Hadith #10988

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

بِكَثْرَةِ التَّواضُعِ يَتَكامَلُ الشَّرَفُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Through increased humility, honour is perfected.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of humility in attaining true honor and nobility.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words and their significance. The word (tawāḍuʿ) "تَواضُعِ" refers to humility, modesty, and humbleness. It is the act of recognizing one's own limitations and submitting oneself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (yatakāmulu) "يَتَكامَلُ" means to reach perfection or completion, and (al-sharafu) "الشَّرَفُ" refers to honor, dignity, and nobility.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of humility and its relationship to honor and nobility. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 lies in righteousness and piety, rather than in worldly status or lineage. It is through the practice of humility and righteousness that one attains true nobility in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 highlights that those who do not seek worldly status or engage in corruption, but instead remain humble and righteous, will be rewarded with a place in the eternal abode of honor and success.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that true honor and nobility are not achieved through arrogance, pride, or seeking superiority over others. Instead, they are attained through the practice of humility, recognizing our own weaknesses and limitations, and submitting ourselves to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we humble ourselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we acknowledge His infinite knowledge, wisdom, and power, and we recognize our dependence on Him.

Practicing humility also enables us to treat others with kindness, compassion, and respect, regardless of their social status or background. It fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community and promotes a sense of equality and brotherhood. By embodying humility, we follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were known for their humility and selflessness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true honor and nobility are attained through increased humility. By practicing humility, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It is through humility that we recognize our place as servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to attain His pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate and increase in humility, and may He bestow upon us true honor and nobility in this world and the Hereafter.