Hadith #9060

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of arrogance and extravagance. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (kibr) "كِبْرَ" refers to arrogance or pride. It is the attitude of considering oneself superior to others and looking down upon them. The Quran repeatedly condemns arrogance and emphasizes the importance of humility. In Surah Luqman (31:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And turn not your cheek away from people in pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not each arrogant boaster.

The word (saraaf) "سَرَفَ" means extravagance or excessive spending. It refers to the act of indulging in luxurious and unnecessary expenses beyond one's needs. The Quran discourages extravagance and encourages moderation and balance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that those who indulge in arrogance and extravagance strip themselves of the attires of merit and honor. This means that such individuals lose the virtues and qualities that bring them respect and dignity in the eyes of Allah and the people.

Arrogance and extravagance are detrimental to one's spiritual growth and development. They create a barrier between the individual and Allah, preventing them from attaining true righteousness and closeness to Him. Additionally, they lead to a sense of entitlement and superiority, causing harm to relationships and society as a whole.

The Quran provides us with numerous examples and teachings that highlight the negative consequences of arrogance and extravagance. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

The story of Qarun serves as a warning against arrogance and extravagance. Despite his wealth and possessions, Qarun's arrogance led to his downfall and the loss of his honor and status. Similarly, the Quran cautions us against following in his footsteps and reminds us that true honor lies in righteousness and humility.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating humility and moderation in our lives. We should strive to avoid arrogance and extravagance, recognizing that true merit and honor come from righteousness and piety. By doing so, we not only attain the pleasure of Allah but also foster harmonious relationships and contribute positively to society.

May Allah guide us to embody the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance and extravagance and grant us the wisdom to lead lives of humility and moderation.