Hadith #363

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to

Put off boasting, give up self-conceit and remember your grave.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (fakhra) "فَخْرَكَ" refers to boasting or pride, while (kibra) "كِبْرَكَ" denotes self-conceit or arrogance. These two qualities are condemned in Islam as they lead to a sense of superiority and undermine the unity and humility that should characterize the Muslim community.

The Hadith then instructs us to "remember your grave." This serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. Reflecting upon the reality of our own mortality helps to keep our egos in check and encourages us to focus on the eternal life to come.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of humility and warn against arrogance. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So that you may not despair over what has eluded you nor exult [in pride] over what He has given you.

This verse reminds us that whatever we possess is ultimately a gift from Allah, and we should not allow it to become a source of arrogance or boasting.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman (31:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse cautions against the haughty attitude of looking down upon others and emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and humility.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us valuable lessons. Boasting and self-conceit are detrimental to our spiritual growth and can lead to the erosion of our character. When we indulge in self-praise, we become blind to our own flaws and fail to recognize the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. This arrogance creates division and distances us from our fellow Muslims.

On the other hand, remembering our grave serves as a powerful motivator for self-reflection and self-improvement. It reminds us that our time in this world is limited and that we will be held accountable for our actions. By contemplating the reality of death, we are encouraged to prioritize our deeds and strive for righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, advises us to put off boasting and self-conceit because he understands the detrimental effects they have on our spiritual well-being. He encourages us to cultivate humility, recognizing that true greatness lies in our submission to Allah and our service to humanity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to abandon pride and arrogance, and instead embrace humility and self-reflection. By doing so, we can foster unity within the Muslim community, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and prepare ourselves for the eternal life to come. May Allah guide us all to embody these teachings and grant us the wisdom to remember our grave.