Hadith #2183

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of humility and self-awareness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the most judicious and wise person is the one who recognizes his own limitations and weaknesses, even when he has numerous supporters and resources at his disposal.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith for a better understanding. The word (ahzamu) "أحْزَمُ" refers to the most judicious or wise person. This individual possesses deep insight, wisdom, and the ability to make sound judgments. The word (tawahhama) "تَوَهَّمَ" means to presume or assume. It implies that the person acknowledges and accepts their own limitations and does not overestimate their abilities. The word (al-'ajz) "العَجْزَ" signifies inability or weakness, while (farṭi) "فَرْطِ" refers to abundance or excess. Lastly, (istiẓhārihi) "استِظْهارِهِ" means having numerous supporters or resources.

To further comprehend the enlightening message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness in several verses.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:37), Allah says,

Do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse reminds us that despite our achievements and resources, we should not become arrogant or boastful. We must recognize our limitations and remain humble before Allah.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah states,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the fact that guidance and success ultimately come from Allah. No matter how knowledgeable or influential we may be, we must always remember that our abilities are limited, and true guidance comes from Allah alone.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own abilities and limitations. It reminds us that even with numerous supporters and resources, we should never become complacent or arrogant. Instead, we should always maintain a sense of humility and acknowledge our dependence on Allah's guidance and assistance.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. By recognizing our weaknesses and limitations, we can strive to overcome them and become better individuals. It motivates us to continuously seek knowledge, develop our skills, and rely on Allah's help in all our endeavors.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder for leaders and those in positions of authority. It cautions them against becoming tyrannical or arrogant due to their power or influence. Instead, they should adopt a humble and just approach, always considering the welfare of those they lead.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtue of humility and self-awareness. It teaches us that true wisdom lies in recognizing our own limitations, even when we have numerous supporters and resources. By acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on Allah's guidance, we can strive for self-improvement and become better individuals. May Allah grant us the wisdom to recognize our limitations and the humility to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.