Hadith #1549

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,

أبْصَرُ النَّاسِ مَنْ أبْصَرَ عُيُوبَهُ، وأقْلَعَ عَنْ ذُنُوبِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (abṣaru) "أبْصَرُ" in this Hadith means "the most observant" or

the one with the keenest insight.

It refers to a person who possesses the ability to recognize and acknowledge their own faults and shortcomings. This self-awareness is a crucial aspect of personal growth and spiritual development.

The word (ʿuyūbah) "عُيُوبَهُ" refers to one's own faults, weaknesses, and imperfections. It encompasses both major sins and minor flaws. The Hadith encourages us to introspect and identify our own shortcomings, rather than focusing solely on the faults of others. By doing so, we can strive to rectify ourselves and become better individuals.

The word (ḏunūbih) "ذُنُوبِهِ" refers to sins and transgressions. It urges us to refrain from committing sins and to seek forgiveness for our past wrongdoings. This Hadith reminds us that true observance is not limited to outward acts of worship, but also includes abstaining from sinful behavior.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement. It emphasizes that true nobility and righteousness are not based on external factors such as race or lineage, but rather on one's piety and moral character. The most observant person, as mentioned in the Hadith, is the one who recognizes their own faults and strives to rectify them.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that guidance ultimately comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is only through self-reflection and recognition of our own faults that we can seek His guidance and strive to become better individuals. The most observant person is the one who acknowledges their own weaknesses and seeks Allah's guidance to overcome them.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that self-awareness and self-improvement are essential aspects of our spiritual journey. By recognizing our own faults and refraining from sins, we can strive to become better Muslims and fulfill our purpose in life. This Hadith encourages us to focus on our own shortcomings rather than being preoccupied with the faults of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His teachings, such as this Hadith, serve as a guiding light for Muslims of all backgrounds. Let us take inspiration from his words and strive to be the most observant individuals by recognizing our own faults and refraining from sins.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be self-aware, seek His forgiveness, and continuously improve ourselves. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.