Hadith #10698

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best person is one whose own faults distract him from the faults of others.

This beautiful saying highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement in the life of a Muslim. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (the best) "أفْضَلُ", (one whose own faults distract him) "مَنْ شَغَلَتْهُ", (from his own faults) "مَعايِبُهُ", and (from the faults of others) "عَنْ عُيُوبِ النّاسِ".

The word "أفْضَلُ" signifies excellence and superiority. It implies that the best among people possess a certain quality that sets them apart from others. In this context, it refers to a person who is able to divert their attention from the shortcomings of others due to their preoccupation with their own flaws. This quality is a manifestation of humility, self-awareness, and a sincere desire for self-improvement.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from mocking or belittling others, as they may possess virtues and qualities that surpass our own. It encourages us to focus on our own self-improvement rather than being preoccupied with the faults of others.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qalam (68:2), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And you are not, by the favor of your Lord, a madman.

This verse was revealed when the disbelievers accused the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) of being insane. It teaches us that when faced with criticism or negative judgments from others, we should remain steadfast in our beliefs and not allow their words to distract us from our own path of righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to adopt a mindset of self-reflection and self-improvement. It reminds us that our primary focus should be on rectifying our own faults and shortcomings, rather than being consumed by the faults of others. By constantly striving to better ourselves, we not only elevate our own spiritual status but also contribute positively to society.

This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to engage in introspection and self-evaluation. It prompts us to identify our own weaknesses, acknowledge them, and work towards rectifying them. When we are genuinely occupied with our own faults, we become less inclined to judge or criticize others. This fosters a culture of empathy, understanding, and forgiveness within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of humility. When we are aware of our own imperfections, we become more compassionate towards the flaws of others. We realize that we are all fallible human beings, and it is only through the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that we can strive for improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of focusing on our own faults rather than being preoccupied with the faults of others. It encourages self-reflection, self-improvement, and humility. By embodying these qualities, we can create a harmonious and compassionate society where individuals strive for personal growth while respecting the dignity and worth of others. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to constantly improve ourselves and be a source of goodness for others.