Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Al-‘Adbā', the Prophet's she-camel, was never outrun, or could hardly be outrun. It so happened that a Bedouin came riding atop a young camel of his, and it outran Al-‘Adbā'. This incident was so hard upon the Muslims, until he (the Prophet) came to know it and so he said: "It is the law of Allah that nothing rises high of the worldly life except that He brings it down."
The Hadīth indicates that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) believed that al-‘Adbā', the she-camel of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) could not be outrun, or could hardly be outrun. When a Bedouin came riding atop of his young camel and it outran Al-‘Adbā, this was so distressing for the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). On knowing how they felt, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is the law of Allah that nothing rises high of the worldly life except that He brings it down." This means that any prominence in this world must eventually revert to a decline. If this prominence is accompanied by excessive self-esteem and leaves its traces on the souls, then the decline will be even faster, because, in this case, it is a punishment. If it is not accompanied by anything of the aforementioned, it still must be subject to deterioration and decline. "Of the worldly life" indicates that what is elevated of the Hereafter matters is not brought down by Allah, as He says (what means): {Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge} [Sūrat al-Mujādilah: 11]. Those people mentioned in the verse will not be lowered by Allah, Exalted and Glorified, as long as they are characterized by having knowledge and faith. In no way shall Allah degrade them, instead, He raises their repute, and will raise their ranks in the Hereafter.