Hadith #3308

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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 against the negative traits of arrogance, haughtiness, and pride. Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (shimah) "شيمَةِ" refers to a trait or characteristic. It is derived from the root word (shamma) "شَمَّ", which means to mark or brand. In this context, it signifies a negative trait that leaves a mark on one's character.

The word (kibr) "كِبْر" translates to arrogance or pride. It is an inflated sense of self-importance, where one considers themselves superior to others and looks down upon them. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah says,

Do not walk on the earth with arrogance. Indeed, you will never tear the earth apart, nor will you ever reach the mountains in height.

The term (tajabbur) "تَجَبُّر" refers to haughtiness or tyranny. It is the act of oppressing others, exerting power over them, and displaying a sense of superiority. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns this behavior in Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:21-22), saying,

So remind, for you are only a reminder. You are not over them a controller.

Lastly, the word (fakhr) "فَخْر" signifies pride or boastfulness. It is the act of excessively praising oneself and seeking validation from others. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), Allah says,

So that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the detrimental nature of these traits. Arrogance, haughtiness, and pride not only distance us from Allah but also lead to discord and injustice within society. They create a sense of entitlement and hinder personal growth and spiritual development.

Arrogance prevents us from recognizing our own flaws and seeking improvement. It blinds us to the truth and hinders our ability to learn from others. 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.

Haughtiness, on the other hand, breeds oppression and injustice. It leads individuals to exploit their power and authority, causing harm to those who are weaker. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205), Allah warns,

And when it is said to him, 'Fear Allah,' pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

Pride, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes, is devoid of any goodness. It is a self-centered attitude that hinders humility, gratitude, and empathy. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah reminds us,

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.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating humility, modesty, and gratitude in our hearts. We should strive to emulate the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who exemplified these qualities in their lives. By doing so, we can foster unity, justice, and compassion within our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the vices of arrogance, haughtiness, and pride, and grant us the wisdom to embody humility and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.