Hadith #7516

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the honor and respect given to individuals based on their knowledge, age, goodness, and position of authority. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (al-'alim) "عالِمُ", which refers to the scholar or the knowledgeable person. The Arabic word (ilmih) "عِلْمِهِ" means his knowledge. This emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the honor bestowed upon those who possess it. The Quran also emphasizes the significance of knowledge in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not, emphasizing the elevated status of the knowledgeable.

The second word to be examined is (kabir) "كَبِيرُ", which means the elderly or the old. The Arabic word (sinnih) "سِنِّهِ" refers to his age. This part of the Hadith emphasizes the respect and honor given to the elderly. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us to show kindness and respect to our parents and the elderly. In Surah Al-Isra (17:23), Allah says,

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting the elderly, highlighting their elevated status in society.

The third word to be examined is (dhu al-ma'ruf) "ذُو المَعْرُوفِ", which refers to the doer of good or the one who performs acts of kindness. This part of the Hadith emphasizes the honor given to individuals based on their goodness and righteous actions. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and the rewards associated with them. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), Allah says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the significance of performing good deeds and the honor bestowed upon those who engage in acts of righteousness.

The fourth and final word to be examined is (al-sultan) "السُّلْطانُ", which refers to the king or the one in a position of authority. The Arabic word (sultanih) "سُلْطانِهِ" means his kingship or authority. This part of the Hadith emphasizes the honor and respect given to individuals in positions of power and authority. The Quran acknowledges the existence of authority and leadership and emphasizes the importance of just and righteous leadership. In Surah Al-Nisa (4:58), Allah says,

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.

This verse highlights the importance of just leadership and the honor associated with it.

In light of the above analysis, we can understand that this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the honor and respect given to individuals based on their knowledge, age, goodness, and position of authority. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to value and appreciate these qualities in individuals and to treat them with the respect they deserve. Furthermore, this Hadith encourages individuals to strive for knowledge, righteousness, and just leadership, as these are qualities that are highly regarded in Islam.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the honor and respect given to individuals based on their knowledge, age, goodness, and position of authority. It emphasizes the importance of these qualities in Islam and encourages Muslims to strive for them. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge, show respect to the elderly, perform good deeds, and establish just leadership.