Hadith #8422

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

كَفى بِالمَرْءِ فَضيلَةً أنْ يُنَقِّصَ نَفْسَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue and merit of humbling oneself. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (fadilah) "فَضيلَةً" in this Hadith refers to a virtue, excellence, or merit. It signifies a praiseworthy quality that distinguishes an individual from others. It is a characteristic that is highly regarded and admired. In this context, the virtue being highlighted is the act of humbling oneself.

The word (yunqissa) "يُنَقِّصَ" is derived from the root word (naqasa) "نَقَصَ", which means to decrease, diminish, or lower oneself. It implies the act of willingly reducing one's status, position, or ego. It is an act of self-effacement and humility.

To understand the significance of humbling oneself, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in wealth, status, or lineage. By humbling oneself, a person acknowledges their true position before Allah and recognizes that their worth is determined by their faith and good deeds.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that those who do not seek arrogance or corruption in this world will be rewarded with a lofty status in the Hereafter. By humbling oneself, a person distances themselves from arrogance, pride, and corruption, and instead seeks the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-correction. It encourages individuals to constantly evaluate their actions, intentions, and attitudes, and to actively work towards diminishing their ego and pride. By doing so, one can attain true spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

Humbling oneself has profound consequences in a person's life. It fosters humility, empathy, and compassion towards others. It allows individuals to recognize their own flaws and weaknesses, leading to self-improvement and personal growth. It also strengthens relationships and fosters unity within the Muslim community, as humility eradicates feelings of superiority and promotes a sense of equality.

Moreover, humbling oneself is a reflection of the knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quran and his close connection to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) enabled him to recognize the significance of humility in the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtue and merit of humbling oneself. It encourages individuals to diminish their ego and pride, recognizing that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. By humbling oneself, one can attain spiritual growth, strengthen relationships, and foster unity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to humble ourselves and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.