Hadith #3818

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

كَمْ ذي عِزَّة رَدَّتْهُ الدُّنيا ذَليلاً۔

This can be translated as,

How many a person who possesses high standing has this world returned to humility!

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the potential for them to lead one away from humility.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (possesses high standing) "ذي عِزَّة" refers to someone who holds a position of honor, respect, or power in society. This person is esteemed and admired by others due to their accomplishments, wealth, or status. However, the Hadith reminds us that despite their apparent glory, the world has the ability to bring them down to a state of humility, "ذَليلاً۔"

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of humility. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse emphasizes that the materialistic pursuits of this world are temporary and will eventually fade away. The wealth, power, and status that one may possess are merely transient illusions. The world has a way of humbling those who become too attached to its temporary pleasures.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah says, (Quran 28:5-6)

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors and establish them in the land and show Pharaoh and [his minister] Haman and their soldiers through them that which they had feared.

This verse highlights the divine wisdom of Allah in uplifting the oppressed and humbling the oppressors. It serves as a reminder that worldly power and status are not indicators of true success and honor. Rather, it is the humility and righteousness of an individual that elevates them in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain grounded and humble, regardless of their worldly achievements. It is a call to detach ourselves from the transient nature of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. The Hadith encourages us to seek honor and success through humility, righteousness, and devotion to Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that the consequences of becoming too attached to worldly possessions and status are detrimental to our spiritual growth. When we prioritize materialistic pursuits over our relationship with Allah and our fellow human beings, we risk losing sight of our true purpose in life. We may become arrogant, self-centered, and disconnected from the needs of others. This not only harms our own souls but also creates divisions and injustices within society.

On the other hand, embracing humility allows us to recognize the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. It enables us to empathize with the struggles of others and extend a helping hand to those in need. Humility fosters unity, compassion, and a sense of gratitude for the blessings we have been given. It is through humility that we can truly elevate ourselves in the eyes of Allah and find contentment and peace in this world and the next.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of remaining humble. It serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims to prioritize their relationship with Allah and to seek honor and success through righteousness and devotion. By detaching ourselves from the temporary allure of this world, we can focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter and strive to be humble servants of Allah. May Allah guide us all on the path of humility and righteousness.