Hadith #4367

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 رَذيلَةً أنْ يُعْجِبَ بِنَفْسهِ۔

This can be translated as,

It is sufficient of a depravity for one to be pleased [and impressed] with himself.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of being self-conceited and arrogant.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (radheela) "رَذيلَةً" refers to a state of moral degradation or depravity. It signifies a lowly and despicable character that is far from righteousness. The word (yu'jiba) "يُعْجِبَ" means to be pleased or impressed with oneself. It implies a sense of self-admiration and arrogance.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of humility and self-awareness in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of humility in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers

This verse teaches us that we should not look down upon others or consider ourselves superior. We should not be quick to judge or belittle others based on our own self-perceived greatness. Instead, we should adopt a humble attitude and recognize that true worth lies in piety and good character, not in worldly achievements or self-praise.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah says, (28:55)

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 warns against the arrogance and pride that can arise from being impressed with oneself. It reminds us that Allah dislikes those who are conceited and haughty, as it goes against the essence of true faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the dangers of self-admiration in this Hadith. When a person becomes excessively pleased with themselves, they become blind to their own flaws and shortcomings. They become oblivious to the need for self-improvement and spiritual growth. This arrogance can lead to a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy towards others, and a disregard for the guidance of Allah.

Moreover, being impressed with oneself can hinder one's ability to seek knowledge and guidance from others. It creates a barrier to learning and growth, as the individual believes they already possess all the knowledge and wisdom they need. This attitude goes against the Islamic principle of lifelong learning and the recognition that true knowledge comes from Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to guard against the pitfalls of self-conceit and arrogance. It urges us to cultivate humility, self-awareness, and a constant desire for self-improvement. By recognizing our own weaknesses and seeking guidance from Allah and His teachings, we can strive towards becoming better individuals and true servants of Allah. May Allah protect us from the depravity of being pleased with ourselves and grant us the humility to always seek His guidance.