Hadith #8603

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 عَرَفَ قَدْرَهُ لَمْ يُضَعْ بَيْنَ النّاسِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who knows his worth is not disparaged among the people.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-awareness and recognizing one's own value.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze some key words. The word (arafa) "عَرَفَ" means to know or recognize, while (qadrahu) "قَدْرَهُ" refers to one's worth or value. The term (lam yuda') "لَمْ يُضَعْ" can be translated as not being disparaged or humiliated, and (bayna al-nas) "بَيْنَ النّاسِ" means among the people.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's worth and not allowing others to belittle or humiliate us. 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 reminds us that our worth is not determined by our social status, wealth, or lineage, but rather by our piety and righteousness. When we recognize our true value as individuals created by Allah, we are less likely to be affected by the opinions and judgments of others. Our self-esteem is rooted in our relationship with Allah and our adherence to His guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah says,

And indeed, We have honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse highlights the inherent honor and value that Allah has bestowed upon every human being. We are all dignified creations of Allah, deserving of respect and recognition. When we internalize this understanding, we are less likely to seek validation from others or allow ourselves to be demeaned.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to have a strong sense of self-worth and to not be affected by the opinions of others. When we recognize and appreciate our own value, we are less likely to seek validation from others or compromise our principles to fit in. This self-awareness enables us to navigate through life with confidence and integrity.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also has broader implications for society. When individuals recognize their own worth, they are more likely to treat others with respect and dignity. This fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding, where individuals are valued for their character and contributions rather than superficial factors.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of self-awareness and recognizing our own worth. By understanding our value as dignified creations of Allah, we can navigate through life with confidence and integrity. This self-assurance also enables us to treat others with respect and dignity, fostering a harmonious and inclusive society. May Allah grant us the wisdom to recognize our worth and the strength to uphold our values.