Hadith #6012

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

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

أخُو العِزِّ مَنْ تَحَلّى بِالطَّاعَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

He who adorns himself with obedience possesses honor.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (akhoo) "أخُو" in this Hadith refers to the one who possesses or attains a certain quality. In this case, it signifies someone who possesses (al-'izz) "العِزّ", which can be translated as honor, dignity, or prestige. This honor is not bestowed upon individuals based on their lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather it is attained through a specific action.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this honor is attained by (tahallā biṭ-ṭā'ah) "تَحَلّى بِالطَّاعَةِ", which means adorning oneself with obedience. This implies that obedience to Allah's commands and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the key to attaining true honor and dignity in the sight of Allah.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support this concept. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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 honor and nobility are not based on superficial factors such as race or lineage, but rather on righteousness and piety. Those who adorn themselves with obedience to Allah and His commands are the ones who possess true honor in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37), Allah says,

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.

This verse emphasizes that it is not external acts of worship or rituals alone that bring us closer to Allah, but rather it is the sincerity and piety behind those actions that truly matter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true honor lies in obedience to Allah's commands, which encompasses all aspects of our lives. It is not limited to performing acts of worship, but also includes fulfilling our responsibilities towards our families, communities, and society as a whole.

When we adorn ourselves with obedience, we become individuals who strive to fulfill our obligations, treat others with kindness and compassion, and uphold justice and fairness in all our dealings. This not only brings honor to ourselves but also contributes to the betterment of society as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. When we prioritize obedience to Allah, we will be guided towards making choices that are pleasing to Him. This will lead to a life of righteousness, contentment, and inner peace.

On the other hand, neglecting obedience to Allah and indulging in disobedience can lead to a loss of honor and dignity. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:18),

Whoever desires honor [through disobedience] - then to Allah belongs all honor. To Him ascends good speech, and righteous work raises it.

This verse reminds us that true honor belongs to Allah alone, and it is through righteousness and good deeds that we can attain His favor and blessings. Disobedience, on the other hand, tarnishes our honor and distances us from the mercy and guidance of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true honor and dignity are not based on worldly factors, but rather on adorning ourselves with obedience to Allah. By prioritizing obedience in all aspects of our lives, we attain a level of honor that is pleasing to Allah and brings us closer to Him. May Allah guide us all to adorn ourselves with obedience and grant us the honor and dignity that comes with it.