Hadith #9641

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

كَمْ مِنْ مَفْتُون بِالثَّناءِ عَلَيْهِ۔

This can be translated as,

How many a person is thrilled by the praise showered upon him.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quranic teachings. The word (maftoon) "مَفْتُون" in this Hadith refers to someone who is tested or tempted. It implies that being praised excessively can be a test for a person, as it may lead to arrogance, self-conceit, and a false sense of superiority. This is a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and humble when receiving praise from others.

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of humility and the dangers of arrogance. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:37)

And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you can neither rend nor penetrate the earth, nor can you attain a stature like the mountains in height

This verse emphasizes the need for humility and warns against the destructive nature of arrogance.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises, (Quran 31:18)

And turn not your face away from people (with pride), nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with respect and humility, rather than displaying arrogance or pride.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that excessive praise can be a test and a potential source of fitnah (trial). It is essential to remain grounded and not let praise inflate our egos. Instead, we should strive to maintain humility and seek Allah's pleasure in all our actions.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its relevance in our daily lives. Often, when we receive praise or admiration from others, it can be tempting to become complacent or develop a false sense of superiority. This can lead to a decline in our spiritual growth and distance us from the path of righteousness.

For example, imagine a person who is praised for their knowledge and wisdom. If they allow this praise to intoxicate their hearts, they may become arrogant and dismissive of others' opinions. This arrogance can hinder their ability to learn and grow, as they may believe they have nothing more to gain. In contrast, a humble individual who recognizes that knowledge is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will continue to seek knowledge and remain open to different perspectives.

Moreover, excessive praise can also lead to envy and jealousy among others. When someone is constantly praised, it can create feelings of resentment and inferiority in those who are not receiving the same recognition. This can disrupt relationships and create a toxic environment of competition and animosity.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith reminds us of the potential dangers of excessive praise. It serves as a reminder to remain humble, grounded, and focused on seeking Allah's pleasure rather than the admiration of others. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the trials and tribulations that may arise from the intoxication of praise. May Allah guide us all to the path of humility and righteousness.