Hadith #1313

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 qualities of a true believer. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the best of believers, in terms of their faith, is the one whose actions of taking, giving, anger, and pleasure are all solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (Iman) "إيماناً" refers to faith or belief, encompassing both the belief in the heart and the actions that stem from it. (Afdal) "أفضلُ" means the best or the most excellent. (Al-Mu'minin) "المُؤْمِنينَ" refers to the believers, those who have submitted themselves to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and have faith in Him.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 207:

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in one's actions and intentions. The believer mentioned in the Hadith is one whose actions are solely for the sake of Allah, without any ulterior motives or desires for worldly gain or recognition.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving for the sake of Allah and doing good deeds. The believer mentioned in the Hadith is one who gives selflessly and generously, seeking the pleasure of Allah alone.

The Hadith also mentions anger and pleasure. Anger, when channeled for the sake of Allah, can be a means of seeking justice and defending the truth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134:

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of controlling one's anger and using it in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Islam.

On the other hand, pleasure refers to being content with the decree of Allah and finding joy in His blessings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Rad, verse 28:

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.

This verse reminds us that true contentment and pleasure can only be found through the remembrance of Allah and having faith in Him.

In light of these Quranic verses, the exegesis of the Hadith becomes clear. The best of believers, in terms of their faith, are those who dedicate their actions of taking, giving, anger, and pleasure solely for the sake of Allah. They give generously, control their anger for the sake of justice, and find contentment in the blessings and decrees of Allah. Their intentions are pure, seeking only the pleasure of Allah and not seeking any worldly gain or recognition.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to evaluate their actions and intentions. It encourages us to strive for sincerity in all aspects of our lives, ensuring that our actions are solely for the sake of Allah. By doing so, we can attain the highest level of faith and become among the best of believers.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the qualities mentioned in this Hadith and make our actions solely for His sake. Ameen.