Hadith #9300

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ رُفِعَ بِلا كِفايَة وُضِعَ بِلا جِنايَة۔

This can be translated as:

One who is raised [to a high rank] without competence is dropped without wrongdoing.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (rufi'a) "رُفِعَ" means to be raised or elevated to a higher position or rank. (bila) "بِلا" means without, indicating the absence of something. (kifaya) "كِفايَة" refers to competence, ability, or qualification. And (wudi'a) "وُضِعَ" means to be dropped or lowered from a high position.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of competence and qualification in various verses. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah says, (6:43)

And We did not send before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message], so ask the people of the message if you do not know.

This verse highlights the significance of knowledge and understanding in carrying out the responsibilities of leadership and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Prophet Shu'aib (Jethro). When Prophet Musa arrived at the well of Madyan, he found a group of men watering their flocks. Seeing their struggle, he helped them and later explained his actions by saying, (28:21)

Indeed, I have fled to you for refuge from a people who are tyrants and oppressors.

This incident demonstrates the importance of practical skills and competence in providing assistance and leadership.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It teaches us that true elevation and success can only be attained through competence and qualification. If someone is raised to a high position without possessing the necessary skills and abilities, they will eventually be dropped or lowered from that position. This is not due to any wrongdoing on their part, but rather a consequence of their lack of competence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, making him a paragon of competence and qualification. His words in this Hadith serve as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Whether it is in our personal pursuits, professional endeavors, or leadership roles, we must seek knowledge, develop our skills, and continuously improve ourselves.

This Hadith also serves as a warning against nepotism or favoritism in appointing individuals to positions of authority. It reminds us that merit and competence should be the criteria for selecting leaders, rather than personal connections or familial ties. By adhering to this principle, we can ensure that those in positions of power are truly qualified and capable of fulfilling their responsibilities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of competence and qualification in attaining success and elevation. It reminds us to seek knowledge, develop our skills, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.