Hadith #3211

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أحْسَنُ الشِّيَمِ شَرَفُ الهِمَمِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best of qualities is honourable ambition.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the important words used in this Hadith. (ahsanu) "أحْسَنُ" means the best or the most excellent. (shiyam) "الشِّيَمِ" refers to qualities or characteristics. And (sharafu) "شَرَفُ" signifies honor or nobility. Lastly, (himam) "الهِمَمِ" refers to ambition or determination.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of noble qualities and ambition in several verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah 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 importance of having determination and ambition in our endeavors.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:68), Allah mentions the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his journey to seek knowledge from Khidr. When Musa asked to accompany Khidr, he said,

You will not be able to have patience with me. And how can you have patience about a thing which you know not?

Here, we see that ambition and a thirst for knowledge are essential qualities for seeking guidance and wisdom.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that honorable ambition is the best quality one can possess. It encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, be it in seeking knowledge, pursuing a career, or serving the community. This Hadith reminds us that having ambition is not only commendable but also necessary for personal growth and societal progress.

Honorable ambition motivates individuals to set high goals, work hard, and persevere in the face of challenges. It pushes them to constantly improve themselves and make a positive impact on the world around them. This quality is exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, who tirelessly strived for the betterment of humanity.

In light of this Hadith, we can reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves: Are we actively pursuing honorable ambitions? Are we striving to excel in our chosen fields while upholding moral values and principles? Are we using our skills and talents to benefit others and contribute to the well-being of society?

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder that ambition should be guided by righteousness and integrity. It is not about selfishly pursuing personal gain at the expense of others. Rather, it is about using our abilities and opportunities to serve Allah and His creation, seeking His pleasure and the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that honorable ambition is the best quality one can possess. It encourages Muslims to strive for excellence, seek knowledge, and make a positive impact on the world around them. By embodying this quality, we can follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, and contribute to the betterment of humanity. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to cultivate honorable ambition in our lives.