Hadith #9181

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the distinction between the perception of a noble-minded person in the sight of Allah and in the sight of the people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that such an individual is felicitous and deserving of reward in the eyes of Allah, and is loved and venerated by the people.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The term (al-karīm) "الْكَريمُ" refers to someone who possesses noble qualities, such as generosity, kindness, and honor. This individual is characterized by their virtuous conduct and high moral standards. They are known for their selflessness and willingness to help others.

The phrase (ʿinda Allah) "عِنْدَ اللّهِ" emphasizes the perception of the noble-minded person in the sight of Allah. This signifies that Allah, the Most High, recognizes and appreciates the noble qualities of such individuals. Their actions and intentions are acknowledged and rewarded by Allah, who is the ultimate judge and the bestower of blessings.

On the other hand, the phrase (ʿinda al-nas) "عِنْدَ النّاسِ" highlights the perception of the noble-minded person in the eyes of the people. This indicates that such individuals are loved and venerated by society. Their noble character and virtuous deeds earn them the respect and admiration of those around them.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status. The noble-minded person, as described in the Hadith, is one who embodies righteousness and strives to please Allah in all aspects of their life. Their actions are guided by the principles of Islam, and they prioritize the well-being of others over their own.

Another verse that supports the concept of nobility in the sight of Allah is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. It is not within the power of any individual, no matter how noble or influential they may be, to guide others. The noble-minded person recognizes their own limitations and relies on Allah for guidance. They understand that their role is to embody the teachings of Islam and serve as a source of inspiration for others, leaving the ultimate guidance to Allah.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that the noble-minded person, as described in the Hadith, is one who is guided by the principles of Islam and seeks to please Allah in all aspects of their life. They prioritize righteousness and piety over worldly desires and are known for their virtuous conduct. Their actions are recognized and rewarded by Allah, and they are loved and venerated by the people for their noble character.

The consequences of embodying the qualities of a noble-minded person are far-reaching. Not only does it bring about personal felicity and reward in the sight of Allah, but it also has a positive impact on society. The noble-minded person serves as a role model for others, inspiring them to strive for righteousness and goodness. Their actions and character have the power to influence and transform the lives of those around them.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating noble qualities within ourselves. We should strive to be generous, kind, and honorable, seeking the pleasure of Allah above all else. By doing so, we can become beloved and venerated in the sight of both Allah and the people. May Allah grant us the ability to embody the noble qualities described in this Hadith and may He make us among those who are felicitous and worthy of reward in His sight.