Hadith #467

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

مَنْ آثَرَ على نَفْسِهِ اسْتَحقَّ إسْمَ الفَضيلَةِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Whoever prefers others to himself deserves to be called a person of virtue.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (athara) "آثَرَ" in this Hadith refers to giving preference or priority to someone or something over oneself. It implies selflessness and sacrificing one's own needs and desires for the sake of others. This act of preferring others over oneself is a characteristic of true virtue and righteousness.

The word (nafsihi) "نَفْسِهِ" refers to one's own self or ego. It represents our individual desires, ambitions, and interests. By choosing to prioritize others over our own selves, we are transcending our ego and demonstrating a higher level of moral excellence.

The Hadith emphasizes that those who possess this quality of selflessness and prioritize the well-being and happiness of others are deserving of the title (al-fadilah) "الفَضيلَةِ", which means a person of virtue or excellence. This title is an acknowledgment of their noble character and their commitment to the principles of Islam.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the importance of selflessness and preferring others over oneself. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the exemplary behavior of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite their own limited resources, the Ansar preferred the needs of the Muhajirun over their own. This act of selflessness and sacrifice is praised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is considered a sign of success.

Another verse that reinforces the concept of preferring others over oneself is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the selflessness of the believers who give food to the needy, orphans, and captives solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They do not seek any reward or gratitude from those they help. This act of giving without expecting anything in return is a manifestation of preferring others over oneself and is highly commendable in Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the virtue of selflessness in their lives. By prioritizing the needs and well-being of others over our own, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society.

When we choose to prioritize others, we create a harmonious and compassionate environment where individuals support and uplift one another. This selfless behavior fosters unity, empathy, and love within the Muslim community.

Moreover, the act of preferring others over oneself has profound spiritual implications. It helps us transcend our ego and purify our intentions. By seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through selfless acts, we draw closer to Him and attain spiritual growth.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of selflessness and preferring others over oneself. This noble characteristic is praised in the Quran and is a hallmark of true virtue and righteousness. By embodying this quality, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society and our own spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to prioritize others and become people of virtue.