Hadith #4226

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A sinner who confesses his sin is better than the obedient one who is proud of his action.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the important words in this Hadith. The word (aas) "عاص" refers to a sinner, someone who has committed a sin. The word (yuqirru) "يُقِرُّ" means to confess or acknowledge. (dhanbih) "ذَنْبِهِ" refers to his sin. (khayrun) "خَيْرٌ" means better. (muti') "مُطيع" refers to the obedient one. (yaftakhiru) "يَفْتَخِرُ" means to be proud. And finally, (bi'amalihi) "بِعَمَلِهِ" refers to his action.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 222:

Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and acknowledging one's sins. It highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) loves those who constantly seek forgiveness and strive to purify themselves.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's own faults and being just, even if it goes against one's own interests or the interests of loved ones.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that a sinner who acknowledges and confesses his sin is better than an obedient person who is proud of his actions. This statement highlights the significance of humility, self-awareness, and repentance in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The sinner who acknowledges his sin recognizes his own shortcomings and seeks forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This act of humility and repentance shows a deep understanding of one's own weaknesses and a sincere desire to improve oneself. It is an act of self-reflection and self-correction, which leads to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, the obedient person who is proud of his actions lacks humility and self-awareness. He may perform acts of worship and obedience, but his pride and arrogance negate the sincerity and purity of his deeds. Such pride can lead to self-righteousness and a false sense of superiority, which distances one from the true essence of faith and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that true righteousness lies not only in outward acts of obedience but also in the sincerity of our hearts and our willingness to acknowledge our faults. It is through humility and repentance that we can purify our souls and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly engage in self-reflection, seek forgiveness for their sins, and strive for spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of humility, self-awareness, and repentance. It emphasizes that a sinner who acknowledges his sins and seeks forgiveness is better in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) than an obedient person who is proud of his actions. May we all strive to cultivate humility, acknowledge our faults, and seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to attain true righteousness and closeness to Him.