Hadith #6506

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,

One who admires his [own] speech, his intellect has departed.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the danger of being self-conceited and overly impressed with one's own words. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to remain humble and cautious of the pitfalls of arrogance and self-importance.

The word (a'jabahu) "أعْجَبَهُ" in the Hadith refers to someone who is amazed or impressed by their own speech. It implies a sense of self-admiration and pride in one's own words. This admiration can lead to a departure of intellect, as it blinds a person to their own shortcomings and prevents them from seeking knowledge and wisdom from others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance and self-conceit in several verses. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, Allah says,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and righteousness, as those who seek exaltedness and self-importance will not find success in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 37, Allah says,

And 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 serves as a reminder that no matter how great a person may think they are, they are still limited and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Arrogance and self-admiration only lead to delusion and a departure from true intellect.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement warns Muslims about the consequences of being enamored by their own speech. When a person becomes infatuated with their own words, they become closed off to the wisdom and knowledge that can be gained from others. This arrogance hinders personal growth and prevents one from seeking guidance and enlightenment.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the importance of humility in acquiring knowledge. True intellect lies in recognizing one's limitations and being open to learning from others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this humility throughout his life. He was always eager to learn from others, even from those who were younger or less experienced than him. This humility allowed him to constantly expand his knowledge and deepen his understanding.

The consequences of admiring one's own speech are far-reaching. It can lead to the stagnation of personal growth, the alienation of others, and the erosion of true intellect. Muslims are reminded to remain humble and open-minded, always seeking knowledge and wisdom from diverse sources. By doing so, they can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and self-conceit, and truly embody the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain humble and cautious of being impressed by their own speech. It warns against the dangers of arrogance and self-conceit, which can lead to a departure from true intellect. By seeking knowledge with humility and being open to learning from others, Muslims can avoid the pitfalls of self-admiration and continue to grow intellectually and spiritually. May Allah guide us all on the path of humility and wisdom.