Hadith #3230

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

By [adopting] good character, sustenance becomes abundant.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of cultivating good character and its direct correlation with the abundance of sustenance. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this wise utterance and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word "husn" in Arabic refers to goodness, beauty, and excellence. It encompasses all positive qualities and virtues. "Akhlaq" refers to character or moral behavior. It encompasses the way we interact with others, our manners, ethics, and overall conduct. The word "tadarruq" means to attain, acquire, or achieve.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of good character and its impact on our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of doing good and seeking the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. It implies that by engaging in good deeds and displaying good character, we can attract the blessings and provisions of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in both our worldly affairs and the Hereafter.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of good character and its relationship with sustenance is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his desire for a firm and stable life, both inwardly and outwardly. It signifies the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and relying on Him for our provisions. By adopting good character, we establish a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increase our chances of receiving abundant sustenance from Him.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that our character and conduct have a direct impact on the blessings and provisions we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we embody good character traits such as honesty, kindness, patience, humility, and compassion, we create an environment of positivity and harmony around us. This, in turn, attracts the mercy and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and opens doors of sustenance for us.

For example, when we display honesty in our dealings, people trust us, and opportunities for growth and success come our way. When we show kindness and compassion towards others, we build strong relationships and receive support and assistance when needed. When we practice patience and humility, we are able to navigate through challenges with grace and resilience, leading to better outcomes in our endeavors.

Conversely, if we exhibit negative character traits such as dishonesty, arrogance, greed, or ill-treatment of others, we create an environment of negativity and discord. This not only distances us from the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also hinders our sustenance and success in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that by adopting good character, we not only enhance our relationships with others but also attract the abundant sustenance and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our character is a reflection of our faith and a means to attain success in this world and the Hereafter. Let us strive to embody the noble qualities taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with abundant sustenance through our good character.