Hadith #6499

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims, regardless of their sect, to reflect upon their own positions of authority and the potential dangers that come with it. The Imam advises that when one's self-importance is inflated due to their position of power, leading to arrogance or vanity, they should redirect their focus towards the greatness of Allah's authority and power. By doing so, they will realize the insignificance of their own authority in comparison to that of Allah, and this realization will help them overcome their arrogance and regain their lost intellect.

Let us delve deeper into the key words and concepts mentioned in this hadith. The word (self-importance) "عُجْبُكَ" refers to an excessive sense of pride and self-worth that arises from one's position of authority or power. It is a state of being impressed with oneself and considering oneself superior to others. The term (arrogance) "أُبَّهَةٌ" signifies a state of haughtiness and disdain towards others, while (vanity) "مَخيلَةٌ" refers to an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive preoccupation with one's own appearance or achievements.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to counteract these negative traits by reflecting upon the greatness of Allah's authority and power. The Imam reminds us that the authority we possess is limited and temporary, whereas Allah's authority is absolute and eternal. We are incapable of even controlling our own selves, let alone having complete dominion over others. This realization should humble us and remind us of our true place in the grand scheme of things.

To further understand the significance of this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Mulk (67:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent.

This verse emphasizes the absolute authority and power of Allah, highlighting His control over everything in the universe. When we reflect upon this verse, we realize that any authority or power we possess is merely a temporary trust from Allah, and it is our duty to use it wisely and with humility.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Say, 'O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.'

This verse emphasizes that all authority and power ultimately belong to Allah, and He bestows it upon whom He wills. It is a reminder for us to be grateful for any position of authority we may have and to use it for the betterment of society, rather than for personal gain or arrogance.

The consequences of failing to heed the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) are dire. When individuals become consumed by their own self-importance and allow arrogance and vanity to take hold, they distance themselves from their own intellect. Arrogance blinds a person to their own shortcomings and prevents them from seeking knowledge, guidance, and improvement. It hinders their ability to make sound decisions and act with wisdom and compassion. Ultimately, it leads to the deterioration of their character and the erosion of their relationships with others.

On the other hand, by reflecting upon the greatness of Allah's authority and power, individuals are able to regain their humility and reconnect with their intellect. They recognize that their position of authority is a means for serving others and fulfilling their responsibilities, rather than a source of personal pride. This realization enables them to make decisions with wisdom, empathy, and fairness. It also fosters a sense of gratitude towards Allah for the trust He has bestowed upon them, motivating them to use their authority for the betterment of society and the upliftment of others.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their positions of authority and guard against the dangers of arrogance and vanity. By redirecting our focus towards the greatness of Allah's authority and power, we are able to overcome our inflated self-importance and regain our lost intellect. This reflection enables us to use our authority wisely, with humility and compassion, and to fulfill our responsibilities towards others. May Allah guide us all to be mindful of our positions of authority and to use them for the betterment of humanity.