Hadith #1344

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the characteristics and qualities of a true believer. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that the cheerfulness of a believer is reflected in their face, while their sorrow resides in their heart. This signifies the inner strength and resilience of a believer, who may experience hardships and difficulties in life, but still maintains a positive and serene countenance. The Quran supports this notion in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 54, where it states,

Indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of the doers of good.

The Hadith further describes the believer as having the broadest chest, indicating their vast patience, knowledge, and virtue. This breadth of character enables them to endure trials and tribulations with steadfastness and wisdom. The Quran emphasizes the importance of patience in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, where it says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

The believer is also described as being humble in spirit, detesting high positions and disliking renown. This humility stems from their recognition of their own insignificance in the grand scheme of things and their submission to the will of Allah. The Quran reminds us of the importance of humility in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, where it states,

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.

The Hadith goes on to mention that the believer's grief is long and their sorrow is distant. This highlights their deep contemplation and concern for the Hereafter, as they are constantly aware of the transient nature of worldly affairs. The Quran echoes this sentiment in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216, where it states,

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.

Silence is also attributed to the believer, indicating their inclination towards reflection and contemplation. The Quran encourages us to engage in reflection in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 21, where it says,

If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.

The believer is described as being grateful and patient, acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah and enduring hardships with fortitude. The Quran emphasizes the importance of gratitude in Surah Ibrahim, verse 7, where it states,

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

Furthermore, the believer is submerged in their thoughts about the Hereafter, constantly aware of the transient nature of this world. This contemplation serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of life and motivates them to strive for righteousness. The Quran reminds us of the importance of preparing for the Hereafter in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, where it says,

Take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

In addition, the believer is sparing in their friendships, choosing their companions wisely and surrounding themselves with individuals who will positively influence their spiritual journey. The Quran advises us to choose our friends carefully in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28, where it states,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

The Hadith concludes by describing the believer as firm as a hard rock, indicating their unwavering faith and commitment to their principles. However, they remain humble and submissive, recognizing their servitude to Allah. This duality of strength and humility is exemplified in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was renowned for his immense knowledge and wisdom, yet remained humble and devoted to the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the qualities and characteristics of a true believer. It emphasizes the importance of patience, humility, gratitude, and reflection, all of which are rooted in the teachings of the Quran. May we strive to embody these qualities in our own lives and seek guidance from the Quran and the noble example of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).