Hadith #10019

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الْمَوْتُ وَلا ابْتِذَالُ الْخِزْيَةِ

which translates to

Death is preferable to the shame of disgrace.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining one's honor and dignity, even if it means sacrificing one's life.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (death) "مَوْتُ" refers to the cessation of life, the inevitable end that every human being will face. It is a reminder of our mortality and the transient nature of this worldly existence. The word (shame) "ابْتِذَالُ" signifies humiliation, degradation, and dishonor. It refers to the state of being disgraced or experiencing a loss of respect and dignity. Lastly, the word (disgrace) "خِزْيَةِ" denotes a feeling of shame, embarrassment, or humiliation that arises from a dishonorable act or situation.

To understand the significance behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining honor and dignity in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from actions that may lead to humiliation or disgrace.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah states,

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 reminds us that Allah has bestowed honor upon humanity and expects us to uphold that honor by living a life of righteousness and dignity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of preserving one's honor and dignity, even in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that death is a preferable option to living a life filled with shame and disgrace. This does not mean that one should actively seek death, but rather, it emphasizes the significance of maintaining one's integrity and self-respect.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his unwavering commitment to justice, knowledge, and righteousness. His life serves as a shining example of how one should strive to uphold their honor and dignity, even in the most challenging circumstances. He faced numerous trials and tribulations, yet he never compromised his principles or succumbed to disgrace.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teachings and strive to live a life of honor and dignity. We should always be mindful of our actions and their potential consequences, ensuring that we do not engage in behavior that may lead to shame or disgrace. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to uphold our honor and dignity throughout our lives.