Hadith #7208

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,

العاقل يضع نفسه فيرتفع

which translates to

The intelligent one puts his self down and as a result he gets elevated.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of humility and selflessness in attaining true success and elevation in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "العاقل" refers to the intelligent or wise person who possesses deep understanding and insight. This wisdom is not merely intellectual, but also encompasses spiritual and moral dimensions. "يضع نفسه" means to humble oneself, to lower one's ego, and to prioritize the needs and well-being of others above one's own desires and interests. "فيرتفع" signifies the subsequent elevation and honor that is bestowed upon the one who practices humility and selflessness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of humility and selflessness in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). 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 lies not in one's lineage or social status, but in their righteousness and piety. By humbling oneself and treating others with kindness and respect, one can attain true elevation in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), 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 emphasizes that those who do not seek worldly power and dominance, but instead prioritize righteousness and justice, will be granted a lofty status in the Hereafter. By putting their own desires and ambitions aside and working for the betterment of society, they attain a higher spiritual rank.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate humility and selflessness in their lives. By putting our own egos aside and prioritizing the needs of others, we not only fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings, but also earn the pleasure and elevation from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This practice of humility and selflessness can be seen in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself, who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. Despite his elevated status, he always remained humble and approachable, serving as a shining example for all Muslims.

The consequences of practicing humility and selflessness are far-reaching. By putting our own desires and interests aside, we create an environment of compassion, unity, and harmony within our communities. This fosters a sense of brotherhood and cooperation, allowing us to collectively work towards the betterment of society. Moreover, it strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as we align our actions with His teachings and strive to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophets and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of humility and selflessness in attaining true success and elevation in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By putting our own egos aside and prioritizing the needs of others, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims, but also create a society based on justice, compassion, and unity. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek elevation through humility and selflessness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to practice these virtues.