Hadith #10516

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever is great in his own eyes is low in the sight of Allah.

This impactful Hadith highlights the importance of humility and self-awareness in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the meanings and implications of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is "عِنْدَ," which means

in the sight of

or

in the presence of.

It signifies the evaluation and judgment of one's worth in the eyes of Allah. The word "نَفْسِهِ" refers to one's own self or ego, emphasizing the importance of self-perception and self-awareness. "عَظِيماً" means great or mighty, while "حَقِيراً" means lowly or insignificant.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of humility and warns against arrogance and self-importance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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 highlights that true greatness lies in righteousness and piety, not in self-perceived superiority. It is the quality of one's character and actions that determines their worth in the sight of Allah. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

The story of Qarun serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that material wealth and self-importance do not equate to true greatness. Qarun's arrogance and pride led to his downfall, as Allah does not favor those who exult in their worldly possessions. Similarly, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), Allah says,

So that you may not despair over what has eluded you nor exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse warns against both despair and arrogance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective. True greatness lies in recognizing that all blessings come from Allah and not becoming deluded by one's own achievements. Arrogance and self-importance blind us to our own flaws and prevent us from seeking forgiveness and improvement.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that true greatness lies in humility and self-awareness. It is a call to constantly evaluate our intentions, actions, and attitudes, ensuring that we do not fall into the trap of self-importance. By recognizing our own weaknesses and shortcomings, we open ourselves to the mercy and guidance of Allah.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. It urges us to constantly assess our own character and actions, seeking to improve ourselves and align our behavior with the teachings of Islam. By humbling ourselves before Allah and acknowledging our own insignificance, we can strive to become better Muslims and earn His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate humility and self-awareness. It emphasizes that true greatness lies in righteousness and piety, not in self-perceived superiority. By recognizing our own weaknesses and constantly seeking self-improvement, we can strive to be closer to Allah and earn His favor. May Allah guide us all on the path of humility and righteousness.