Limit of Self Praise

Generally, Islam discourages self-admiration. However, it is not totally forbidden, and one can introduce oneself with the qualities and qualifications one has attained with respect to one’s needs. For example, seeking a job, i.e., a curriculum vitae (CV).

وَ قَالَ سُفْيَانُ‏ قُلْتُ لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَجُوزُ أَنْ يُزَكِّي الرَّجُلُ نَفْسَهُ

And Sufyan said, ‘I said to Abu Abdullah-asws, ‘Is it allowed for the man to praise himself?’

قَالَ نَعَمْ إِذَا اضْطُرَّ إِلَيْهِ أَ مَا سَمِعْتَ قَوْلَ يُوسُفَ- اجْعَلْنِي عَلى‏ خَزائِنِ الْأَرْضِ‏ إِنِّي حَفِيظٌ عَلِيمٌ‏ وَ قَوْلَ الْعَبْدِ الصَّالِحِ‏ أَنَا لَكُمْ ناصِحٌ أَمِينٌ‏.

He-asws said: ‘Yes, when he is desperate to it. Have you not heard words of Yusuf-as: ‘Make me (in charge) upon the treasures of the land, I am a knowledgeable protector [12:55]?’, and the words of the righteous servant (Prophet Hudas): and I am a trustworthy adviser to you all [7:68]?’’[1]

وَ قَالَ سُفْيَانُ‏ قُلْتُ لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَجُوزُ أَنْ يُزَكِّي الرَّجُلُ نَفْسَهُ

And Sufyan said, ‘I said to Abu Abdullah-asws, ‘Is it allowed for the man to praise himself?’

قَالَ نَعَمْ إِذَا اضْطُرَّ إِلَيْهِ أَ مَا سَمِعْتَ قَوْلَ يُوسُفَ- اجْعَلْنِي عَلى‏ خَزائِنِ الْأَرْضِ‏ إِنِّي حَفِيظٌ عَلِيمٌ‏ وَ قَوْلَ الْعَبْدِ الصَّالِحِ‏ أَنَا لَكُمْ ناصِحٌ أَمِينٌ‏.

He-asws said: ‘Yes, when he is desperate to it. Have you not heard words of Yusuf-as: ‘Make me (in charge) upon the treasures of the land, I am a knowledgeable protector [12:55]?’, and the words of the righteous servant (Prophet Hudas): and I am a trustworthy adviser to you all [7:68]?’’[2]

[1] Bihar Al-Anwaar V 75 – The book ‘Al Rawza’ – Ch 23 H 108 / 136

[2] Bihar Al-Anwaar V 75 – The book ‘Al Rawza’ – Ch 23 H 108 / 136

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