Hadith #138

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 pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

هَلَكَ امْرُؤُ لَمْ يَعْرِفْ قَدْرَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

He who does not know his own worth is ruined.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding one's own value and worth.

The word (halaka) "هَلَكَ" in this Hadith means "to be ruined" or "to be destroyed." It signifies the dire consequences that await those who fail to recognize their own worth. When a person is unaware of their own value, they may fall into a state of neglect, self-doubt, and underestimation, which can lead to their downfall in various aspects of life.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And indeed, We have honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse emphasizes the inherent worth and honor bestowed upon every human being by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We are all created with a purpose and possess unique qualities and abilities that contribute to the betterment of society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 the importance of recognizing the worth of individuals based on their piety and righteousness, rather than superficial factors such as wealth, status, or lineage. It emphasizes the need to appreciate and value one another for our moral character and actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own worth and potential. When we fail to recognize our own value, we may become complacent, neglect our responsibilities, and lose sight of our goals and aspirations. This can lead to a decline in our personal, spiritual, and social well-being.

Knowing our own worth enables us to have a positive self-image, confidence, and motivation to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. It empowers us to make meaningful contributions to society, fulfill our obligations, and seek personal growth and development. Recognizing our own worth also helps us to appreciate the worth of others, fostering unity, empathy, and respect within the Muslim community and beyond.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a call to action for Muslims to engage in self-reflection, introspection, and self-improvement. It urges us to constantly evaluate our strengths, weaknesses, and potential, and to strive for self-improvement and self-actualization. By recognizing our own worth, we can overcome obstacles, achieve success, and lead a purposeful and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowing and recognizing our own worth. By understanding our inherent value as human beings, we can strive for excellence, fulfill our responsibilities, and contribute positively to society. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage in self-reflection, self-improvement, and self-actualization, in order to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to recognize our own worth and fulfill our potential.