Hadith #6503

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أُعْجِبَ بِنَفْسِهِ سُخِرَ بِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who admires himself will be ridiculed because of it.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of excessive self-admiration and warns against its negative effects.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words. The word (u'ajiba) "أُعْجِبَ" comes from the root word (ajaba) "عَجَبَ", which means to be amazed, astonished, or impressed. It refers to a state of being excessively pleased with oneself, often leading to arrogance and pride. The word (nafsihi) "نَفْسِهِ" means oneself or one's own self.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance and self-admiration in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 37, Allah says,

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse reminds us that no matter how great we may perceive ourselves to be, we are ultimately limited and insignificant in the grand scheme of creation.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman, verse 18, Allah advises,

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse emphasizes the disapproval of Allah towards those who display arrogance and pride, as it goes against the values of humility and modesty that Islam promotes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of excessive self-admiration. When one becomes infatuated with their own abilities, qualities, or achievements, they are likely to lose sight of their own limitations and the contributions of others. This can lead to a sense of superiority and a disregard for the rights and feelings of others.

The consequences of such self-admiration are manifold. Firstly, it distances individuals from the teachings of Islam, which emphasize humility, gratitude, and recognizing the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Secondly, it hinders personal growth and development, as one becomes complacent and resistant to constructive criticism. Thirdly, it damages relationships, as arrogance and pride create barriers between individuals and hinder effective communication and cooperation.

To illustrate the consequences of excessive self-admiration, we can consider the example of the Pharaoh mentioned in the Quran. Despite his worldly power and wealth, the Pharaoh arrogantly claimed to be a god and refused to acknowledge the existence of a higher power. His self-admiration led to his downfall and punishment from Allah.

In contrast, the Quran presents the example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, who demonstrated humility and selflessness in their actions and interactions. They recognized their own weaknesses and constantly sought forgiveness and guidance from Allah. Their humility allowed them to be receptive to knowledge and wisdom, enabling them to make positive contributions to society.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to guard against excessive self-admiration. By recognizing our own limitations and embracing humility, we can foster personal growth, strengthen relationships, and align ourselves with the teachings of Islam. May Allah protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance and pride and guide us on the path of humility and righteousness.