“The greatest wisdom is the knowledge of oneself.”
1- Imam Reza (peace be upon him) said: “… The best wisdom is the knowledge of oneself…”
(Imam Ali bin Musa al-Reza (peace be upon him))
Paying attention to our words, actions, and deeds—or more precisely, understanding ourselves, our actions, and gaining the skill of self-awareness—is the responsibility of every individual. The significance of this topic is such that self-awareness has become a fundamental skill for attaining happiness and a better life. As Ali bin Musa al-Reza (peace be upon him) mentions, self-awareness is the most important aspect of our wisdom. The more we understand ourselves, the more our thoughts will grow and develop.
But what do we mean by self-awareness? Self-awareness refers to the human ability to recognize their individual and social characteristics, in such a way that it makes them aware of their strengths and weaknesses, interests and desires, needs and requirements, and other aspects of their existence. This awareness ultimately leads to an accurate understanding of oneself. To reach this correct understanding, there are various aspects to consider, the most important of which are:
Rights Awareness: An individual’s understanding of their mutual rights and responsibilities with others, which enables them to regulate their social relationships according to proper standards.
Capacity Awareness: Familiarity with one’s capabilities and potential, which fosters self-confidence and increases self-belief.
Flaw Awareness: Just as humans have special strengths, they also have weaknesses that they suffer from, and recognizing these requires inner courage and patience, as accepting faults is a very difficult task. Focusing on this plays a significant role in self-awareness.
Desire Awareness: This aspect involves identifying and exploring the interests and tendencies that have either always been present in the individual or developed over time. By being aware of them, a person can distinguish between their true, logical desires and those that are not.
Need Awareness: A key characteristic of humans is their dependence on physical and psychological needs. Sometimes, this dependence is so great that how these needs are met becomes a determining factor in the individual’s behavior and personality.
Ideal Awareness: Just as humans are attached to their needs, they are also attached to their ideals and aspirations. These ideals shape their thoughts and behavior. As a result, an individual who has reached a proper understanding of themselves will set a goal for their future that aligns with their capabilities and will strive towards it with motivation.
Undoubtedly, the blessed birth of Imam Ali bin Musa al-Reza (peace be upon him) provides an excellent opportunity for us to reflect and, by contemplating our own identity, attain desirable self-awareness.
(Excerpt from the book “Life Skills in the Teachings of Imam Reza,” written by Dr. Mohammad Reza Sharifi)