Hadith #10710

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims until the Day of Judgment.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities that distinguish the elite among the people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that those who possess admirable intellects, honourable ambitions, and nobility are the true elite.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words mentioned in this Hadith. The word (uloo) "أُولُوا" refers to the elite or the people of distinction. (al-ahlam al-raghiba) "الأحْلامِ الرَّغِيبَةِ" refers to admirable intellects, which are characterized by deep understanding, wisdom, and insight. (al-himam al-sharifa) "الهِمَمِ الشَّريفَةِ" refers to honourable ambitions, which are noble aspirations and goals that are pursued with sincerity and righteousness. (dhawu al-nubl) "ذَوُو النُّبْلِ" refers to those who possess nobility, which encompasses moral excellence, high character, and virtuous qualities.

To understand the significance of these qualities, we can 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 nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status. Therefore, the elite mentioned in the Hadith are those who possess noble qualities of character and conduct, as defined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of intellect and knowledge. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge and understanding over those who are ignorant. The admirable intellects mentioned in the Hadith are those who seek knowledge, reflect upon it, and apply it in their lives. They are the ones who are able to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and make informed decisions based on wisdom.

Honourable ambitions are also praised in the Quran. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of having noble aspirations and seeking Allah's guidance and support in achieving them. The elite mentioned in the Hadith are those who strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives, seeking to please Allah and benefit humanity.

The consequences of possessing these qualities are profound. Those who have admirable intellects, honourable ambitions, and nobility become beacons of guidance and inspiration for others. They lead by example, spreading goodness, and contributing positively to society. Their actions and words are rooted in wisdom, righteousness, and moral excellence.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating these qualities within ourselves. We should strive to develop our intellects, seeking knowledge and understanding. We should set honourable ambitions, aligning them with the teachings of Islam and seeking Allah's pleasure. And we should strive to embody nobility, cultivating virtuous qualities and character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities that distinguish the elite among the people. Those who possess admirable intellects, honourable ambitions, and nobility are the true elite in the eyes of Allah. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support these qualities, we are reminded of their significance and encouraged to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to develop these qualities and be among the elite.