Hadith #10437

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ حاسَبَ نَفْسَهُ سَعِدَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who holds himself to account becomes felicitous.

The word (hasaba) "حاسَبَ" means to take account or to evaluate oneself. The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own self. And the word (sa'id) "سَعِدَ" means to become felicitous or successful.

This profound saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability in the pursuit of success and felicity. It encourages individuals to introspect and evaluate their actions, intentions, and behaviors. By doing so, one can identify their strengths and weaknesses, rectify their mistakes, and strive for personal growth and improvement.

This concept of self-accountability finds its roots in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-evaluation in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

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

This verse urges believers to reflect upon their actions and consider the consequences of their deeds in the Hereafter.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:30), Allah says,

On the Day every soul will find what it has done of good present [before it] and what it has done of evil, it will wish that between itself and that [evil] was a great distance.

This verse highlights the accountability of every individual for their actions and the regret they will feel for their wrongdoings if they fail to hold themselves accountable in this life.

The exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reveals the profound wisdom behind this teaching. When a person holds themselves accountable, they become aware of their actions and their consequences. They become conscious of their intentions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. This self-reflection leads to self-improvement, as individuals identify their weaknesses and work towards rectifying them.

By holding oneself accountable, a person becomes more mindful of their behavior towards others. They become more empathetic, compassionate, and considerate, as they realize the impact of their actions on those around them. This self-awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and integrity, enabling individuals to lead a righteous and virtuous life.

Furthermore, self-accountability motivates individuals to seek forgiveness and repentance for their sins. They recognize their shortcomings and actively seek Allah's forgiveness, knowing that they are answerable for their actions. This leads to a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as they constantly strive to improve themselves and seek His pleasure.

The consequences of holding oneself accountable are far-reaching. It not only benefits individuals on a personal level but also has a positive impact on society as a whole. When Muslims hold themselves accountable, they become role models for others, inspiring them to introspect and improve themselves. This collective self-accountability leads to a more righteous and just society, where individuals are conscious of their actions and strive to uphold the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability in the pursuit of success and felicity. By holding ourselves accountable, we become aware of our actions, intentions, and behaviors. This self-awareness leads to personal growth, improved relationships, and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to implement this teaching in our lives and become individuals who constantly evaluate themselves, rectify their mistakes, and seek Allah's pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to hold ourselves accountable and attain true felicity.