Hadith #9225

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,

مَنْ رَبّاهُ الهَوانُ أبْطَرَتْهُ الكَرامَةُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who is raised by disgrace is made vain by high esteem.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (hawaan) "هَوانُ" refers to disgrace, humiliation, or degradation. It signifies a state of being lowered in status or dignity. On the other hand, (karamah) "كَرامَةُ" means high esteem, honor, or dignity. It represents a state of being elevated or respected.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true honor and nobility are not determined by worldly status or material wealth, but by righteousness and piety. It is the character and actions of an individual that truly elevate them in the sight of Allah. Therefore, if someone is raised to a position of high esteem without possessing the qualities of righteousness, they are likely to become vain and arrogant.

Another verse that sheds light on this Hadith is found in Surah An-Nahl (16:76), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And Allah presents an example of two men, one of them dumb and unable to do a thing, while he is a burden to his guardian. Wherever he directs him, he brings no good. Is he equal to one who commands justice, while he is on a straight path?

This verse illustrates the contrast between two individuals: one who is incapable and burdensome, and the other who is just and righteous. It highlights the importance of character and actions in determining a person's worth. No matter how high someone may be raised in society, if they lack righteousness and the ability to bring about positive change, their elevated status becomes meaningless.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that it serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of humility and righteousness. It warns against seeking honor and esteem through unjust means or by compromising one's principles. True honor lies in the path of righteousness, and those who are raised by disgrace will ultimately be exposed and brought low.

This Hadith also serves as a cautionary message for those who are in positions of power or authority. It reminds them that their status and influence should be used for the betterment of society and the establishment of justice, rather than for personal gain or self-aggrandizement. It is a call to leaders to remain humble, just, and mindful of their responsibilities towards those they govern.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true honor and dignity come from righteousness and humility, not from worldly status or material wealth. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize character and actions over external appearances. May we all strive to embody the qualities of righteousness and humility, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us success in this endeavor.