Hadith #9063

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لايَتَكَبَّرُ إلاّ وَضيعٌ خامِلٌ۔

This can be translated into English as:

No one shows arrogance but the vile, unknown one.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (takabbar) "تَكَبَّرُ" in the Hadith refers to arrogance or pride. It is an attitude of considering oneself superior to others and looking down upon them. This arrogance stems from a sense of self-importance and a lack of humility. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that no one displays arrogance except for someone who is (wadīʿ) "وَضيعٌ" and (khāmil) "خَامِلٌ".

The word (wadīʿ) "وَضيعٌ" refers to someone vile or despicable. It describes a person who lacks moral integrity, decency, and noble qualities. Such an individual is characterized by their lowly behavior and contemptible actions. They are devoid of any true worth or honor.

The word (khāmil) "خَامِلٌ" refers to someone unknown or insignificant. It signifies a person who is not recognized or acknowledged by others. They have no standing or influence in society. Their arrogance is a futile attempt to compensate for their own insignificance.

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

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 reminds us that no matter how powerful or influential we may think we are, we are still limited beings in the grand scheme of creation. Our arrogance is baseless and futile, as we cannot even control the earth beneath our feet. It is a reminder of our insignificance in the face of Allah's infinite power and wisdom.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of arrogance is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), where Allah says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

The story of Qarun serves as a cautionary tale against arrogance and its destructive consequences. Despite his wealth and power, Qarun's arrogance led to his downfall and the punishment of Allah. This verse teaches us that true honor and worth come from humility and righteousness, not from material possessions or worldly status.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the correlation between arrogance and moral degradation. It highlights that those who display arrogance are inherently vile and lacking in noble qualities. Their arrogance stems from their own insecurities and shortcomings, as they try to compensate for their own insignificance.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate humility and avoid falling into the trap of arrogance. It encourages us to recognize our own limitations and to treat others with respect and kindness. By doing so, we can strive to emulate the noble qualities exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the perils of arrogance and its association with moral degradation. It reminds us to remain humble and to avoid looking down upon others. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that condemn arrogance, we can gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of such behavior. May Allah guide us all to humility and righteousness, and protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance.