Hadith #10492

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever knows himself, his matter becomes sublime.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great significance and provides us with valuable insights into the importance of self-awareness and self-knowledge in the spiritual journey of a Muslim.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (arafa) "عَرَفَ" means to know or recognize, and it implies a deep level of understanding and awareness. (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to oneself or one's own self. Finally, (jalla amruhu) "جَلَّ أمْرُهُ" can be translated as

his matter becomes sublime

or

his affair becomes exalted.

To further comprehend the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in numerous verses. 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 - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the need for introspection and self-reflection, urging Muslims to examine their actions and intentions.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:21-22), Allah states,

So remind, if the reminder should benefit; He who fears [Allah] will be reminded. But the wretched one will avoid it.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the fear of Him. Those who possess self-awareness and consciousness of Allah will benefit from reminders and guidance, while those who lack self-awareness will turn away from it.

Now, let us analyze the impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses. When a person truly knows themselves, they gain a deep understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and innermost desires. This self-awareness allows them to recognize their flaws and work towards self-improvement. By acknowledging their own shortcomings, they become more conscious of their actions and strive to align themselves with the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, self-awareness enables individuals to have a clearer perspective on their purpose in life. They understand that their ultimate goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah and fulfill their responsibilities as His servants. This awareness elevates their matter and gives them a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of humility. When one truly knows themselves, they recognize their own insignificance in comparison to the greatness of Allah. This realization leads to a sense of humility and submission to the will of Allah, as they understand that their own desires and aspirations should be aligned with His commandments.

Moreover, self-awareness allows individuals to make better choices and decisions. By understanding their own inclinations and tendencies, they can avoid falling into sinful behavior and instead strive for righteousness. This self-knowledge acts as a shield against the temptations of this world, as individuals become more conscious of their own weaknesses and strive to overcome them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-knowledge in the spiritual journey of a Muslim. By truly knowing oneself, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their purpose in life, their strengths and weaknesses, and their relationship with Allah. This self-awareness leads to humility, better decision-making, and a sense of purpose and direction. May Allah grant us the ability to truly know ourselves and strive for self-improvement in our journey towards Him.