Hadith #10524

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ كَرُمَتْ عَلَيْهِ نَفْسُهُ لَمْ يُهِنْهَا بِالْمَعْصِيَةِ

which translates to,

One who considers his soul to be honourable does not abase it by sinning.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of valuing and preserving the dignity of one's own soul.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words and their meanings. The word (karumat) "كَرُمَتْ" refers to considering or regarding something as honorable or noble. (nafsuhu) "نَفْسُهُ" means one's own soul or self. (lam yuhinaha) "لَمْ يُهِنْهَا" signifies not abasing or demeaning it. And finally, (bil-ma'siyah) "بِالْمَعْصِيَةِ" refers to sinning or committing acts of disobedience.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-respect and self-honor. It teaches us that a person who truly values their own soul will not degrade it by engaging in sinful actions. This means that one should strive to maintain their moral integrity and refrain from indulging in any behavior that goes against the teachings of Islam.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:70),

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has honored the human being and bestowed upon them numerous blessings and favors. As Muslims, we are called to recognize and appreciate this honor by living a life of righteousness and avoiding sinful acts. By doing so, we uphold the dignity and honor that Allah has bestowed upon us.

Another verse that complements the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 nobility and honor lie in righteousness and piety. It is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or social status. Therefore, a person who considers their soul to be honorable will strive to maintain their righteousness and avoid falling into the trap of sin.

Reflecting on the thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand the motivations and consequences of abiding by this principle. When a person values their own soul and refrains from sinning, they are motivated by a deep sense of self-respect and a desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They understand that their actions have consequences not only in this world but also in the Hereafter.

By abstaining from sinful acts, a person protects their soul from the spiritual and emotional harm that comes with disobedience. They also maintain their integrity and honor in the eyes of others, setting a positive example for fellow Muslims. Furthermore, by upholding the teachings of Islam, they contribute to the betterment of society and the promotion of peace and justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to value and preserve the honor and dignity of their own souls. By considering our souls to be honorable, we are motivated to refrain from sinning and to live a life of righteousness. This principle is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of self-respect and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to uphold the honor of our souls and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.