Hadith #7987

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التقلل، ولاالتذلل" which translates to

Having less is preferable to humiliation.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's dignity and self-respect, even if it means having less in material possessions or worldly status.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (taqallul) "التقلل" refers to having less or reducing oneself, while (tadhallul) "التذلل" signifies humiliation or debasement. These words highlight the stark contrast between choosing to live a humble life with contentment, and subjecting oneself to indignity and dishonor.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:37),

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 of the transitory nature of worldly possessions and the futility of seeking superiority over others. It encourages us to adopt humility and modesty in our conduct, recognizing that true honor lies in our relationship with Allah and our moral character.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding arrogance and belittling others. It teaches us that true worth lies in piety and righteousness, not in material possessions or social status. By choosing humility over humiliation, we preserve our own dignity and refrain from causing harm to others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual and moral well-being over worldly gains. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic mindset that often leads to arrogance, envy, and the mistreatment of others. By embracing simplicity and contentment, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of wealth and power, and instead focus on cultivating inner peace and righteousness.

Choosing to have less rather than subjecting oneself to humiliation has profound consequences. It allows us to develop a strong sense of self-worth that is not dependent on external factors. It enables us to live a life of contentment and gratitude, appreciating the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, regardless of their quantity or quality. It also fosters empathy and compassion towards those who are less fortunate, as we recognize that their worth as human beings is not diminished by their material circumstances.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. His words echo the teachings of the Quran, guiding us towards a path of humility, self-respect, and spiritual growth. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the principles highlighted in this Hadith, recognizing that true success lies in our relationship with Allah and our treatment of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose humility over humiliation and bless us with contentment in this world and the Hereafter.