Hadith #9310

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لَنْ تُدْرِكَ الكَمالَ حَتّى تَرْقى عَنِ النَّقْصِ۔

This can be translated as:

You will never attain perfection until you rise above imperfection.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (perfection) "كَمالَ" refers to the state of being complete, flawless, and without any deficiency. It encompasses the idea of reaching the highest level of excellence in all aspects of life, including spirituality, morality, and character. It is a state that every Muslim aspires to achieve, as it reflects the ultimate fulfillment of one's potential.

On the other hand, the word (imperfection) "نَّقْصِ" signifies any form of deficiency, shortcoming, or limitation. It refers to the aspects of our character, behavior, or beliefs that fall short of the ideal standards set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a reminder that as human beings, we are prone to making mistakes and falling into imperfections.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that in order to attain perfection, it is necessary to rise above these imperfections. This implies that we must actively strive to overcome our shortcomings, rectify our mistakes, and continuously improve ourselves. It is a call to self-reflection, self-correction, and self-development.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3):

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss.

This verse highlights the inherent imperfection and deficiency of human beings. It serves as a reminder that without conscious effort and striving, we are bound to remain in a state of loss.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77):

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking perfection not only in matters of spirituality but also in worldly affairs. It encourages Muslims to excel in their endeavors while keeping the ultimate goal of the Hereafter in mind.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us that perfection is not an endpoint but a continuous journey. By recognizing our imperfections and actively working towards self-improvement, we can inch closer to the state of perfection that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) desires for us.

The consequences of rising above imperfection are manifold. On an individual level, it leads to personal growth, increased self-awareness, and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It allows us to become better Muslims, better human beings, and better contributors to society. On a collective level, it fosters a community that is characterized by righteousness, justice, and compassion.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of human nature and the path towards perfection serves as a guiding light for Muslims of all generations. May we all strive to rise above our imperfections and continuously seek perfection in all aspects of our lives.