Hadith #8604

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ما هَلَكَ مَنْ عَرَفَ قَدْرَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

He who knows his worth does not get ruined.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (halaka) "هَلَكَ" in Arabic refers to destruction, ruin, or perishing. It signifies the loss of one's spiritual, moral, or worldly well-being. On the other hand, the word (arafa) "عَرَفَ" means to recognize, acknowledge, or comprehend. It implies having a deep understanding and awareness of one's true value and potential.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness. It urges us to evaluate our actions and intentions, recognizing the consequences they may have in this life and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And indeed, We have 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 highlights the inherent worth and dignity bestowed upon every human being by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Recognizing our own worth means acknowledging the blessings and potential that Allah has bestowed upon us.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) says,

He who knows his worth does not get ruined,

he is reminding us of the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem. When we truly understand our own value and potential, we are less likely to engage in actions that would lead to our own destruction. This knowledge acts as a guiding light, preventing us from succumbing to harmful behaviors, negative influences, and detrimental choices.

For example, a person who recognizes their worth would not engage in dishonesty, as they understand the importance of integrity and the negative consequences it can have on their character and relationships. Similarly, someone who knows their worth would not allow themselves to be manipulated or mistreated, as they understand their right to be treated with respect and dignity.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to strive for self-improvement and personal growth. When we recognize our own worth, we are motivated to develop our skills, talents, and knowledge. This pursuit of excellence not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of self-awareness and recognizing our own worth. By understanding our value and potential, we are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors and more inclined to strive for personal growth and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize our worth and guide us on the path of righteousness.