Hadith #6053

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,

No adorner can adorn himself with anything better than obedience to Allah.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance and superiority of obedience to Allah in beautifying one's character and actions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tazayyana) "تَزَيَّنَ" means to adorn or beautify oneself. It refers to enhancing one's appearance or character. (mutazayyin) "مُتَزَيِّنٌ" is the one who adorns or beautifies himself. And (ta'atillah) "طاعَةِ اللّهِ" means obedience to Allah.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165),

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse emphasizes that true adornment lies in loving and obeying Allah above all else. It is through obedience to Allah that our hearts become purified and our actions are beautified.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14),

The Bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the importance of obedience as a prerequisite for true faith. It reminds us that mere verbal claims of belief are insufficient without sincere obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that true adornment and beauty can only be achieved through obedience to Allah. When we prioritize obedience to Allah in our lives, it reflects in our actions, character, and relationships. Obedience to Allah encompasses following His commandments, avoiding His prohibitions, and striving to please Him in all aspects of our lives.

For example, when a Muslim refrains from engaging in backbiting or gossip, they are adorning themselves with the obedience to Allah. This act of obedience not only purifies their own soul but also contributes to a harmonious and respectful society. Similarly, when a Muslim fulfills their obligations towards their parents, they are adorning themselves with obedience to Allah. This act of obedience not only strengthens family bonds but also earns the pleasure of Allah.

Conversely, neglecting obedience to Allah leads to spiritual decay and a loss of true beauty. When a Muslim engages in dishonesty, arrogance, or any other sinful behavior, they tarnish their character and distance themselves from the adornment of obedience to Allah. Such actions not only harm their own soul but also have negative consequences on their relationships and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the superiority of obedience to Allah as the ultimate adornment for a Muslim. It reminds us that true beauty lies in aligning our actions and character with the commandments of Allah. By adorning ourselves with obedience, we not only purify our souls but also contribute to a righteous and harmonious society. May Allah guide us all to adorn ourselves with the obedience to Him and grant us the strength to prioritize His pleasure above all else.