Hadith #3234

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Choose for yourself the best from every character [trait], for indeed virtue is a habit.

This beautiful saying highlights the importance of cultivating good character and virtues in our lives. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "takhayyar" in Arabic means to choose or select. It implies that we have the ability and responsibility to make conscious decisions regarding our character traits. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to choose the best from every trait, indicating that we should strive for excellence in all aspects of our character.

The word "ahsanahu" refers to the best or most excellent. It emphasizes the need to seek the highest level of goodness and righteousness in our behavior. This includes traits such as honesty, kindness, patience, humility, and justice, among others. By choosing the best from every character trait, we are encouraged to embody the noble qualities that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) loves and rewards.

The Hadith further states,

for indeed virtue is a habit.

This highlights the importance of consistency in our actions and the development of virtuous habits. When we consistently choose the best character traits, it becomes a part of our nature and defines our identity. Virtue then becomes a habit that guides our thoughts, words, and deeds.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing righteousness in all aspects of life. It teaches us that true righteousness is not limited to external rituals, but rather it encompasses belief in Allah, fulfilling our obligations, and displaying good character towards others. By choosing the best character traits, we align ourselves with the qualities of the righteous mentioned in this verse.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse is specifically referring to the character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), but it also serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for excellence in their character. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the highest level of moral character.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we understand that our character is not fixed or predetermined. We have the power to shape it by consciously choosing the best traits and consistently practicing them. By doing so, we not only improve ourselves but also positively impact those around us. Our actions and behavior have a ripple effect, influencing the society we live in.

Choosing the best from every character trait requires self-reflection, self-discipline, and a sincere desire for self-improvement. It requires us to constantly evaluate our actions and strive for growth. It is a lifelong journey of seeking excellence and emulating the noble qualities exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a guiding principle for Muslims to choose the best character traits and cultivate virtuous habits. It reminds us that our character is not fixed, but rather a reflection of the choices we make. By consistently choosing the best, we develop a habit of virtue that shapes our identity and influences the world around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the best character traits and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.