Hadith #6504

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ أُعْجِبَ بِرَأْيِهِ ذَلَّ (ضَلَّ)

which translates to

One who admires his [own] opinion becomes abased (or goes astray).

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the danger of excessive self-admiration and the negative consequences that can arise from it.

To fully understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words used. The word (u'jiba) "أُعْجِبَ" comes from the root word (a'jaba) "عَجَبَ", which means to be amazed, astonished, or impressed. It implies a sense of self-satisfaction and pride in one's own opinions or ideas. The word (ra'ihi) "رَأْيِهِ" refers to one's own opinion or viewpoint.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that when a person becomes excessively enamored with their own opinions, they are bound to face humiliation or deviation. This is because excessive self-admiration can blind an individual to the truth and prevent them from seeking guidance from Allah and His teachings.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the importance of humility and seeking guidance from Allah rather than relying solely on our own opinions. In Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse emphasizes the need for knowledge and understanding before forming opinions. It cautions against blindly following one's own desires and opinions without seeking proper knowledge and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse highlights the importance of verifying information and seeking knowledge before making judgments or forming opinions. It reminds us that hasty decisions based on personal opinions can lead to harm and regret.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain humble and open to guidance from Allah and His teachings. When we become too attached to our own opinions, we risk falling into arrogance and straying from the right path. This can have serious consequences not only for ourselves but also for those around us.

Excessive self-admiration can lead to a closed-minded approach, where we reject alternative perspectives and fail to consider the wisdom and guidance of others. It can hinder our ability to learn and grow, as we become resistant to new ideas and insights. This can result in missed opportunities for personal development and spiritual growth.

Moreover, when we become too attached to our own opinions, we may become blinded to our own shortcomings and weaknesses. We may fail to recognize our own mistakes and refuse to accept constructive criticism. This can lead to a stagnant and narrow-minded mindset, preventing us from evolving and improving ourselves.

On the other hand, when we approach matters with humility and a willingness to seek guidance from Allah and His teachings, we open ourselves up to a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. We become receptive to different perspectives and are more likely to make informed decisions based on a broader understanding of the situation.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain humble and open-minded. Excessive self-admiration and attachment to our own opinions can lead to deviation and humiliation. By seeking guidance from Allah and His teachings, we can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and ensure that our decisions are based on knowledge and wisdom. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the right path and protect us from the dangers of excessive self-admiration.