Hadith #8607

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

هَلَكَ مَنْ لَمْ يَعْرِفْ قَدْرَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Ruined is the one who does not know his status.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding one's own worth and position.

The word (halaka) "هَلَكَ" in Arabic refers to destruction, ruin, or loss. It signifies a state of utter downfall and ruin. The word (man) "مَنْ" means "who" or "whosoever," indicating that this warning applies to anyone who fails to recognize their true status. The word (lam) "لَمْ" is a negation, emphasizing the severity of the consequence. (ya'rif) "يَعْرِفْ" comes from the root word (arafa) "عَرَفَ", which means to know, recognize, or acknowledge. Finally, (qadrahu) "قَدْرَهُ" refers to one's worth, value, or status.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the true worth and status of individuals.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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 the worth and status of an individual are not determined by their lineage, race, or social standing. Rather, it is determined by their righteousness and piety. Those who fail to recognize this truth and judge others based on superficial factors are indeed in a state of ruin.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), where Allah says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and power but failed to recognize his true status. He arrogantly boasted about his possessions and oppressed his people. As a result, he was ultimately destroyed, both in this world and in the hereafter. This serves as a warning to those who do not acknowledge their true worth and misuse their blessings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement carries a wise message for all Muslims. It reminds us that recognizing our true status and worth is essential for our spiritual growth and success. When we understand our value as servants of Allah, we are more likely to fulfill our responsibilities and strive for righteousness.

Failing to recognize our status can lead to arrogance, ignorance, and a neglect of our duties. It can result in a loss of blessings and a decline in our spiritual well-being. Conversely, acknowledging our worth humbly and sincerely allows us to fulfill our potential and seek nearness to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of recognizing and understanding our true status. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the significance of recognizing one's worth and status, we can strive to avoid the state of ruin that comes from ignorance and arrogance. May Allah guide us all to recognize and fulfill our true potential, and may He protect us from the perils of ignorance and arrogance.