Hadith #6517

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إيّاكَ أنْ تُعْجِبَ بِنَفْسِكَ، فَيَظْهَرَ عَلَيْكَ النَّقْصُ والشَّنَ آنُ۔

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of falling into the trap of self-conceit, as it can lead to the manifestation of deficiencies and enmity against oneself.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "إيّاكَ" is a warning phrase that emphasizes the importance of avoiding a certain action or behavior. "تُعْجِبَ" refers to being self-conceited or impressed with oneself, often leading to arrogance and pride. "بِنَفْسِكَ" means with oneself, indicating that this warning is specifically directed towards an individual's self-perception and ego. "فَيَظْهَرَ" means to become apparent or manifest, while "النَّقْصُ" refers to deficiencies or shortcomings. Finally, "الشَّنَ آنُ" signifies enmity or animosity that can arise as a result of one's self-conceit.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of humility and refraining from belittling others. When we become self-conceited, we may start to ridicule and insult others, thinking that we are superior. However, Allah reminds us that superiority lies in piety and good deeds, not in arrogance or self-conceit.

Furthermore, 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 against self-conceit and arrogance. Qarun was blessed with immense wealth and power, but he allowed his ego to consume him. As a result, he oppressed his own people and fell into arrogance. Allah warns us against exulting in our worldly possessions or achievements, as it can lead to the manifestation of deficiencies and enmity.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can understand that self-conceit is a dangerous trait that can have severe consequences. When we become impressed with ourselves, we blind ourselves to our own shortcomings and weaknesses. This can lead to a lack of self-improvement and a disregard for the rights and feelings of others.

Moreover, self-conceit can breed enmity and animosity towards us. When we display arrogance and belittle others, we create a hostile environment that invites resentment and conflict. Our relationships suffer, and we distance ourselves from the path of righteousness and humility.

As Muslims, it is crucial for us to constantly evaluate our intentions and actions. We must strive for humility, recognizing that any good we possess is a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By acknowledging our own weaknesses and treating others with respect and kindness, we can avoid the pitfalls of self-conceit and foster an atmosphere of unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the dangers of self-conceit and grant us the wisdom to recognize our own shortcomings. May He guide us to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and humility. Ameen.