents them from seeking true knowledge and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against falling into the trap of arrogance, regardless of our social or economic status. He reminds us that true wisdom lies in humility and seeking knowledge. A person who is humble and open to learning will always be more enlightened and wise, regardless of their material possessions.

The consequences of arrogance are severe. It distances a person from the mercy and guidance of Allah, as mentioned in the Quran, (Quran 16:23)

Indeed, He does not love the arrogant.

Arrogance also hinders personal growth and prevents one from benefiting from the knowledge and wisdom of others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of humility and knowledge in our lives as Muslims. We should strive to acquire knowledge and wisdom, not for the sake of pride or superiority, but to benefit ourselves and others. We should be humble in our interactions with others, recognizing that true worth lies in our character and piety, not in our material possessions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It highlights the foolishness of an arrogant pauper and emphasizes the importance of humility and knowledge. Let us strive to embody these qualities in our lives, seeking knowledge with humility and treating others with kindness and respect. May Allah guide us all on the path of wisdom and righteousness.