Hadith #6722

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مَنْ بَذَلَ عِرْضَهُ ذَلَّ۔

This can be translated as,

One who sacrifices his dignity is abased.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of preserving one's honor and self-respect.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (badhala) "بَذَلَ" means to sacrifice or give up, while (iradah) "عِرْضَهُ" refers to one's dignity or honor. And (dalla) "ذَلَّ" means to be humiliated or abased.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of maintaining one's honor and dignity. In Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah says,

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse highlights the inherent honor bestowed upon human beings by Allah, and it is our responsibility to safeguard and preserve it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah warns against mocking or belittling others, saying,

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 emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from any form of humiliation or degradation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that sacrificing one's dignity and self-respect leads to humiliation and degradation. When we compromise our principles, values, and integrity for the sake of worldly gains or to please others, we lose our self-worth and become susceptible to mistreatment.

For example, if a person compromises their principles by engaging in dishonest practices to gain material wealth, they may experience short-term success but will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. They may be exposed, lose the trust of others, and suffer from guilt and remorse. This loss of dignity and self-respect can have severe psychological and spiritual consequences.

Similarly, when individuals sacrifice their dignity by engaging in gossip, slander, or backbiting, they tarnish their reputation and damage their relationships. They may gain temporary satisfaction from speaking ill of others, but in the long run, they will lose the respect and trust of those around them. This degradation of character can lead to isolation, regret, and a sense of emptiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to uphold their honor and dignity in all aspects of life. It encourages us to make choices that align with our values and principles, even if they may be challenging or unpopular. By doing so, we maintain our self-respect and earn the respect of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of preserving our dignity and self-respect. It warns against sacrificing these qualities for temporary gains or to please others. By aligning our actions with our values and principles, we protect our honor and maintain a sense of self-worth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to uphold our dignity in all circumstances.