Hadith #5915

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A beautiful countenance is the first of the two felicities.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a pleasant and attractive appearance, as it is the initial step towards attaining happiness and success in life.

The word (sūrah) "صورة" in Arabic refers to the external appearance or countenance of a person. It encompasses physical features, expressions, and overall attractiveness. The word (jamīlah) "جميلة" means beautiful or pleasing. Thus, the Hadith highlights the significance of having a pleasant and appealing external appearance.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of beauty in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah says,

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse highlights the honor and preference given to humans by Allah, which includes physical beauty.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:5), Allah states,

O mankind, if you should be in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed - that We may show you.

This verse reminds us of the intricate process of human creation and the beauty bestowed upon us by Allah.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand that physical beauty is a gift from Allah and should be appreciated. However, it is important to note that true beauty lies not only in external appearance but also in one's character, actions, and intentions. Islam emphasizes the balance between inner and outer beauty.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that a beautiful countenance is the first step towards felicity. When a person possesses a pleasant appearance, it can have a positive impact on their interactions with others. It can attract people towards them, create a favorable impression, and open doors of opportunity.

Having a beautiful countenance can also bring about inner happiness and contentment. When a person feels confident and comfortable in their own skin, it positively affects their self-esteem and overall well-being. This, in turn, contributes to their overall happiness and success in life.

However, it is important to remember that external beauty is temporary and will eventually fade. What truly matters is the beauty of the soul and the character of an individual. Islam teaches us to prioritize inner beauty, which includes qualities such as kindness, compassion, humility, and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings encompassed various aspects of life, including the importance of inner beauty. He emphasized the need to cultivate virtuous qualities and to strive for spiritual growth. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) own character and actions exemplified the true meaning of beauty, as he was not only physically attractive but also possessed remarkable moral and spiritual qualities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of having a beautiful countenance as the first step towards felicity. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining a pleasant appearance and the positive impact it can have on our interactions and overall well-being. However, it is crucial to remember that true beauty lies in the balance between inner and outer beauty, with inner beauty being of utmost importance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate both inner and outer beauty and guide us towards true felicity.