Hadith #6930

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of certain virtues and qualities that a Muslim should possess. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the instruction to

be forgiving when you are powerful.

The word used here for forgiveness is (afuwwan) "عَفُوّاً", which means to pardon or overlook the faults of others. This quality is highly praised in Islam and is encouraged for all Muslims, regardless of their position or power. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself is described as (Al-'Afuww) "العَفُوُّ", the Most Forgiving, and He loves those who forgive others. The Quran says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

And those who forgive and overlook, indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

To further emphasize the importance of forgiveness, we find in Surah An-Nur (24:22),

And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds us that forgiveness is not only a noble quality, but it also serves as a means to seek Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

The Hadith then instructs us to be

generous in our affluence.

The word used for generosity is (jawadan) "جَوَاداً", which refers to being generous, kind, and benevolent. This quality is highly praised in Islam, and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself is described as (Al-Jawwad) "الجَوَادُ", the Most Generous. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261),

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7), Allah says,

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This verse highlights the importance of generosity and spending in the cause of Allah, as it leads to immense rewards in this world and the Hereafter.

The Hadith also encourages us to be

altruistic despite our poverty.

The word used for altruism is (mu'thiran) "مُؤْثِراً", which means to prioritize the needs of others over our own, even when we are in a state of poverty. This quality reflects the selflessness and compassion that Islam promotes. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commends those who prioritize the welfare of others in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the virtue of preferring others over oneself, even in times of hardship. It teaches us that true success lies in selflessness and caring for the needs of others.

The Hadith concludes by stating that when we possess these virtues of forgiveness, generosity, and altruism,

virtues will become perfected for us.

This means that by embodying these qualities, we will attain a state of excellence and righteousness in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our actions will be elevated, and we will be rewarded abundantly.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of forgiveness, generosity, and altruism in our lives. These virtues are not only praised in Islam but are also supported by numerous Quranic verses. By embodying these qualities, we strive to attain the pleasure of Allah and become better Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice forgiveness, generosity, and altruism in our daily lives.