Hadith #6497

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

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

Self-admiration is contrary to reason and the bane of the intellects.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (self-admiration) "إعْجاب" refers to excessive pride and arrogance in one's own abilities, qualities, or achievements. It is a state of being overly impressed with oneself, leading to a sense of superiority and self-centeredness. This self-admiration is considered contrary to reason and intellect, as it blinds a person from acknowledging their flaws and limitations. It prevents one from seeking knowledge, accepting advice, and recognizing the contributions of others.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the dangers of self-admiration in several verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Qasas, 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 emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against the arrogance that comes with self-admiration.

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

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 highlights the negative consequences of self-admiration, as it is displeasing to Allah and detrimental to one's spiritual growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further elaborates on the consequences of self-admiration. When a person becomes consumed by their own greatness, they become blind to their own faults and weaknesses. This prevents them from recognizing their need for improvement and seeking guidance from others. It hinders their ability to learn and grow intellectually, as they believe they already possess all the knowledge and wisdom they need.

Self-admiration also leads to a lack of empathy and compassion towards others. When one is solely focused on their own achievements and self-worth, they fail to acknowledge the contributions and worth of others. This can lead to a sense of superiority and a disregard for the feelings and needs of those around them.

Moreover, self-admiration can lead to arrogance and a sense of entitlement. When one believes they are superior to others, they may mistreat or belittle those whom they consider beneath them. This goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize humility, kindness, and respect for all individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the dangers of self-admiration. It is contrary to reason and intellect, as it blinds individuals from recognizing their own flaws and limitations. The Quranic verses support this notion, emphasizing the importance of humility and warning against arrogance and self-delusion. Muslims are reminded to cultivate humility, seek knowledge, and recognize the worth and contributions of others. May Allah protect us from the pitfalls of self-admiration and grant us the wisdom to strive for humility and self-improvement.