Hadith #9837

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 and immaculate progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنْ حَقِّ المَلِكِ أنْ يَسُوسَ نَفْسَهُ قَبْلَ جُنْدِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-governance for a leader before they can effectively govern their subjects.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (min) "مِنْ" means "from" or "among." (haqq) "حَقِّ" refers to a right or entitlement. (al-malik) "المَلِكِ" signifies a king or ruler. (yasus) "يَسُوسَ" means to govern or manage. (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to oneself. (qabla) "قَبْلَ" means before or prior to. And finally, (jundih) "جُنْدِهِ" refers to the soldiers or subjects under the ruler's command.

To understand the profound wisdom of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: (Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity)

لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَاۚ

This verse highlights the principle of self-governance, as Allah does not impose more responsibility on an individual than they can handle. Similarly, a ruler must first govern themselves before they can effectively govern their subjects.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9, Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the believers: (And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation)

وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّؤُوا۟ ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلْإِيمَانَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِي صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةً مِّمَّآ أُوتُوا۟ وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌۚ

This verse highlights the selflessness and prioritization of others over oneself, which is a quality that a ruler should possess. By governing themselves and putting the needs of their subjects before their own, a leader can create an environment of justice, compassion, and fairness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance in this Hadith reminds us that a ruler's ability to govern effectively is directly linked to their own self-discipline, self-awareness, and self-improvement. A leader who is in control of their own actions, thoughts, and emotions will be better equipped to make just decisions and provide guidance to their subjects.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder to the subjects of a ruler. It encourages them to hold their leaders accountable and expect them to lead by example. A ruler who governs themselves with integrity and righteousness will inspire their soldiers and subjects to follow suit.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-governance for a leader before they can effectively govern their subjects. By examining the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and reflecting on relevant Quranic verses, we understand that a ruler's ability to govern is directly linked to their own self-discipline, self-awareness, and self-improvement. This Hadith serves as a reminder for both rulers and subjects to prioritize self-governance and hold leaders accountable for their actions. May Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to lead and be led with justice and righteousness.