Hadith #10386

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Your preoccupation with your own flaws is sufficient to keep [the] shame [of searching for others faults] away from you.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement, rather than focusing on the faults of others. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (Istighaluka) "إشْتِغَالُكَ" in the Hadith refers to being preoccupied or engrossed in something. It highlights the idea of being fully absorbed in one's own flaws and shortcomings. This implies that one should be so occupied with self-improvement that there is no time or inclination to search for the faults of others.

The phrase (Bima'a'ibi nafsika) "بِمَعَائِبِ نَفْسِكَ" translates to "your own flaws." This emphasizes the importance of introspection and self-awareness. It encourages individuals to recognize their own weaknesses, faults, and areas in need of improvement. By acknowledging and addressing our own flaws, we can strive towards personal growth and development.

The Hadith further states, (Yakfiyka al-'aar) "يَكْفِيكَ العَارُ", which can be translated as

is sufficient to keep [the] shame away from you.

This implies that when we are truly focused on rectifying our own shortcomings, we are protected from the disgrace of searching for the faults of others. It serves as a reminder that our primary concern should be our own spiritual journey, rather than engaging in the futile act of criticizing and judging others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. It reminds us that indulging in such behaviors is akin to consuming the flesh of our fellow believers, which is repulsive. Instead, we are encouraged to fear Allah and focus on our own repentance and self-improvement.

Another verse that aligns with the teachings of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has gone astray from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that Allah is the ultimate judge and knower of the hearts. He is fully aware of those who have deviated from the right path and those who are guided. Therefore, it is not our place to pass judgment on others or focus on their flaws. Instead, we should concentrate on our own journey towards righteousness and seek guidance from Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand the profound wisdom behind it. By being preoccupied with our own flaws and striving for self-improvement, we not only protect ourselves from the shame of searching for the faults of others but also create an environment of compassion and understanding within the Muslim community. This Hadith encourages us to foster unity, empathy, and personal growth, which are essential for the well-being and progress of the ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to focus on their own flaws and self-improvement, rather than being preoccupied with the faults of others. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. By internalizing this message and implementing it in our lives, we can foster a more compassionate and united Muslim community, where personal growth and self-reflection are prioritized. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith.