Hadith #10501

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 سَخِطَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ أرْضى رَبَّهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever is displeased with himself pleases his Lord.

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

The word (sakhita) "سَخِطَ" in this Hadith refers to being displeased or dissatisfied with oneself. It implies a deep sense of self-reflection and recognition of one's flaws and shortcomings. It is an acknowledgment of one's imperfections and a desire for self-improvement. This self-displeasure is not rooted in self-hatred or low self-esteem, but rather in a sincere aspiration for spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this concept, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (28:77)

And turn not your face away from people (with pride), nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster.

This verse highlights the importance of humility and modesty, which are essential qualities for a believer. When we are displeased with ourselves, we are more likely to avoid arrogance and pride, as we recognize our own limitations and weaknesses.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from mocking or belittling others. When we are displeased with ourselves, we are more inclined to treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy, as we understand the pain that can be caused by hurtful words and actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that by being displeased with ourselves, we can please our Lord. This means that when we recognize our faults and strive to rectify them, we are demonstrating sincerity and humility in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through this self-reflection and self-improvement that we can attain spiritual growth and draw closer to our Creator.

When we are displeased with ourselves, we are motivated to seek forgiveness and repentance. This leads to a heightened sense of self-awareness and accountability for our actions. We become more conscious of our intentions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. This self-displeasure acts as a catalyst for positive change and self-development.

Moreover, being displeased with ourselves allows us to empathize with others and treat them with compassion and understanding. It fosters a sense of humility, as we recognize that we are all fallible human beings in need of Allah's mercy and forgiveness. This humility enables us to build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts, and contribute positively to our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of self-reflection, self-improvement, and humility. By being displeased with ourselves, we please our Lord by demonstrating sincerity, seeking forgiveness, and striving for spiritual growth. This self-displeasure motivates us to treat others with kindness and empathy, fostering stronger relationships and contributing to a harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be displeased with ourselves and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.