Hadith #9734

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Magnanimity is evinced by increased modesty, generous giving and refraining from harming others.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word "murawah" in Arabic refers to magnanimity or nobility of character. It encompasses qualities such as generosity, humility, and refraining from causing harm to others. The word "kathrat" means increased or abundant, indicating that these qualities should be practiced to a great extent. "Hayaa" refers to modesty, which is the quality of being humble and having a sense of shame before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). "Bathl" means generous giving, which implies selflessness and a willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. "Al-athaa" refers to causing harm or injury to others, which should be avoided at all costs.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. 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, not in wealth, lineage, or worldly status. It highlights the importance of modesty and humility in our interactions with others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages us to be generous in giving and to spend in the way of Allah. It reminds us that our actions should be driven by the desire to do good and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than causing harm or destruction.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true magnanimity is not merely a display of wealth or power, but rather it is reflected in our character and actions. Increased modesty, demonstrated through humility and a sense of shame before Allah, is a key aspect of magnanimity. It reminds us to be mindful of our words and actions, avoiding arrogance and treating others with respect and kindness.

Generous giving, as mentioned in the Hadith, is another manifestation of magnanimity. It involves selflessly helping others, without expecting anything in return. This act of giving can take various forms, such as donating to charity, assisting those in need, or simply offering a helping hand to someone in distress. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and charity, reminding us that our wealth is a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and should be used for the betterment of society.

Refraining from harming others is the third aspect mentioned in the Hadith. Islam places great emphasis on the sanctity of human life and the prohibition of causing harm. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:32),

Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.

This verse highlights the gravity of causing harm to others and emphasizes the importance of preserving life and promoting peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true magnanimity is demonstrated through increased modesty, generous giving, and refraining from harming others. These qualities are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of humility, charity, and the preservation of life. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our daily lives, seeking to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and following the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and exemplary character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice true magnanimity and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.