Hadith #10448

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عَوِّدْنَفْسَكَ الْجَميلَ فَإنَّهُ يُجْمِلُ عَنْكَ الأُحْدُوثَةَ ويُجْزِلُ لَكَ المَثُوبَةَ۔

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to cultivate virtuous qualities within ourselves. By doing so, we can positively influence how others speak about us and increase our rewards in the hereafter.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The term "عَوِّدْنَفْسَكَ" can be translated as "accustom your soul." It implies the need for continuous effort and practice in developing virtuous traits. The word "الْجَميلَ" means "virtue" or "excellence." It refers to the noble qualities that one should strive to embody, such as kindness, honesty, patience, and generosity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states that by adorning ourselves with virtuous qualities, we can influence how others speak about us. The phrase "يُجْمِلُ عَنْكَ الأُحْدُوثَةَ" can be understood as

it will make that which is spoken about you good.

When we consistently display virtuous behavior, people will naturally speak positively of us, recognizing our noble character and actions.

To further emphasize the importance of cultivating virtue, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 11:114)

And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember

This verse highlights the power of good deeds in erasing the effects of our shortcomings and sins. By consistently engaging in virtuous actions, we can mitigate the negative consequences of our mistakes and improve our overall character.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:12)

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful

This verse highlights the importance of guarding our tongues and refraining from speaking ill of others. By practicing virtuous speech and avoiding gossip and backbiting, we can create an environment of positivity and harmony within our communities.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also mentions that cultivating virtue will lead to a great reward. The phrase "يُجْزِلُ لَكَ المَثُوبَةَ" can be translated as

it will make your reward great.

This indicates that by consistently practicing virtuous actions, we can expect a generous recompense from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our efforts to adorn our souls with virtue will not go unnoticed, and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will reward us abundantly for our righteous deeds.

In Surah Al-Insan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 76:22)

Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated

This verse reassures us that our efforts in cultivating virtue will not be in vain. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) acknowledges and appreciates our sincere endeavors to improve ourselves and please Him.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of continuously striving to develop virtuous qualities within ourselves. By doing so, we can positively influence how others perceive us and increase our rewards in the hereafter. Let us take inspiration from the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make a conscious effort to adorn our souls with the beauty of virtue. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to follow the path of righteousness.