Hadith #10456

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) that we are discussing today is a enlightening Hadith that highlights the importance of self-awareness and introspection in our journey towards knowing and understanding our Lord. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his astonishment at those who remain ignorant about themselves, questioning how they can truly come to know their Lord.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ajibtu) "عَجِبْتُ" translates to "I am amazed" or "I wonder." It signifies the astonishment and perplexity that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) feels towards those who are unaware of their own selves. The word (yajhalu) "يَجْهَلُ" means "to be ignorant" or "to lack knowledge." It emphasizes the state of unawareness or ignorance that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is referring to. The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" translates to "himself" or "his own self." It indicates the individual's inner being, their essence, and their true nature. Finally, the word (rabbahu) "رَبَّهُ" means "his Lord" or "his Master." It refers to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

To further understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hashr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 59:18)

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow

This verse urges us to examine our own actions and deeds, to be conscious of our choices and their consequences. It encourages us to reflect upon our own selves and strive for self-improvement.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Taghabun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 64:11)

And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much

This verse reminds us that the difficulties and hardships we face in life are often a result of our own actions. It calls us to take responsibility for our choices and to reflect upon our own selves.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the fact that without self-awareness, it is impossible to truly know and understand our Lord. Our knowledge of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is intertwined with our knowledge of ourselves. By understanding our own weaknesses, strengths, and inclinations, we can better comprehend the attributes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His expectations from us.

When we are ignorant of our own selves, we become disconnected from our true purpose in life. We may engage in actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam, without even realizing it. We may neglect our duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fail to fulfill our obligations as Muslims. Without self-awareness, we are unable to recognize our own shortcomings and seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, when we strive to know ourselves, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. We become aware of our own flaws and work towards rectifying them. We align our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam, seeking to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. By knowing ourselves, we come to know our Lord, as our actions and intentions become a reflection of our faith and devotion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to engage in self-reflection and self-awareness. By understanding our own selves, we can better comprehend the attributes and expectations of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through this introspection that we can strive to align our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to know ourselves and to know Him.