Hadith #9331

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,

كَفى بِالمَرْءِ كَيْساً أنْ يَعْرِفَ مَعائِبَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

It is a sufficient sagacity for a person to recognize his own flaws.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (kaysan) "كَيْساً" in the Hadith refers to sagacity or wisdom. It implies the ability to discern and understand matters with depth and insight. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true wisdom lies in recognizing one's own flaws and shortcomings. This recognition is not only a sign of humility but also a means of self-improvement and spiritual growth.

The Quranic verse that resonates with this Hadith is from Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 highlights the importance of recognizing and knowing one another, which includes acknowledging our own flaws and the flaws of others. By doing so, we can foster a sense of unity and understanding among people.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is from Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] 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 comes from Allah alone. By recognizing our own flaws, we acknowledge our dependence on Allah for guidance and seek His help to rectify our shortcomings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage in self-reflection and introspection. It encourages us to examine our actions, thoughts, and intentions, and to identify areas where we fall short. This self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and spiritual development.

When we recognize our own flaws, we become more compassionate and understanding towards others. We realize that no one is perfect and that everyone is on their own journey of self-improvement. This understanding fosters empathy and unity within the Muslim community.

Moreover, acknowledging our flaws allows us to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to rectify our mistakes. It motivates us to engage in acts of repentance and seek His mercy and guidance. By constantly striving to improve ourselves, we become better Muslims and contribute positively to society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to engage in self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages us to recognize our own flaws and seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to rectify them. By doing so, we can become better individuals, foster unity within the Muslim community, and ultimately attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the wisdom and humility to recognize our flaws and strive for self-improvement.