28/16. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3592 — Allah Lowers What Raises Itself
Janab (Avoidance)
Allah Lowers What Raises Itself in This World
Sunan an-Nasai : 3592
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3592
أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرُو بْنُ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ سَعِيدِ بْنِ كَثِيرٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا بَقِيَّةُ بْنُ الْوَلِيدِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَى شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي حُمَيْدٌ الطَّوِيلُ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ سَابَقَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَعْرَابِيٌّ فَسَبَقَهُ فَكَأَنَّ أَصْحَابَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَجَدُوا فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ فَقِيلَ لَهُ فِي ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ " حَقٌّ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ لاَ يَرْفَعَ شَىْءٌ نَفْسَهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا إِلاَّ وَضَعَهُ اللَّهُ " .
Anas bin Malik Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah raced with a Bedouin and (the latter) won. It was as if the Companions of the Messenger of Allah were upset by this, so he said: 'It is a right upon Allah that there is nothing that raises itself in this world except that He lowers it.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3592In-book reference : Book 28, Hadith 32English translation : Vol. 4, Book 28, Hadith 3622
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3592
This hadith about humility tells of a race in which a Bedouin defeated the Messenger of Allah. The Companions appeared upset by the result. The Prophet then gave them a lasting lesson: it is a right upon Allah that nothing raises itself in this world except that He lowers it. The event shows that worldly victory should not become a source of pride or excessive attachment. The wording points especially to anything that raises itself, so the focus is on worldly elevation and the need for humility. The Prophet did not react with anger over losing. Instead, he used the moment to correct the Companions' feelings and remind them that worldly rank, winning, and reputation do not stay above change forever.
What we learn from this hadith
- A worldly defeat can carry a useful lesson in humility.
- Worldly elevation and winning do not remain permanent.
- The Prophet responded to loss with calm teaching rather than pride.
