Hadith #361

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he imparts wisdom and guidance on various aspects of life. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The first part of the hadith states,

Let it be death but not humiliation.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's dignity and honor. He advises Muslims to choose death over humiliation, highlighting the significance of preserving one's self-respect and integrity. This teaching aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Maida (5:3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Forbidden to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death].

The second part of the hadith states,

Let it be little but not through others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to strive for their own sustenance and success, rather than relying on others. This aligns with the Quranic teachings in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

The third part of the hadith states,

He who does not get while sitting will not get by standing either.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of taking action and making efforts to achieve one's goals. This teaching is in line with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Insan (76:29), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, this is a reminder, so whoever wills may take to his Lord a way.

The final part of the hadith states,

The world has two days, one for you and the other against you. When the day is for you, do not feel proud, but when it is against you, endure it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the transient nature of this world and the fluctuating circumstances they may face. He advises against arrogance during times of success and encourages patience during times of adversity. This teaching aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So that you may not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound guidance for Muslims in various aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity, striving for self-sufficiency, taking action, and practicing humility and patience in the face of success and adversity. By following these teachings, Muslims can navigate the challenges of life while upholding their faith and values. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement these teachings in our lives.