Hadith #10532

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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 رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ ظَهَرَتْ عَلَيْهِ المَعائِبُ۔

This amazing Hadith holds a deep meaning and serves as a reminder for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (radiya) "رَضِيَ" means to be pleased, satisfied, or content. (nafsihi) "نَفْسِهِ" refers to oneself or one's own self. (zaharat) "ظَهَرَتْ" means to become apparent or manifest. And finally, (al-ma'aib) "المَعائِبُ" refers to flaws, imperfections, or shortcomings.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 43:36)

And whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion.

This verse highlights the consequences of being pleased with oneself and neglecting the remembrance of Allah. When one becomes self-satisfied and fails to acknowledge their flaws, they become susceptible to the whispers of Shaytan, leading them astray from the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 3:156)

O you who have believed, do not be like those who disbelieved and said about their brothers when they traveled through the land or went out to fight, 'If they had been with us, they would not have died or have been killed,' so Allah makes that [misconception] a regret within their hearts.

This verse highlights the danger of being pleased with oneself to the extent of belittling others. Such arrogance blinds a person to their own flaws and prevents them from recognizing the worth and capabilities of others.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, reminds us that when we are content with ourselves without acknowledging our flaws, those very flaws become apparent and known to others. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage in self-reflection and self-improvement.

When a person is pleased with themselves, they may become complacent and fail to recognize their weaknesses. This can lead to stagnation in personal growth and hinder spiritual progress. However, when one humbly acknowledges their flaws and strives to rectify them, they open the doors to self-improvement and spiritual elevation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true self-satisfaction lies in recognizing our shortcomings and actively working towards their improvement. By doing so, we not only enhance our own character but also inspire others to embark on a similar journey of self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid complacency and arrogance. By being content with ourselves without acknowledging our flaws, we risk exposing those very flaws to others. It is through self-reflection, humility, and continuous self-improvement that we can strive to become better individuals and fulfill our purpose as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on this journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.