Hadith #6505

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 أُعْجِبَ بِفِعْلِهِ أُصيبَ بِعَقْلِهِ۔

This Hadith highlights the consequences of being proud and pleased with one's actions. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (uʿjiba) "أُعْجِبَ" in the Hadith refers to being pleased or proud of one's actions. It implies a sense of self-satisfaction and arrogance. When a person becomes enamored with their own deeds, they begin to believe that they are superior and infallible. This attitude can lead to a decline in their intellect and wisdom.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against arrogance and pride in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:37)

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height

This verse reminds us that no matter how great our achievements may be, we should never let them inflate our egos.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (Quran 31:18)

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against looking down upon others due to our own accomplishments.

The consequences of being proud and pleased with one's actions, as mentioned in the Hadith, is that it afflicts the intellect. When a person becomes arrogant, their ability to think objectively and make wise decisions becomes compromised. Arrogance blinds them to their own faults and prevents them from seeking guidance and improvement.

In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah describes the consequences of arrogance, saying, (Quran 7:16-17)

He said, 'Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].'

This verse refers to the arrogance of Satan, who was cast out of Paradise due to his refusal to bow down to Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Satan's arrogance led to his downfall and eternal damnation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain humble and grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them. It cautions against becoming complacent and self-conceited due to our own achievements. Instead, we should constantly seek Allah's guidance and strive for self-improvement.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the detrimental effects of pride and self-satisfaction. His words serve as a timeless lesson for all Muslims, reminding us to always remain humble and to seek Allah's pleasure rather than being pleased with our own actions.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the perils of arrogance and grant us the wisdom to recognize our own shortcomings. May He guide us on the straight path and bless us with humility and gratitude. Ameen.