Sunan Abi Dawud 4090
Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Allah Most High says: Pride is my cloak and majesty is my lower garment, and I shall throw him who view with me regarding one of them into Hell.
This hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith number 4090, narrates a statement attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in which Allah Most High describes His attributes. In addition to warning against arrogance towards Allah, this hadith can also be understood as cautioning against pride and arrogance displayed by individuals in this world.
- Allah’s Pride and Majesty: The hadith describes pride as Allah’s cloak and majesty as His lower garment, highlighting His greatness, grandeur, and authority.
- Warning against Arrogance: The hadith serves as a warning against people who demonstrate pride and arrogance, not only towards Allah but also towards others in this world. It indicates that such behavior is blameworthy and has negative consequences.
- Hellfire as a Metaphor: The hadith uses the imagery of being thrown into Hell as a metaphorical expression to emphasize the seriousness and severe consequences of arrogance and pride.
Lessons from this hadith:
a. Rejecting Arrogance: The hadith calls for the rejection of arrogance and pride in all aspects of life. It warns against looking down upon others, considering oneself superior, or belittling the rights and dignity of others.
b. Cultivating Humility: The hadith encourages believers to cultivate humility and modesty. It reminds us that true greatness lies in acknowledging our limitations, treating others with respect and kindness, and recognizing that all blessings and abilities come from Allah.
c. Avoiding Prideful Comparisons: The hadith cautions against comparing oneself to others in a way that promotes arrogance and feelings of superiority. It reminds us that true honor and status are not based on material possessions or worldly achievements but on piety and character.
d. Consequences of Arrogance: The hadith serves as a reminder that arrogance and pride lead to negative consequences. It warns that individuals who persist in such behavior may face divine retribution or social consequences in this world.
In summary, while the primary focus of the hadith is on arrogance towards Allah, it can also be applied to arrogance displayed by individuals towards others in this world. It calls for humility, rejects prideful comparisons, and warns about the negative consequences of arrogance. The hadith encourages believers to cultivate a modest and respectful attitude towards both Allah and fellow human beings.
Additional Information
The statement in the hadith, “my cloak and majesty is my lower garment,” is a metaphorical expression used to describe Allah’s attributes of pride and magnificence.
- “My cloak”: This phrase represents Allah’s pride. A cloak is an outer garment that covers and protects, symbolizing Allah’s greatness, honor, and superiority. It signifies that Allah is the ultimate source of pride and His attributes are unmatched.
- “Majesty is my lower garment”: This phrase represents Allah’s majesty or grandeur. The lower garment is an essential part of clothing, signifying dignity and authority. It signifies that Allah’s majesty encompasses and permeates His entire being, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and power.
Together, these expressions emphasize the exalted nature of Allah, describing His pride and majesty in a figurative manner. They convey that Allah is the ultimate source of honor, greatness, and authority, and His attributes are beyond compare. It’s important to note that these expressions should be understood within the context of the Arabic language and cultural expressions of the time. They are metaphorical in nature and should not be taken literally, as Allah is beyond human comprehension and cannot be fully described or encompassed by human language.
