Hadith #9687

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the essence of magnanimity and its two fundamental aspects. The Arabic word (muruwwah) "مُرُوءَةِ" refers to magnanimity, which encompasses noble qualities such as generosity, bravery, and righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that the beginning of magnanimity lies in obedience to Allah, while its ultimate goal is to distance oneself from vile traits.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of obedience to Him in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 4:59)

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you

This verse highlights the significance of adhering to the commands of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), as well as those in positions of authority who uphold justice and righteousness.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Anfal, (Quran 8:46)

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) as a means to maintain unity and strength within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the end goal of magnanimity is to distance oneself from vile traits. This notion aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of purifying one's soul and striving towards moral excellence. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (Quran 7:8-9)

And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy - it is they who will be the successful. And those whose scales are light - they are the ones who will lose themselves for what injustice they were doing toward Our verses

This verse highlights the significance of leading a righteous life and avoiding actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. Magnanimity, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), encompasses not only acts of obedience to Allah but also the rejection of vices and sinful behavior.

To illustrate the practical application of this Hadith, let us consider an example. A person who practices obedience to Allah by fulfilling their religious obligations, such as performing the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and giving charity, demonstrates the beginning of magnanimity. However, true magnanimity is not limited to mere acts of worship but extends to one's character and conduct.

Therefore, the person who truly embodies magnanimity will not only fulfill their religious duties but will also strive to distance themselves from vile traits such as arrogance, greed, and dishonesty. They will exhibit kindness, humility, and compassion towards others, reflecting the noble qualities exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the essence of magnanimity lies in obedience to Allah and the rejection of vile traits. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of adhering to Allah's commands and striving towards moral excellence. By embodying magnanimity in both our actions and character, we can strive to become better Muslims and contribute positively to society. May Allah guide us all on the path of magnanimity and righteousness.