Hadith #9330

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The sagacious person is one who knows himself and is sincere in his actions.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-awareness and sincerity in our actions.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (kayyis) "كَيِّسُ" refers to a person who possesses wisdom, intelligence, and sound judgment. This individual is not only knowledgeable but also applies that knowledge wisely in their actions. The word (arafa) "عَرَفَ" means to know or recognize. Here, it signifies the importance of self-awareness, understanding one's strengths, weaknesses, and innermost desires.

The Hadith emphasizes the significance of sincerity in our actions. The word (akhlasa) "أخْلَصَ" means to be sincere or pure. It implies that our actions should be solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not driven by any ulterior motives or desires for worldly gains. Sincerity in our actions ensures that we seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, and it purifies our intentions.

To further understand the significance of self-awareness and sincerity, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing our diversity as a means to understand and appreciate one another. It reminds us that true nobility lies in righteousness, which can only be achieved through sincere actions that are rooted in self-awareness and knowledge of our own selves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in our actions. It teaches us that true righteousness is not merely performing outward rituals, but it is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses belief in Allah, fulfilling our obligations, and showing kindness and generosity to others. Sincerity in our actions is what distinguishes the righteous from the rest.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly reflect upon their own selves and strive for self-improvement. By knowing ourselves, our strengths, weaknesses, and innermost desires, we can make informed decisions and act in a manner that aligns with our true purpose in life – seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

Moreover, sincerity in our actions ensures that we are not driven by worldly desires or seeking validation from others. It allows us to purify our intentions and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do. By being sincere, we can strive to be the best versions of ourselves and fulfill our duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and sincerity in our actions. By knowing ourselves and being sincere, we can strive for righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and sincerity to be among the sagacious ones.