Hadith #9860

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

أجَلُّ المُلُوكِ مَنْ مَلَكَ نَفْسَهُ وبَسَطَ العَدْلَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-control and the spreading of justice as qualities of a truly exalted ruler.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (ajallu) "أجَلُّ" is derived from the root word (jalla) "جلّ", which means to be exalted, noble, or majestic. It signifies the highest level of greatness and superiority. (al-mulooki) "المُلُوكِ" refers to the kings or rulers. (man) "مَنْ" means "one who" or "whoever." (malaka) "مَلَكَ" means to have control or mastery over something. (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to oneself or one's own self. And finally, (basata) "بَسَطَ" means to spread or extend.

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 highlights that true nobility and superiority lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, power, or lineage. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the most exalted of rulers are those who have mastery over their own selves. This means that they have control over their desires, emotions, and impulses. They are not swayed by personal interests or ego, but rather act with wisdom, justice, and integrity.

The concept of self-control is further emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse teaches us that those who have self-control and fear Allah are able to resist the temptations and whispers of Satan. They are able to make wise decisions and act in accordance with the principles of justice and righteousness.

Furthermore, the Hadith emphasizes the spreading of justice. Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam and is repeatedly emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:135),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against our personal interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate judge and that we must not let our biases or desires cloud our judgment.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the impactful message of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). A truly exalted ruler is one who has mastery over their own self, demonstrating self-control and righteousness. They act with justice, spreading it far and wide, without any bias or personal inclination.

Such a ruler is not driven by personal gain or power, but rather by the desire to establish a just and equitable society. They prioritize the well-being of their subjects and ensure that justice is upheld in all aspects of governance. Their decisions are guided by the principles of Islam and the teachings of the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of sect, that true greatness lies in self-control and the spreading of justice. It emphasizes the importance of upholding righteousness and acting with integrity in all aspects of life, especially in positions of authority. May we strive to embody these qualities and follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our own lives.