Hadith #9707

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

عَلى قَدْرِ شَرَفِ النَّفْسِ تَكُونُ المُرُوءَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

One’s magnanimity is to the extent of the nobility of his soul.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. (sharaf) "شَرَفِ" refers to honor, dignity, or nobility. It signifies the elevated status of an individual. (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the soul or self of a person. It represents the inner essence and character of an individual.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, 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 emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status. Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And when he reached his full strength and attained maturity, We bestowed upon him judgement and knowledge. And thus do We reward the doers of good.

Here, Allah highlights the importance of knowledge and wisdom as a source of honor and magnanimity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, which elevated his status and made him a role model for all Muslims.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. It teaches us that true magnanimity and honor are not determined by external factors such as wealth or social status. Rather, it is the nobility of one's soul, which is shaped by righteousness, piety, and knowledge, that truly defines a person's character.

A person with a noble soul is one who possesses qualities such as kindness, generosity, humility, and compassion. They treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their social standing or background. They strive to do good deeds, seek knowledge, and make a positive impact on society.

Conversely, a person with a corrupted soul, lacking in nobility, may exhibit traits such as arrogance, selfishness, and disregard for others. They may prioritize their own desires and interests over the well-being of others. Such individuals may be driven by materialistic pursuits and neglect the spiritual aspect of their existence.

The consequences of nurturing a noble soul are far-reaching. It not only brings inner peace and contentment but also fosters harmonious relationships within families, communities, and societies. A person with a noble soul becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for others, leading by example and spreading goodness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true magnanimity and honor are rooted in the nobility of one's soul. It is through righteousness, piety, and knowledge that we can elevate ourselves and become beacons of light in this world. Let us strive to cultivate a noble soul and embody the teachings of Islam, following the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to purify our souls.