Hadith #10999

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 noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ كانَ مُتَواضِعاً لَمْ يَعْدَمِ الشَّرَفَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of humility and asserts that one who possesses humility will never be deprived of honor.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (mutawādiʿan) "مُتَوَاضِعًا" is derived from the root word (tawādaʿa) "تَوَاضَعَ", which means to be humble, modest, and unassuming. It implies a person's willingness to lower themselves and not consider themselves superior to others. The word (sharaf) "شَّرَفَ" refers to honor, dignity, and respect.

To comprehend the significance of humility and its connection to honor, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 honor and nobility are not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly status. Rather, it is determined by righteousness and piety. A person who humbles themselves before Allah and treats others with kindness and respect is truly honorable 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 superiority or engage in corrupt practices will be rewarded with the eternal abode of the Hereafter. Their humility and contentment with their position in this world will lead to a blessed outcome and honor in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a source of strength and honor. When a person humbles themselves, they acknowledge their dependence on Allah and recognize the worth and dignity of others. This humility fosters unity, compassion, and harmony within society.

Humility also protects us from arrogance, pride, and the desire for power and control. It allows us to focus on self-improvement, seeking knowledge, and serving others. By being humble, we gain the respect and admiration of others, as they witness our sincerity and genuine concern for their well-being.

Moreover, humility enables us to learn from our mistakes and seek forgiveness when we err. It allows us to accept constructive criticism and grow spiritually. When we approach others with humility, we create an environment of trust and open communication, fostering stronger relationships and a sense of community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound connection between humility and honor. By embracing humility, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. Let us strive to cultivate humility in our hearts, knowing that it is a key to attaining true honor in the sight of Allah and earning the respect and admiration of our fellow Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability to embody humility and bless us with everlasting honor in this world and the Hereafter.