Hadith #10412

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises Muslims to adopt four important qualities in their lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Have humility in your soul and honour in your faith.

The word (dhilla) "ذِلَّ" in Arabic refers to humility or humbleness, while (izz) "عِزَّ" means honor or dignity. This part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a humble soul and a strong faith. It reminds us that true honor lies in submitting ourselves to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and being humble before Him. This is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, where 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.

The second part of the Hadith states, "Preserve your Hereafter." This part emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our eternal life over our temporary worldly affairs. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to attain success in the Hereafter. Allah repeatedly emphasizes the significance of the Hereafter in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201, Allah says,

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

The final part of the Hadith states,

Be open-handed with your worldly possessions.

This part encourages Muslims to be generous and charitable with their wealth. It reminds us that our possessions are a trust from Allah, and we should utilize them for the betterment of society. Allah emphasizes the importance of charity in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, where He says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the profound wisdom and guidance it offers. By having humility in our souls and honor in our faith, we can cultivate a balanced and righteous character. By prioritizing our Hereafter, we can ensure that our actions are aligned with our ultimate goal of attaining Allah's pleasure. And by being open-handed with our worldly possessions, we can contribute to the well-being of society and fulfill our duty as stewards of Allah's blessings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and this Hadith is a testament to his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. It serves as a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to strive for humility, honor, prioritization of the Hereafter, and generosity in their lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives. And may He bless us with the guidance to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt.