Hadith #11000

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 تَواضَعَ عَظَّمَهُ اللّهُ ورَفَعَهُ

which translates to

Whoever has humility, Allah honours and elevates him.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of humility in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (tawāḍaʿa) "تَوَاضَعَ" refers to the act of humbling oneself, showing modesty, and acknowledging one's own limitations. It is a quality that stems from a sincere recognition of one's dependence on Allah and a realization of His greatness. The word (ʿaẓẓamahu) "عَظَّمَهُ" means that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) magnifies and exalts the person who possesses humility. And finally, the word (rafʿahu) "رَفَعَهُ" signifies that Allah raises and elevates such an individual in rank and status.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the significance of humility and its rewards. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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 highlights that true nobility and honor lie in righteousness and piety, rather than in worldly status or lineage. It is the humble and righteous individuals who are truly elevated in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah states,

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 emphasizes that those who do not seek worldly power or engage in corruption, but instead remain humble and righteous, will be granted the ultimate reward in the Hereafter.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that humility is a virtue that brings about immense blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When a person humbles themselves before Allah, acknowledging their own weaknesses and limitations, they open themselves up to His mercy and blessings. This humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and wisdom. It is a recognition that all power and honor belong to Allah alone.

When a person possesses humility, they are more likely to seek knowledge, guidance, and forgiveness from Allah. They are open to learning from others, accepting constructive criticism, and acknowledging their own mistakes. This humility also enables them to treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy, regardless of their social status or background.

In contrast, arrogance and pride lead to the downfall of individuals. The Quran repeatedly warns against arrogance and its consequences. 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 become, we are still limited beings in the grand scheme of Allah's creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that humility is a quality that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) values and rewards. It is through humility that we recognize our dependence on Allah and acknowledge His greatness. By humbling ourselves, we open the doors to Allah's mercy, blessings, and elevation in rank. Let us strive to cultivate humility in our hearts and actions, seeking to please Allah and emulate the noble example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah grant us the ability to embody true humility and may He elevate us in this world and the Hereafter.