Hadith #9633

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,

Commendation causes vainglory and brings one closer to heedlessness.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the negative consequences of excessive praise and commendation. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word "commendation" in Arabic is (الإطْراءُ) "al-itraa". It refers to excessive praise or flattery that is bestowed upon an individual. This praise can lead to a sense of arrogance and self-importance, which is known as "vainglory" or (الزَّهْوَ) "al-zahw". Vainglory is a dangerous trait that blinds a person to their own faults and shortcomings, leading them astray from the path of righteousness.

The Hadith also mentions that commendation brings one closer to "heedlessness" or (الغِرَّةِ) "al-ghirrah". Ghirrah refers to a state of negligence and unawareness of one's spiritual responsibilities. When a person becomes engrossed in the praise and admiration of others, they may lose sight of their own spiritual growth and become heedless of their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us 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. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding ridicule and derogatory remarks towards others. Excessive commendation can sometimes lead to the opposite extreme, where individuals may ridicule or belittle those who do not receive the same level of praise. This behavior goes against the teachings of Islam, which promote humility, kindness, and respect for all.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23) that

in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.

When we become preoccupied with seeking commendation from others, our focus shifts away from the remembrance of Allah. Our hearts become restless, and we lose sight of our ultimate purpose in life - to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah.

The consequences of excessive commendation can be detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole. It can lead to arrogance, division, and a lack of self-awareness. Instead of seeking validation from others, Muslims should strive for the pleasure of Allah and seek His guidance in all matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of vainglory and heedlessness. His words serve as a reminder to Muslims to remain humble, grounded, and focused on their spiritual journey. By avoiding excessive commendation and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can safeguard ourselves from the pitfalls of arrogance and neglect of our duties.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of excessive commendation. It warns us about the dangers of vainglory and heedlessness, which can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. As Muslims, we should strive to seek the pleasure of Allah and remain humble in our actions and interactions with others. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the traps of arrogance and negligence.