Hadith #825

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,

لا تُؤثِرْ دَنِيّاً عَلى شَريف۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Do not give preference to an ignoble person over a noble one.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tu'thir) "تُؤثِرْ" in this Hadith means to give preference or priority to someone or something. It implies favoring one person or thing over another. The word (dunya) "دَنِيّاً" refers to the worldly life, which is transient and temporary. It encompasses material possessions, wealth, and worldly desires. On the other hand, the word (sharif) "شَريف" refers to someone who possesses noble qualities, virtues, and high moral character.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not prioritizing worldly gains and material possessions over individuals who possess noble qualities and virtues. It reminds us that the true worth of a person lies in their character and righteousness, not in their worldly status or possessions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) affirms this principle in the Quran in several verses.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the true measure of nobility and superiority lies in righteousness and piety. It is not determined by one's lineage, wealth, or worldly status. Allah judges individuals based on their character and deeds, not their external attributes.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their pursuit of the Hereafter. While it is important to fulfill our worldly obligations, we should not become so engrossed in worldly pursuits that we neglect our spiritual growth and the development of noble qualities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not prioritize worldly gains and material possessions over individuals who possess noble qualities and virtues. It urges us to value and appreciate those who exhibit righteousness, integrity, and moral excellence. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

When we prioritize noble individuals over those who lack moral character, we create an environment that promotes justice, fairness, and ethical behavior. This has far-reaching consequences, as it encourages the cultivation of virtuous qualities in society. It motivates individuals to strive for personal growth and to embody the values that Islam promotes.

Conversely, when we give preference to those who lack noble qualities solely based on their worldly status or possessions, we perpetuate a culture that values materialism over morality. This can lead to corruption, injustice, and a disregard for the principles of Islam.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to evaluate individuals based on their character, righteousness, and moral conduct rather than their worldly possessions or status. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of a just and virtuous society, in line with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to prioritize noble qualities and virtues in our interactions and decision-making. May we strive to embody the teachings of Islam and follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. Ameen.