Hadith #9197

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, "ظَفَرُ الكَريمُ يُنْجي۔" This can be translated as,

The success of a noble-minded person brings deliverance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (Dhafar) "ظَفَرُ" refers to success or victory, while (Al-Karim) "الكَريمُ" signifies a noble-minded person. The word (Yunjī) "يُنْجي" means to bring deliverance or salvation. These words highlight the importance of noble character and its impact on achieving success and salvation.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of noble character and righteousness in numerous verses. For instance, 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 clearly establishes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. A person who possesses noble character, characterized by humility, kindness, and justice, is considered honorable in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such an individual is more likely to achieve success and deliverance in this life and the hereafter.

Furthermore, the Quran states in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83),

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse highlights that those who do not seek worldly power or engage in corruption, but instead focus on righteousness, will attain the best outcome. Their success lies not in materialistic gains, but in their commitment to noble values and actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith emphasizes that the success of a noble-minded person brings deliverance. When a person possesses noble character, they are more likely to make decisions and take actions that are in line with the teachings of Islam. This leads to positive consequences not only for themselves but also for those around them.

For example, a noble-minded person will prioritize justice and fairness in their interactions with others. They will strive to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed and work towards establishing a just society. Their success in achieving these noble goals will bring deliverance to those who were previously oppressed or marginalized.

Similarly, a noble-minded person will prioritize knowledge and seek to acquire it for the sake of benefiting others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His success in acquiring knowledge and imparting it to others brought deliverance to countless individuals who were guided towards the path of righteousness and enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the success of a noble-minded person brings deliverance. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of noble character and righteousness. When individuals prioritize noble values and actions, they not only achieve personal success but also bring about positive change and deliverance for others. May we all strive to cultivate noble character and seek success that leads to deliverance in this life and the hereafter.