Hadith #10726

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst person is one who considers himself to be the best of them.

This wise utterance highlights the danger of arrogance and self-righteousness. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (sharru) "شَرُّ", which translates to "worst" or "most evil." It signifies the lowest and most despicable state a person can reach. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the severity of this characteristic and its detrimental effects on an individual's character and relationships.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance and self-conceit in several verses. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, Allah says,

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 reminds us that true righteousness lies in humility and seeking the pleasure of Allah, rather than seeking superiority over others.

Another verse that sheds light on the meaning of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, where Allah says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding arrogance and belittling others, as it is not for us to judge the worth or righteousness of individuals.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of falling into the trap of self-righteousness and arrogance. When a person considers themselves to be superior to others, they become blind to their own flaws and weaknesses. This arrogance can lead to a lack of empathy, compassion, and understanding towards others.

Furthermore, this attitude can create division and animosity within the Muslim community. When individuals believe they are better than others, they may look down upon their fellow Muslims, causing resentment and disunity. Islam promotes unity, brotherhood, and equality among believers, and this Hadith serves as a warning against actions that undermine these principles.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the dangers of arrogance and self-righteousness. He exemplified humility throughout his life, even though he possessed unparalleled knowledge and virtues. His humility allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life and earn their respect and admiration.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to guard against arrogance and self-righteousness. It warns us of the dangers of considering ourselves superior to others and emphasizes the importance of humility, empathy, and unity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from falling into the trap of self-conceit and grant us the wisdom to recognize our own shortcomings.