Hadith #9052

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, "كُلُّ مُتَكَبِّر حَقيرٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Every arrogant one is low.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (mutakabbir) "مُتَكَبِّر" refers to someone who is arrogant, proud, and haughty. It describes a person who considers themselves superior to others, belittles them, and looks down upon them. Such an individual is filled with a sense of self-importance and fails to recognize the worth and dignity of others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly condemns arrogance and pride, emphasizing the importance of humility and modesty. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 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 high we perceive ourselves to be, we are ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of creation.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman, verse 18, Allah warns against arrogance, saying,

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 highlights the displeasure of Allah towards those who display arrogance and pride.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that arrogance is not only detrimental to our relationships with others but also diminishes our own worth in the eyes of Allah. When a person becomes consumed by their own self-importance, they lose sight of their true purpose in life - to worship Allah and serve humanity with humility and compassion.

Arrogance leads to a multitude of negative consequences. It hinders personal growth, prevents meaningful connections with others, and creates divisions within society. Arrogant individuals often fail to acknowledge their own shortcomings and are resistant to accepting advice or constructive criticism. This closed-mindedness limits their potential for self-improvement and prevents them from benefiting from the wisdom and experiences of others.

On the other hand, humility is a virtue highly praised in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, (Muslim)

Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will elevate him.

Humility allows us to recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, enabling us to seek knowledge, rectify our mistakes, and grow as individuals.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain humble and avoid the destructive path of arrogance. By recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, we can foster unity, compassion, and understanding within our communities.

Let us reflect on this Hadith and strive to embody the qualities of humility and modesty in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance and guide us on the path of righteousness.