Hadith #10438

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

مَنْ تَعاهَدَ نَفْسَهُ بِالمُحاسَبَةِ أمِنَ فِيها الْمُداهَنَةَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who undertakes to hold his soul to account is safe from flattery [and deceit].

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ta'aahada) "تَعَاهَدَ" means to undertake or commit oneself to something. (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own soul or self. (al-muhasabah) "الْمُحَاسَبَةِ" means self-accountability or self-examination. And finally, (al-mudahanah) "الْمُدَاهَنَةَ" refers to flattery or deceit.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18),

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-accountability, urging every individual to reflect upon their actions and intentions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the necessity of being cautious and mindful of our actions, as we will be held accountable for them.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to undertake the noble act of self-accountability. By holding ourselves to account, we protect ourselves from the dangers of flattery and deceit. When we constantly evaluate our actions, intentions, and thoughts, we become more aware of our weaknesses and strengths. This self-reflection allows us to rectify our shortcomings and strive for self-improvement.

By engaging in self-accountability, we develop a strong sense of self-awareness and sincerity. We become less susceptible to the empty praises and deceptive words of others. Instead, we focus on the approval and satisfaction of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. Our actions become driven by a genuine desire to please our Creator, rather than seeking validation or recognition from others.

Moreover, self-accountability leads to a higher level of consciousness in our daily lives. We become more mindful of our choices, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. This practice helps us avoid falling into the traps of temptation and deception. We become more cautious in our interactions, making sure that our words and actions are sincere and truthful.

The consequences of neglecting self-accountability can be detrimental. Without self-reflection, we may become complacent and fall into the traps of flattery and deceit. We may be easily swayed by the opinions and praises of others, losing sight of our true purpose in this world. This can lead to a life of hypocrisy and insincerity, far removed from the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-accountability in protecting ourselves from flattery and deceit. By undertaking the noble act of self-examination, we become more aware of our actions, intentions, and thoughts. This self-reflection allows us to rectify our shortcomings, strive for self-improvement, and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to hold ourselves accountable and protect us from the dangers of flattery and deceit.