Hadith #4906

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose solemnity increases, his exaltedness increases.

This Hadith emphasizes the correlation between one's solemnity and their exaltedness. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and concepts it presents.

The word (waqaruhu) "وَقَارُهُ" refers to one's solemnity or dignity. It signifies the state of being serious, composed, and dignified in one's demeanor. It is a quality that reflects an individual's inner strength, wisdom, and self-control. When a person's solemnity increases, it means that they are becoming more composed, dignified, and serious in their conduct.

On the other hand, the word (jalalatuhu) "جَلَالَتُهُ" refers to one's exaltedness or greatness. It denotes the state of being esteemed, honored, and respected. It implies a person's elevated status and reputation in the eyes of others. When a person's exaltedness increases, it means that they are gaining more respect, honor, and admiration from those around them.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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.

This verse highlights that true greatness and exaltedness lie not in one's lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather in their righteousness and piety. It is the level of taqwa (God-consciousness) that determines a person's true honor and dignity in the sight of Allah. Therefore, when a person's solemnity increases, it indicates their deepening commitment to righteousness and piety, leading to an increase in their exaltedness in the eyes of Allah.

Another verse that sheds light on the connection between solemnity and exaltedness is found in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse refers to the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who is the epitome of exaltedness and greatness. The Prophet's (ﷺ) solemnity, his seriousness in conveying the message of Islam, and his impeccable moral character were all contributing factors to his exaltedness in the sight of Allah and the people.

Drawing from these Quranic verses, we can understand that the increase in solemnity leads to an increase in exaltedness. When a person becomes more serious and composed in their conduct, it reflects their deepening commitment to righteousness and piety. This, in turn, earns them greater respect, honor, and admiration from others. Just as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was known for his noble character and exaltedness, individuals who strive to increase their solemnity will also experience an elevation in their status and reputation.

The consequences of this Hadith are profound. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating a sense of solemnity and dignity in our lives. By being serious and composed in our actions, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and piety. This, in turn, leads to an increase in our exaltedness in the sight of Allah and the people around us.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are motivated to enhance our inner qualities and strive for a higher level of solemnity. We are encouraged to be mindful of our actions, words, and demeanor, ensuring that they align with the values and teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can elevate our status and become individuals who are respected, honored, and admired by others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that an increase in solemnity leads to an increase in exaltedness. By cultivating a sense of seriousness and dignity in our conduct, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and piety. This, in turn, earns us respect, honor, and admiration from Allah and the people around us. May Allah grant us the ability to increase our solemnity and attain a higher level of exaltedness.