Hadith #10555

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Man zanna binafsihi khayran faqad awsaha dairan.

This profound saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of having a false perception of oneself. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "zanna" in Arabic means to think or assume. It implies having a certain belief or perception about oneself. The word "binafsihi" refers to one's own soul or self. "Khayran" means good, while "daqiran" means harm or damage. Therefore, the Hadith can be translated as,

One who thinks good of his [own] soul has indeed done more harm to it.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection. It warns against the dangers of having an inflated ego or a false sense of superiority. Such a mindset can lead to complacency, arrogance, and a lack of self-improvement. It blinds individuals from recognizing their flaws and weaknesses, hindering their personal growth and spiritual development.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. No matter how righteous or knowledgeable we may think we are, it is ultimately Allah who guides and grants success.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Najm, verse 32, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Then let man look at his food. How We poured down water in torrents, then We broke open the earth, splitting [it with sprouts], and caused to grow within it grain, and grapes and herbage, and olive and palm trees, and gardens of dense shrubbery, and fruits and grasses.

This verse reminds us of the countless blessings and provisions bestowed upon us by Allah. It humbles us and reminds us of our dependence on Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be humble and self-aware. It urges us to constantly evaluate ourselves, acknowledging our weaknesses and striving for self-improvement. By recognizing our shortcomings, we can seek Allah's guidance and work towards rectifying our flaws.

When we think highly of ourselves without a genuine basis, we become blind to our own faults and shortcomings. This false perception can lead to a sense of entitlement, arrogance, and a lack of empathy towards others. It hinders our ability to seek forgiveness, learn from our mistakes, and grow as individuals.

On the other hand, a humble and self-aware individual is open to self-reflection and self-criticism. They are willing to acknowledge their mistakes and seek forgiveness from Allah and others. This humility allows them to continuously learn, grow, and develop their character.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate themselves and strive for self-improvement. It encourages us to be humble, self-aware, and open to constructive criticism. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and complacency, and instead, embark on a journey of continuous self-improvement and spiritual growth.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize our flaws, the humility to seek His guidance, and the strength to constantly strive for self-improvement. Ameen.