Hadith #10429

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst thing is being pleased with oneself.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the danger of arrogance and self-satisfaction. To fully understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" translates to "worst" or "evil." It refers to something that is morally or spiritually harmful. In this context, it signifies the negative consequences and detrimental effects of a particular action or state.

The word (al-umoor) "الأُمُورِ" means "things" or "matters." It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our actions, thoughts, and attitudes.

The phrase (ar-rida 'ani an-nafs) "الرِّضا عَنِ النَّفْسِ" can be translated as

being pleased with oneself

or "self-satisfaction." It refers to a state of contentment and satisfaction with one's own actions, opinions, or achievements, often accompanied by a sense of superiority or arrogance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the dangers of arrogance and self-satisfaction in several verses.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse highlights the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and resources. However, he became arrogant and proud, leading to his downfall. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that He does not favor those who exult in their own achievements and possessions.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

That is because they said to those who disliked what Allah sent down, 'We will obey you in part of the matter.' But Allah knows their secrets.

This verse highlights the danger of blindly following the opinions and desires of others, even if they contradict the teachings of Allah. It warns against being pleased with oneself and compromising one's faith for the sake of pleasing others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and actions. It cautions against falling into the trap of self-satisfaction and arrogance, as it hinders personal growth and spiritual development.

When one becomes pleased with oneself, they become complacent and fail to recognize their own flaws and shortcomings. This can lead to stagnation in both personal and spiritual growth. It prevents individuals from seeking improvement and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, being pleased with oneself often leads to a sense of superiority over others. This arrogance creates divisions and conflicts within society, as individuals fail to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of others. It goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize humility, compassion, and unity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain humble and constantly strive for self-improvement. It encourages us to seek Allah's guidance and to be open to constructive criticism. By recognizing our own weaknesses and shortcomings, we can embark on a journey of self-reflection and self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the dangers of being pleased with oneself. It reminds Muslims to remain humble, constantly seeking improvement and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Arrogance and self-satisfaction hinder personal and spiritual growth, and they create divisions within society. By embracing humility and self-reflection, we can strive towards becoming better individuals and contributing positively to our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from arrogance and grant us the ability to constantly seek His guidance.